|
As the opening ceremonies of the 22nd Annual Best Buddies International Leadership Conference: The Big Picture began, the crowd was memorized by the kick-off performance and welcoming remarks from Best Buddies International founder and chairman, Anthony K. Shriver. However, the real fireworks began when 2010 Spirit of Courage award recipient Rachel Lipke took to the stage to award Mollie Noble, longtime Best Buddies Indiana volunteer, buddy director and self-advocate, with the 2011 Spirit of Courage award.
Founded in 2010, the Spirit of Courage award celebrates the accomplishments and outstanding efforts being made on behalf of the Best Buddies mission by an exemplary volunteer with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD). This award, given annually at the leadership conference, showcases the outstanding achievements of the selected winner and their efforts to advocate on behalf of people with IDD worldwide.
Mollie was selected for her commitment to the Best Buddies organization and her work on behalf of the mission both locally and nationwide. As the buddy director of Marian University, Mollie has played an integral role in the success of the chapter since its inception nine years ago. She also volunteers in the Best Buddies Indiana office weekly, supporting the staff members and volunteers with various programs and fundraising projects throughout the year. This past March, Mollie represented the Indiana office at Capitol Hill Day in Washington, D.C., advocating on behalf of Best Buddies International and Special Olympics for the Eunice Kennedy Shriver Act. Mollie is always volunteering her time whenever help is needed, and she played an integral role in securing donations and the guest speaker for this summer’s conference.
"Best Buddies International is grateful for the exceptional leadership of Mollie Noble and her efforts to lead the Best Buddies global movement," said Mia Mulholland, Director of Programs, Best Buddies International. "Mollie’s impact on the movement can be witnessed through her words of inspiration every time she speaks. Mollie is an outstanding leader, advocate and friend, and Best Buddies is honored to recognize her as the 2011 Spirit of Courage award recipient.”
Congratulations to the 2011 Spirit of Courage award winner, Mollie Noble!
|
