Family Connection Makes History Earning First Ever
“Heart of the Community” Award
Presented by Fannin Chamber of Commerce
During a marvelous January Saturday evening banquet held by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, Board and Staff
Members of Fannin County Family Connection were honored to receive the first ever “Heart of the Community” Award.
This award presentation culminated a year of teamwork, charitable contributions by many donors, and a lot of hard, dirty
work completed by over 70 volunteers. What a wonderful celebration of the spirit of what truly makes Fannin County so
great.
Here is the presentation speech made by Chamber President
Frankie Rigdon: “It has been said that ‘the greatness of a community
is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its
members.’ How true that is here in Fannin County, where the work
of so many non-profit and charitable organizations means so much
to our community. Because of the vital role that non-profit and
charitable organizations play, the Chamber’s Board of Directors vot-
ed to establish a new award called the “Heart of the Community”
award, and it is most appropriate that the first recipient of this new
award is the Fannin County Family Connection, led by Sherry Morris,
L-R: Chamber President Frankie Rigdon presents Award to
an organization that brings community partners together to address Sherry Morris, FCFC Director and Greg Gelp, Food Pantry Di-
the serious challenges facing our children and families.
rector, while Brandon Holloway, incoming Chamber Presi-
dent, looks on. Photo: Fannin Chamber & The News Observ-
It is even more appropriate because in 2019 Fannin County Family
er.
Connection cut the ribbon on a newly renovated permanent home
at 501 Industrial Park Road that will help the organization increase its capacity to honor their commitment to the families of
Fannin County. The gift of the new building was simply a dream come true, and the generosity of other donors of time and
talent include an impressive expanded food pantry and a 2,500 square foot meeting room for community organizations to
use. Family Connection’s food pantry distributes nutritious food to over 17,000 individuals annually and provides a free
clothing closet.
Family Connection executive director Sherry Morris worked tirelessly to acquire, secure donations and renovate the space,
expanding the footprint of Fannin County Family Connection as the go-to service agency for community involvement and
innovative services. Sherry deserves the recognition and thanks of the community. Her spirit and services are the essence of
what is good about Fannin County. It is my honor tonight to present the first Heart of the Community Award to the Fannin
County Family Connection.”
Fannin County Family Connection appreciates the recognition and the award. We will continue to work helping our com-
munity to make certain that we hold true to the spirit in which the award was presented. Thank you to the Chamber of
Commerce and our gratitude to the volunteers and donors who make our work possible.
Friends Helping Out Family
Connection During COVID-19
Photo (L-R) Sherry Morris & Mandi Hyde
accept the big check donation from Kevin
Panter of Kevin Panter Insurance.
Kevin Panter Insurance donated $1,000 to assist
the Food Pantry as we respond to the increase in
families utilizing the Pantry. Kevin also showed up
with 6 large bottles of disinfectant spray to help us
sanitize the food carts as they are carried to cli-
ent’s vehicles from the warehouse.
Shannon York sang her heart out on two Satur-
day evenings for Facebook Live concerts during the
“Shelter at Home” directive. Her efforts garnered
over $5,000 in donations to Family Connection.
Connections, Winter/Spring 2019-20, Page 6
Shannon York’s two FB Live concerts net
over $5K!