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| 7/27/2009 12:20:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | | Local leaders | Past winners of the Hope Alliance leadership awards include:
• Round Rock City Councilmember Rufus Honeycutt and his wife Margaret
• Police Detective John Combs
• News anchor Olga Campos
• Hutto Police Chief Harold Thomas
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Hope Alliance marks 25 years of serving family violence victims
MARCIAL GUAJARDO
Managing Editor
Hope Alliance, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting those impacted by domestic violence and assault, once a year takes time to recognize community leaders in their respective fields and to honor the memory of family violence victims.
With the organization's Leadership Luncheon and Candlelight Vigil aimed at applauding achievements as well as remembering those who have died, past events have evoked a wide range of emotions, said Patty Conner, Hope Alliance chief executive officer.
"There has often been laughter and tears," Conner said in an e-mail last week. "... it serves as an opportunity to celebrate survivors, honor those who work daily to end the violence and to remember those who lost their lives. The candlelight vigil is very moving and serves as a reminder of why we do what we do."
This year marks the seventh year of the luncheon and vigil, as well as the 25th anniversary of Hope Alliance, formerly known as the Williamson County Crisis Center. The Oct. 9 event will recognize achievements in arts, business, education, heath, media, philanthropy, public service and volunteerism, as well as com-memorating the 25th anniversary.
Past award recipients include Round Rock Police Detective John Combs, Round Rock City Councilmember Rufus Honeycutt and his wife Margaret, KVUE News anchor Olga Campos, Hutto Police Chief Harold Thomas and musician Sara Hickman.
Hollywood stunt-woman Georgia Durante will serve as this year's keynote speaker. After reading Durante's book, "The Company She Keeps" - which focuses on her story as a survivor of an abusive marriage - former Hope Alliance board member Patti Maund invited Durante to speak at the event. Durante offered to do it pro bono, Conner said.
Campos will emcee the event.
The candlelight vigil allows an opportunity to reflect on the lives of people killed last year by family violence. Candles honoring each individual will be lit as names are read aloud. A "candle of hope" will then be lit and left to burn during the rest of the program, Conner said.
Nominations for awards are currently being accepted. The deadline for submissions is Aug. 15.
"When considering a nomination, one should take into account the accomplishments of the potential nominee," said Conner. "How have they made a difference? How do they stand out among their peers? In what ways have they influenced their neighbors, coworkers, family and/or friends?"
To submit an award nomination, send a one-page biographical sketch of the nominee to Hope Alliance at 1011 Gattis School Road, No. 106, Round Rock, Texas 78664.
Nominations should include the nominee's category: Arts, Business, Education, Health and Human Services, Media, Philanthropy, Public Service or Volunteerism.
Tickets are $35 each. Table sponsorships begin at $300.
For tickets, e-mail kate.tolliver@hopealliancetx.org or call 255-1212.
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