The month of April has been set aside as “National Volunteer Month” and stems from National Volunteer Week which was implemented by former President Nixon in 1974. Every President since then has signed an annual proclamation promoting volunteerism during the month of April.
What is volunteerism?
“It is the practice of working on behalf of others without being motivated by financial or material gain. Volunteering promotes good or improves quality of life for others.”
In 2004, the Spalding County Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission recommended to the Spalding County Board of Commissioners that a Volunteer Award be established, recognizing citizens of Spalding County who have provided significant volunteer services. The award was named in honor of one of Griffin and Spalding County’s most well known and remembered volunteers, Bain Proctor.
The 2018 Bain Proctor Award for Volunteerism was presented to Mr. Kelly Smith by the Spalding County Board of Commissioners on April 16. Mr. Smith received multiple nominations for this award and exemplifies the true sense of volunteerism. He has dedicated countless hours to serving those in need. His tireless commitment to the citizens of Griffin and Spalding County has transformed many lives in the spirit of service. He has dedicated more than 15 years of volunteer efforts to the community and is well respected for his leadership abilities, dedication, compassion and organizational skills.
Mr. Kelly Smith is dedicated to serving others. He has a busy career and family and yet finds time every day to serve. He actively serves the community as a Daybreak Rotary Club member and leader. He coordinated the “Reading Buddy” program for elementary school students. Mr. Smith actively serves on Rotary International projects which work to eradicate polio and provide clean water systems around the world. He has been President of Partner’s in Education, a member of the Griffin Spalding Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors as Treasurer, Vice Chair and Chairman. He serves children with special needs as a member of the Stepping Stones Education Center Board of Directors. He is an assistant Scout Leader and the Finance Chairman to the Flint River Boy Scout Council. He has also served on the allocations committee for the Griffin/Spalding United Way. While serving in these capacities, Kelly Smith has also been an active Meals on Wheels volunteer for the past 15 years. He manages this commitment to serve the homebound during his lunch hour.
Mr. Smith is described as considerate, caring, energetic, dependable, punctual, trustworthy, observant, embraces responsibility consistently, essential to the program and an asset. Mr. Smith loves this community and considers volunteer service a priority. His outstanding efforts in various avenues of service epitomize the true spirit and meaning of the word VOLUNTEER. He has displayed excellence in leadership by volunteering his time and talents, and unselfish dedication to the betterment of this community. Mr. Kelly Smith is an inspiration to all Spalding County citizens and encourages volunteerism on every level.