RIFA hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Event, presented by Cadence Bank and Love & Truth Church, at Baker Bros. BBQ, Tuesday, April 22nd. The annual event is hosted to thank RIFA’s volunteers and recognize them for their dedication to the organization in the fight against hunger here in our community.
A new award was introduced this year. The All in the Family Award was created to honor family groups that serve together–creating a legacy of service that will be passed on as children grow, invest in their community, and make volunteering a lifelong "habit."
In 2024, RIFA volunteers logged 27,151 hours of service to the organization. These service hours were through RIFA’s ministries including the Soup Kitchen, Snack Backpack, Senior Staples, Thrift Store, and many more.
This event was also made possible thanks to the support of Hiller Plumbing, Heating, Cooling & Electrical, and Hub City Blueprint.
A highlight of the event was recognizing some of the most dedicated volunteers of RIFA over the past year. The 2025 Volunteer Award Winners, recognized for their service in 2024, were announced at the event as follows:
- Service Anniversary Award - Jan Baker (20 years)
- David Hallock Volunteer of the Year Award - Ashley Parsons
- All in the Family Award - The Daniels Family
- Rev. Don Daniels Servant’s Heart Award (Soup Kitchen Award) - Peggy Pate
- Driving Force Award - Melissa Hill
- Senior Staples Award - Linda Nickell
- Warehouse Award - Joe Garner
- Snack Backpack Award - Carolyn Pope, Carol Griffin
- RIFA Rockstars - Libby Webb, Jeremy Chandler
Award winners not pictured:
- Team Impact Award - Augustine School
- Thrift Store Award - Mary Hill
- Special Projects Award - POEMS Co-op
- Board Member of the Year - Dan Brooks
- Pickup Driver Award - Robert Eatman
- RIFA Rockstar - Addie Wilson
