Volunteers work on home repairs in the Big Cove Community during the annual Cherokee Day of Caring on Thursday, May 14. (CPF photo)
For many centuries, the Cherokee have assisted members of their tribe who need help, perhaps tending a garden, fixing a roof, lending a hand with painting or yard clean up.
During this year’s daylong Cherokee Day of Caring event held on Thursday, May 14, approximately 250 volunteers stepped forward and assisted families or individuals in particular need. That evening, nine “Quiet Heroes” and one “Good Neighbor” who have served their communities unselfishly were honored at a special dinner at the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds.
The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort and the Office of the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians sponsored the 11th annual Cherokee Day of Caring.
“Cherokee Day of Caring provides an opportunity for all community members to share their collective voice of dedication to our community and its people,” said Annette Clapsaddle, Cherokee Preservation Foundation executive director. “We are proud to be a part of it and honored to work alongside such passionate volunteers.”
Cherokee Preservation Foundation officials stated, “Special thanks go out to EBCI Tribal Facilities, Qualla Housing, The Cherokee Boys Club, Robbins & Morton Construction, Huskey’s Painting and Cherokee Electrical for providing assistance to ensure the success of the day.”
The 2015 Cherokee Day of Caring Committee included the following individuals: Deb Owle, Janna Hyatt, Ashleigh Stephens, Candy Bradley, Gary Driver, Cindy Squirrel, Bob Driver, George “Sonny” Sneed and Dinah Grant.
Day of Caring Projects were completed at the following locations: Towstring – Dewey Cochran, Big Cove – Cassie Hill, Yellowhill – Guy and Annie Owens, Painttown – Suzanne Hornbuckle, Big Y – Merle Lossiah, Wolfetown – Ned and Mary Smith, Birdtown – Charles Buchanan, 3200 Acre Tract – Susie Huskey Green, Snowbird – Agnes Adams, Cherokee County – Tamara Lee Johnson, and Qualla Boundary Overflow Project: Betty’s Place Cancer Support Center.
The Quiet Heroes Awards went to: Towstring – Rachel Mathis, Big Cove – Lori Blankenship, Yellowhill – Maxine Teesateskie, Painttown – Lisa Taylor, Big Y- Donald Long, Wolftown – Marisa “Sis” Cabe, Birdtown – Amy Walker, Snowbird – Nathan Bush, and Cherokee County – Earl Hubbs. Ray Williamson won the Good Neighbor Award which goes to “a non-EBCI tribal member who gives of themselves unselfishly to benefit the entire Tribe”.
– Cherokee Preservation Foundation
