Community Advocates Honored for Their Work with Children
Sitting at the 2004 Child Advocates of Fort Bend (CAFB) Volunteer Banquet along with his wife, Carole, Robert C. Brown, III – aka – Bob Brown, had no idea that the spotlight was about to turn on him. He listened attentively as CAFB Executive Director, Susie Moseley, talked about a man who shakes things up, takes his work seriously and is a valuable CAFB contributor, not just with money, but volunteers time, expertise and advice.
Moseley continued to pay homage to the honoree. Then, all of a sudden, Browns demeanor changed, his eyes opened a little wider, a smile flashed on his face, sure signs that he had connected the dots.
Bob Brown is no stranger to this community. He gives of himself wholeheartedly and at the same time, gives people something to think about. Bob is a man who speaks his mind, and refreshingly, it is not always absolutely politically correct, said Moseley. He may not know all of the language of family courts or the process that volunteers go through as advocates, but he does know that many children are in trouble and has committed much of his energy, connections and talents to making their lives better.
Brown was not the only surprised recipient during the volunteer banquet. CAFBs Chief Operating Officer, Carol Holton, spearheaded the banquet, yet she didnt know about one aspect of the program. Holton received the Linda Shultz Lifetime Achievement Award. Linda Shultz, who served as CAFBs Executive Director for ten years, and Christine DeLay, CAFB Board Member, presented the award. Carol received this award because she is an extraordinary champion for children, said Shultz. Carol is happiest being behind the scenes making good things happen for the right reasons. She has dedicated the last 11 years to looking out for kids, helping to grow CAFB and turning caring people into child advocates.
In 2003, Child Advocates of Fort Bend CASA Volunteers served 300 abused and neglected children in 166 cases; worked thousands hours and drove thousands of miles for the children. Our volunteers are the heart and soul of CAFB. The volunteer banquet provides us a setting to honor and recognize the countless efforts they do on behalf of the children.
More than 75 volunteers received honors for outstanding volunteers. Recognition was also given to CAC Volunteer of the Year, Gerri Brecker; CASA Volunteers of the Year, Rosanne Boczar and Kathy Brauen; Foster Parent of the Year, Raymond Turner; Professional of the Year, Fort Bend County Sheriffs Detective, Mary Spilman and Corporate Partner of the Year, Southern National Bank of Texas. Other special honorees included special awards, which were given to volunteers who go above and beyond their call of duty and five and ten year pins.
The Volunteer Banquet is one of several events held last month in recognition of April Child Abuse Prevention Month. For more information on Child Advocates of Fort Bend and how you can make a difference in the life of a child, call 281-341-9955 ext. 225.
CAFB Board Member, Christine DeLay and CAFB Executive Director, Susie Moseley, congratulate Carol Holton and Robert C. Brown, III (center). Holton was the recipient of the Linda Shultz Lifetime Achievement Award. Brown was named Child Advocate of the Year.
Gerri Brecker: Childrens Advocacy Center Volunteer of the Year.
Rosanne Boczar: CASA Volunteer of the Year.
Kathy Brauen: CASA Volunteer of the Year.