1998 Governor's Volunteer Awards
April 20, 1998
Note: The Governor sometimes deviates from text.
Thanks, Jean. And thanks for the great job you've done in our Division of Volunteer Services. Anybody who knows Jean knows she's a ball of fire. And we've been tapping into some of that energy to make volunteerism a vital part of our mission these four years.
We also have to thank Marilyn Yarnell and SCAVA for all they've done to link volunteers to people and projects where they're needed most.
But above all, we have to thank you the volunteers for your years of silent service as the givers and doers of our state. You're why we're here.
Thanks to people like you, our country is starting to latch onto the idea of volunteerism more and more. There's been a national summit on the subject. And Colin Powell, who headed up that conference, reminded America that we fight for reforms and people-based projects "not just to save money...but because there are better ways to take care of Americans in need than exhausted programs of the past."
Yes, there are better ways, and they're right here in this room. They're the good neighbors, concerned friends, responsible business leaders and compassionate congregations of our state...those who take it upon themselves to fill in the blanks that government was never meant to fill.
You didn't need a conference to tell you what needed to be done. You saw the needs around you and you took action.
That's the spirit that built this state...and that's the spirit we are calling on to make her all we know she can be.
At this moment in our history, there's a tremendous need out there for a compassionate citizenry. As you know, this administration has been about the business of shrinking bureaucracy and getting government out of the places it doesn't belong.
But as we trim back government, we haven't made all the needs go away. We've
just
put responsibility for meeting those needs back where it's always been...back with "we
the people."
And that's why we want to honor you today: because your work has never been more necessary; because no government program has ever been more effective; and because your acts of service so often go unrecognized.
But of course, it's been that way throughout the ages.
British writer George Eliot wrote that "the growing good of the world is partly dependent upon unhistoric acts"...upon those "who lived faithfully a hidden life and rest in unvisited tombs."
In fact, we know that the greatest man who ever lived didn't live as a king...but as a humble servant.
Jesus himself said that "if one of you wants to be great, he must be servant to the rest." And centuries later, you are answering that call all across South Carolina. Today we tell your stories as some of the best examples of that service.
Richard Mole, for one, spends his days restoring bicycles for underprivileged children, running errands for the elderly and serving breakfast at a men's shelter. He's up at 4 in the morning buttering toast but more than that, he's bettering lives.
So is Erin Pruitt of Seneca High School. At an early age, she's already raising money for Alzheimer's patients and food for the homeless. She reminds us that young people do care....and they learn from example.
That's why Kelley, Dustin and Brooke Vickery are so immersed in volunteer projects from Special Olympics to Vacation Bible School.
They've watched their parents, Carol and Eddie, dedicate their time and talents to important causes as long as they can remember.
We need more families like the Vickerys, but the sad truth is that too many young people are struggling to find their way without proper guidance.
The folks of Epiphany Ministry are providing spiritual retreats for young offenders in our juvenile justice system...and aftercare ministry once they're paroled.
But best of all, their ministry is building a foundation of faith on what was once shaky ground...and a jumping-off point for a new future.
Neal Petersen is one South Carolinian who's particularly interested in the future of elementary school children.
He's getting ready to set sail this fall for a tour around-the-world. And he's taking the children of Charleston with him by way of the Internet, where the students will get reports on his travels and real-life lessons in geography and culture.
We're also thankful for good corporate citizens like Consolidated Services Inc. of Columbia; they've been supporting Habitat for Humanity for a decade now.
And we're thankful for the daily service of the good folks in our public schools...especially Lee Westberry of Stratford High School in Goose Creek. She is inspiring students there to identify problems they see and come up with ways to overcome them.
You are the reason we have every hope for the future of South Carolina.
Our philosophy in this administration has always been based on an unshakable faith in South Carolinians...that our people know what is best for their families, neighborhoods and schools.
And if we empower people with freedom and knowledge, they will rise to any challenge and they'll do what they already know is best.
But government isn't the key to making their lives better. You are.
It is your helping hands...and those of volunteers across our state...who continue to lift us up and carry us to a better place where needs are met and unlimited potential is realized.
Thank you for answering the highest call of all...the call to serve.
And it's my hope that your footsteps will be filled for years to come by those who have watched, learned and been inspired to follow.
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