Deep Gap Ruritan receives national awards

Since it was chartered in July 1991, Deep Gap Ruritan has had a big impact upon the community it serves and has often reached beyond its borders to lend a helping hand to those in need.

Recently, the community club was among only four in Western North Carolina to receive the national organization’s coveted Blue Ribbon Award for excellence in community service, as well as the outgoing club president’s award in honor of the esteemed leadership of Leslie Gentry.

Pictured, left to right, are Shelby Earp, Leslie Gentry, Carol Brown, Whitney Goddard and Derek Goddard. Photo by Sherrie Norris

Ruritan’s district governor Shelby Earp from Hiddenite made the presentations during a recent monthly meeting of the club, offering her support of, and congratulations to, the group for its many efforts on behalf of the Deep Gap area.

“This club is one of the hardest working in the whole district and has met every criteria for these awards. Your outgoing president, Leslie Gentry, has gone above and beyond his duties as your leader, and while we know that your new president will do a great job, we just want to let Leslie know how much he is appreciated,” Earp said.

These latest citations are among many that the club has received in the past, but members all agree, they do not do what they do for public recognition or acclaim. The demonstrated hard work, dedication, compassion and perseverance of the club since its inception 18 years ago, has made a positive impact along the way in the lives of many community members, a spokesperson for the group said.

The club has excelled in areas of social development, public service, environmental concerns and its efforts to promote citizenship and patriotism.

It is a common practice of Deep Gap Ruritan to assist individuals and families with food, heating, medical and pharmacy needs throughout the year, as well as financial assistance and Christmas gifts for less-fortunate children and unmet needs for students at Parkway Elementary School.

The group holds roadside cleanups as participants in the Adopt-A-Highway program, provides numerous gifts for Operation Christmas Child, rolls of quarters for residents of local rest homes for snacks, as well as food and supplies for The Hospitality House and the Hunger and Health Coalition.

Every year in June, the club hosts a steak dinner fundraiser, with proceeds used throughout the year for special needs in and around Deep Gap, such as those mentioned above.

As members of Ruritan National, the club also participates in the Ruritan National Annual Scholarship Program, helping a deserving graduating senior from Watauga High, who resides in or near the Deep Gap community, to further his or her education.

This year’s scholarship recipient is Channing Norris, son of Karen and the late Michael Norris, who will be recognized at an upcoming fundraiser and dinner.

Most recently, the club’s members have expressed concerns to the Watauga County Board of Commissioners regarding the need for a more convenient senior center for their community.

Deep Gap Ruritan, joining other successful sister clubs in the area, such as Blowing Rock Ruritan, Mountaineer Ruritan (Sugar Grove) and Todd Ruritan, which have also made great strides in community development, is among a national organization some 34,000 members strong, located in nearly every corner of the United States, working to improve life in more than 1,200 local communities, the spokesperson said.

Since the civic service organization began in 1928, Ruritan clubs have served America with fellowship, goodwill and community service in a myriad of ways, with a purpose to create a better understanding among people and through volunteer community service and to make America’s communities better places in which to live and work, the spokesperson said.

Deep Gap Ruritan meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Deep Gap Fire Department with a covered dish meal, followed by a business meeting and discussion on ways to help the community. New members are always welcomed.

Current officers of the club are: Derrick Goddard, president; Bob Idol, vice president; Whitney Goddard, secretary; Carol Brown, treasurer; and Wayne Davis, Joyce Rhymer and Charles Rogers.

“Members of Deep Gap Ruritan would like to thank those who are supporting their annual fundraiser, coming up on June 6, as they continue to look for ways each month to share that support with those needing assistance,” the spokesperson said.