The Noon Exchange Club of Garland hosted its first Appreciation Dinner Monday, April 29, at the Atrium. Six recipients received plaques of honor in the areas of:
First Responders – GFD, Captain John “Barry” Pollard and GPD – Officer Kim Keith
Academics, Teacher of the Year – Christie Milan
Academics, Student of the Year – Mustafa Quraishi
Community Leadership, Book of Golden Deeds – BJ Williams
Outstanding Exchangite of the Year – Javier Solis.
Ed Moore, the organization’s event project director, expressed appreciation to all who contributed to the success of the event.
“It could not have happened without your time, talents and treasures,” he said. “You demonstrated tonight that you are not afraid of facing the difficult tasks to move onto the next stage in our developmental journey.”
The goal was to celebrate the contributions of the honorees, as well as each one’s continuing efforts to make Garland a better community. The group also wanted the community to know more about the Noon Exchange Club of Garland and the work of its members.
Attendees included Mayor Lori Dodson, Council Members Deborah Morris, Robert John Smith, Jerry Nickerson, Jim Bookhout and Robert Vera; Garland ISD Board of Trustees Members Jed Reed, Linda Griffin and Johnny Beach; representatives from the offices of Senator Bob Hall, Congressman Colin Allred and Representative Victoria Neave; City Manager Bryan Bradford; Assistant City Manager Mitch Bates; Police Chief Jeff Bryan; Assistant Fire Chief Mike VanBuskirk; Garland Chamber of Commerce officials; and Exchange Club officials.
Numerous community leaders, as well as representatives from the NAACP, GAPHA, DFWACC, Multicultural Commission, Good Samaritans, AXE Hearts & Hands and Salvation Army, were also present.
Anyone looking for a place to get involved, give back to the community and make a difference in the lives of others should join us for our next noon meeting. https://www.facebook.com/xcgarland/ or http://www.noonexchangeclubofgarland.org/.
About: Noon Exchange Club of Garland is a premier service club of men and women who are dedicated to serving the community. Members enjoy the opportunity to develop leadership skills, meet new people, forge lasting friendships and make the community a better place for all to live.