While events like the Bike Rally, Fun Run, and Pup Promenade are important for both fundraising and bringing the neighborhood together, our annual Volunteer Appreciation Awards Dinner is special in that it brings together generations of Heights residents who have made a difference in our 48 year history for the express purpose of a night of recognition and gratitude.
This year’s Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner took place on Sunday, April 24, and it was a characteristically heartwarming affair where both the annual Volunteer Appreciation and Community Improvement Awards were presented. An enormous “thank you” to Linda Eyles & Danae Stephenson for chairing this year’s dinner, to David Crowl for chairing the 2021 Community Improvement Awards, and to all of those who supported, including Angela DeWree, Kelly Simmons, and Dewayne Ross.
Without further ado, the winners of our biggest awards of the night are…
Citizen of the Year: Rich Anhorn
A model citizen of the Houston Heights, embodying the mission and demonstrating exceptional commitment over the past year.
Beyond Rich’s recent term on the HHA Board of Directors, his commitment to the neighborhood extends to each and every HHA program and initative. A steadfast presence at any HHA event, Rich is a servant leader who steps up to the plate wherever needed. Rich and his wife Amanda Anhorn are the neighborhood faces of our sponsor Greenwood King Properties, which underwrites even more events like the Music at Marmion Park concert series. The next time you see him at a monthly General Meeting, where he helps spread the word via Facebook, extend your thanks and congratulations!
Marcella Perry Award: Keith Crane
An individual who makes indispensable contributions to the neighborhood in a behind-the-scenes way.
Keith Crane continues to be of important service to the HHA as our current VP of Finance, but this is just the latest in a long list of formal and informal service posts over the years. A trusted voice to generations of HHA leadership, Keith brings a level of thoughtfulness and insight which conveys a true passion for community, shared with his wife Kelly Simmons. In 2006, Keith and Kelly were also named Citizens of the Year. We are proud and grateful to have had Keith’s contribution and support to our organization for so many years.
Corporate Citizen of the Year: Buddy Welter and Elite Air & Ground Services
A business making an outstanding contribution to the neighborhood.
While our home tours may not happen as frequently as years past, the spirit of generosity of Buddy Welter and Elite Air & Ground Services endures. For years, Elite Air & Ground has donated shuttle services for our home tours, and they have pitched in anytime their exceptional transport services can help the HHA, like last year’s coveted Private Shuttle Tour of the TRUE NORTH Boulevard Art Project installation. Along with his wife Carol, who continues to give tirelessly to the neighborhood as a current HHA Board Member, Buddy just seems to always be there when we need. We can’t thank Buddy and Elite enough for their sustained support.
The other awards presented at the Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Dinner also go to outstanding individuals who have made their mark on the neighborhoood, either in recent years or over many years past. Honorees of our Legacy Award, Pioneer Award, and Tireless Champion Award are especially cherished for their lasting contributions to the Heights, while the Rising Star, Beautification, and President’s Awards recognize strong recent commitment to the neighborhood. From generation to generation, these are the people who make the Houston Heights the beloved neighborhood it is today.
Legacy Award: Melvalene Cohen
Rising Star: Kinzie Verdell
Pioneer Award: Joellen Snow & Stan O’Neal
Tireless Champion: Mark Williamson
Beautification Award: The Heights Garden Club
2020 President’s Award: Dewayne Ross
2021 President’s Award: Aaron Flores & Frank Keenan
Congratulations to each of our award winners. We simply wouldn’t have the beautiful, one-of-a-kind neighborhood we have today without you.
