Murphy – The Ballroom downtown was lit up for the 2025 Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony on Oct. 18.
Linda DuBois played background music as attendees arrived to conversation and laughter. Gift bags were given courtesy of Linda May to each guest, complete with a crisp $2 bill generously provided by Nathan Rose.
Before each of the standout volunteers were highlighted, Euriel Turner, president of the Texana Community Development Club, offered a blessing for the meal, which was catered by Lizz Aquarian, owner of The Ballroom and Downtown Pizza.
Mayor Tim Radford was emcee for the evening. Radford introduced Lake Silver, the western North Carolina field representative for U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). Silver expressed thanks for the many volunteers, including those in Cherokee County who worked tirelessly, and without pay, to help those affected by Hurricane Helene in September 2024.
Radford then announced each of the organizations, giving them time to highlight their projects.
The Rotary Club of Murphy’s 2025 Volunteer of the Year award went to Dr. Catherine Yost for donating more than 35 hours of her time every month, mentoring youth, advocating for seniors, volunteering in health care and supporting families in need.
After receiving the honor, Radford asked Yost not to leave, as he reached for a Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service from the State of North Carolina. As an alternate delegate for the N.C. Senior Tar Heel Legislature, Yost’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as she has made sure senior citizens have a voice.
Yost also serves on the Cherokee County Department of Social Services board. She is involved with the Rotary Club’s Rotary Reads Program and helped found the Smiles for Students Initiative that gave students and faculty members dental hygiene products.
Yost also volunteers at Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in outpatient rehabilitation. She devotes time at the Sharing Center food pantry and Hiawassee Dam Food Bank, addressing food insecurities. Students in The Mayor’s Rising Stars program have also benefitted from her time as an adult mentor.
Each organization represented was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in Volunteerism for all the hours and effort spent giving of their time to help enrich the lives of others in the community.
“Words cannot express the gratitude for all they’ve done and continue to do for others,” Radford said.
The ceremony commenced with parting goodbyes and a greater awareness of those behind the scenes that help make life a bit better for others. Radford thanked everyone in attendance – especially Nancy Helms, Kadee Close, Maria Cuenca and Laura Lachance – for organizing the evening’s event.
Details: Visit justserve.org to find organizations looking for volunteers.
Giving thanks
These organizations were each presented with a Certificate of Appreciation in Volunteerism on Oct. 18:
Andrews Lions Club, Appalachian Angels, Bellview Community Development Center, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, Cherokee County Indian Community Club, Cherokee County Senior Center, Cherokee Scout, Cherokee Clay Food Alliance, U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards’ office, Culberson Community Development Club, Grape Creek Community Club, Guardian ad Litem, Hiwassee Dam Community Club, Main Street Murphy, Manna Food Distribution, Martins Creek Community Center/Club, Mayors Rising Stars, Moore House Ministries, Murphy Homeless Shelter, Murphy Police Department Shop with a Cop, Peachtree Community Club, Ranger Community Club/Ranger Volunteer Fire Department, Reach of Cherokee & Graham Counties, Rotary Club of Murphy, Smoky Mountain Creations, Texana Community Development Club, Town of Murphy, Toys for Tots, Unaka Community Development Club, Valley River Chevrolet and the Valley River Humane Society.