Cherokee Day of Caring 2014 delivers Ga-Du-Gi

by May 31, 2014NEWS ka-no-he-da0 comments

 

Workers at the Painttown project include foreground (right-left) – Abe Queen, Paisley Raby, and Tuff Jackson ; background – Andy Hull and Sally Wildcat.  (CPF photos)

Workers at the Painttown project include foreground (right-left) – Abe Queen, Paisley Raby, and Tuff Jackson ; background – Andy Hull and Sally Wildcat. (CPF photos)

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 event held on Thursday, May 15, approximately 225 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 Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort.

The Cherokee Preservation Foundation, the Office of the Principal Chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort sponsored the 10th annual Cherokee Day of Caring.

On hand for the special day was legendary NASCAR racer Kyle Petty. A third-generation athlete, Kyle Petty has continued to keep the Petty family name rich in tradition and heritage while also making it a worldwide leader in philanthropic efforts. Petty is currently a racing analyst for TNT Fox Sports 1 covering the sport he grew up in.

“We are proud to celebrate the Cherokee Day of Caring not just because it has been a successful event for 10 years, but because it epitomizes this community’s giving spirit and compassion for one another,” said Cherokee Preservation Foundation executive director Annette Clapsaddle.

 

NASCAR legend Kyle Petty (left) is shown with homeowner Bob Reed, of the Painttown Community, and Principal Chief Michell Hicks (back).

NASCAR legend Kyle Petty (left) is shown with homeowner Bob Reed, of the Painttown Community, and Principal Chief Michell Hicks (back).

Day of Caring Projects included:

Towstring – Helen Matthews

Big Cove – Hattie Panther

Yellowhill – Peggy Hill Kerbow

Painttown – Bob Reed

Big Y – Mabel Frizzell

Wolfetown – Lucille Owl Labrato

Birdtown – Bernice Lambert

3200 Acre Tract – Alice Dyer

Snowbird – Viola Lane

Cherokee County – Rita Rogers Rife

 

The Quiet Heroes & Good Neighbor Awards went to:

Towstring – Bertha Pilkington

Big Cove – Ruth Lossiah

Yellowhill-Kayla Johnson

Painttown-Lois Dunston

Big Y-Reba Brown

Wolftown-Debbie Bradley (Memorial)

Birdtown-Flora Bradley

Snowbird-Tevin Smoker

Cherokee County- Glen Rogers (Memorial)

Good Neighbor – Jack and Lisa Russell (the Good Neighbor is a non-EBCI Tribal member who gives of themselves unselfishly to benefit the entire tribe)

– Cherokee Preservation Foundation