Hospice nomination earns Governor’s Volunteer Awards for Livestock Association

ASHEBORO — In a surprise presentation, members of the Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association received the Governor’s Award for Volunteer Service. 

The 15 members each received a special pin during ceremonies on April 18 at Holly Spring Friends Meeting. The organization was nominated for the award by Hospice of Randolph.

Hospice gave its reason for the nomination: “For more than 15 years, the Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association has been a steadfast partner of Hospice of Randolph, faithfully supporting its signature fundraiser, the Auction & Barbecue, each fall. Generously donating their time and talents, Association members prepare the beloved barbecue that draws the community together each year. 

“Armed with cookers, skill, and remarkable dedication, they begin the night before the event — tending the barbecue through the night with patience and pride. On event day, they chop and prepare the meat so plates can be assembled and served seamlessly. 

“Their hands-on commitment has been essential to the event’s success. Beyond their labor, they engage members of all generations, modeling service and strengthening connection to the hospice mission.

Their enduring partnership and selfless spirit have helped make this cherished community tradition possible.”

Trent Cockerham, CEO of Hospice of the Piedmont and its affiliate Hospice of Randolph, said, “We are proud to congratulate the Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association on this well-deserved recognition, which reflects their longstanding commitment to our nonprofit hospice mission and the community we serve. Their generosity and hands-on support — particularly through our annual Auction & Barbecue — continue to make a meaningful impact on the families we are honored to serve.”

Sheela Wright, an Association member, said, “Hospice has done a lot for our families in the past, so we try to give back to the community by helping with the Hospice Auction & Barbecue each year.”

Additional notes on the nomination of the Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association:

■ Supporting Hospice of Randolph’s annual Hospice Auction & Barbecue since 2009.

■ In recent years, the Association has prepared around 1,400 pounds of pork for the annual sale.

■ Over the years, the group has engaged local FFA groups to volunteer and learn how they support the event, making it a multi-generational effort.

■ The Randolph County Livestock and Poultry Improvement Association is planning to be part of the 41st annual Auction and Barbecue event again this year on Saturday, Oct. 17.

Members of the Association receiving pins were: Clint Beck, Dennis Wicker, David Allen, Michael Beal, Raymond Caviness, Dustin Daniels, Jason Wright, Mark Walker, John Hulin, Thomas Simpson, Jerry King, Reid Rich, Neal Garrison, and Darrell and Sheela Wright.

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The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the true spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. An individual or group from the public, nonprofit, and private sectors may be nominated for this recognition award by a community member to their county-designated coordinator. 

There are categories for the type of nominee (individual, group, national service, and director of volunteers). Additional categories are based on the area of service 

(veteran, youth, seniors, education, animals, etc.). The Commission will review county nominations, and awards are given out locally by the designated county award coordinator. 

For more details, visit https://www.nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc/governors-volunteer-service-awards.