The award, named after longtime volunteer Marcy Pharris, was just one of eight given out at a ceremony emceed by Mayor Pro Tem Tom Witts.
“You choose to donate the most precious commodity in the known universe,” he said. “We may count your time in numbers. We may attempt to count your time in cash value. The gift of time is simply and utterly precious and magnificent. So today, we take a little time out to thank you for the amazing ‘time in’ that you give.”
Witts noted more than a dozen boards, commissions and events in the city and said it is the strong base of dedicated volunteers which make them all possible.
Rawlins, who heads the Snellville Neighborhood Alert Program, a Facebook-based network of crime-aware residents, was honored for her service to the city, including her tireless efforts helping the police department.
“It’s amazing how much work she does for the community,” said Snellville Police Department Capt. Greg Perry. “She does an excellent job bringing the police department together with the community.”
Rawlins said she was stunned by the award.
“There are so many more volunteers that deserve this so thank you,” she said. “I can’t do it without Capt. Perry. I message him at 11, 12 at night. I gained so many friends though this. Thank you.”
Rawlins also received an award for her volunteer work with Citizens Police Academy.
Also being honored for their volunteer efforts were:
•Ronnie Bentley, Snellville Farmers’ Market
•Susan Chappelear, Gwinnett Sunrise Rotary Club
•Claudette Forbes, Community Garden @Snellville
•Marilyn Swinney, Snellville Tourism and Trade
•Leon Taylor, Lions Club
•Enio “JoJo” Castellanos, STAT student nominee (South Gwinnett High School)
