The Value of Honoring Those Who’ve Made a Difference
In 1991, April was designated National Volunteer Month as part of President George H.W. Bush’s 1,000 Points of Light campaign. To recognize community members who donate their time to worthy causes, local nonprofits submitted spotlights on some of their valuable volunteers.
The Dave Krache Foundation SUBMITTED BY ALLISON GIDDENS
Stephen Archer has been a dedicated board member and volunteer for The Dave Krache Foundation (DKF) since its inception in 2012. He most recently has served as the organization’s treasurer, and DKF is better for it. The foundation aims to help local kids in need play the sports they love. Stephen grew up playing sports and understands the value and meaning it brings to a kid’s life, especially when a child is growing up in a household that finds it difficult to make ends meet. Stephen is an asset to DKF because he genuinely cares about reaching and supporting those most in need. While sports may not fall under typical primary needs like food, safety or shelter, they are a vital piece of childhood development. Because of volunteers like Stephen, DKF (davekrache.com) has been able to help nearly 1,000 local kids play the sports they love – even when their families cannot afford the fees. Leslie Hudson has been with DKF as a volunteer and board member since 2015, currently serving as vice chairwoman. Leslie has been a staunch supporter of DKF and its mission long before she joined the board. She believes in the benefits of keeping kids playing the sports they love, even when their families cannot afford all the fees it takes. She not only is constantly working to connect the organization to leagues that need DKF support, but she also works to introduce those who can help support DKF and be a part of the greater mission. Leslie has connected many longtime donors to DKF and is a key member of the Financial Assistance Request Committee. She, along with her team, has worked to evolve the application process to ensure that the DKF is capturing valid data to support those most in need and is being a good steward of donated dollars.
Stephen Archer 20
AROUND ACWORTH | April 2022
Leslie Hudson
Tena Williams and Cuddles
Wellstar Community Hospice, Agape Hospice SUBMITTED BY KATHLEEN FLEISZAR
Born prematurely, weighing 1.5 pounds and having sight in only one eye, Tena Williams started life with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Her appreciation for the gift of life is reflected in the drive and dedication she puts into her volunteer work. Tena’s career as a volunteer began in Florida, where she cuddled and gently rocked fragile babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. She continued as a volunteer for hospice – her passion – bringing love and joy to those who have but a short time to live. In Cobb County, she spent 25-plus years volunteering at Wellstar Community Hospice and, most recently, at Agape Hospice. Tena and I became hospice buddies at Wellstar. She brings her vibrant personality to her patients and always is accompanied by a therapy dog (currently a 3-pound rescue named Cuddles). When folks ask her if she finds hospice work depressing, Tena says she believes it is her God-given purpose, an honor and a privilege to be with someone on their final journey. And she fulfills that purpose by offering comfort and support to patients and their families. Tena and Cuddles spend three days a week visiting about six patients a day. Her patients love to hold Cuddles. Tena has a heart as big as the sky and never hesitates to share with others the importance of volunteer work and pet rescue. She has taught everyone she touches how to unconditionally love those facing the end of their lives. For Tena, life has come full circle, from cuddling infants in the NICU to bringing delight and joy to hospice patients with a rescue named Cuddles.
