The March of Dimes is pleased to announce that Foothills Division Board Member, Kelly Adams, is the 2008 recipient of the Farm Council’s Phelps-Martin Award for Community Service. Each year, the Farm Credit institution nominates one individual for his or her excellence in community service or service to agriculture. Adams, who works for Carolina Farm Credit in Statesville was nominated for her support and involvement with the March of Dimes, an organization that works to be sure every baby is given a healthy start.
The Farm Credit Council Board of Directors created the Phelps-Martin Awards for Community Service in memory of two Farm Credit System employees, Steven Phelps, Farm Credit Council general counsel, and Marsha Pyle Martin, chairman of the Farm Credit Administration Board and former Texas district bank senior vice president, both of whom died of cancer in 2000. The awards honor their lifetime contributions to the System and the communities they served by recognizing the FCS institutions and individuals who exemplify their commitment to community service.
The Farm Credit Council presented the 2008 Phelps-Martin Award for Community Service to Kelly at a luncheon during their 26th Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA on Wednesday, January 28th.
Kelly has been a March of Dimes supporter since 2002 through the annual March for Babies events. Kelly participated in CFC’s corporate team walk for several years before the March of Dimes became personal to her. In 2005, Kelly and her husband, Tony, had twin boys, Andy and Will, who were born extremely premature and did not survive. In 2007, Tony and Kelly started a family team, Team Andy and Will, in memory of their boys and in honor of their daughter, Ellie. Many co-workers began supporting them, and the Administrative staff and Board members were key in helping them raise money. In 2008, their family was asked to be the ambassador family for the 2008 "March for Babies" in Catawba County. In 2008 Team Andy and Will had about 45 walkers and had raised over $6,000.00.
Kelly's work for March of Dimes now continues outside of the annual walk. Kelly currently serves on the March of Dimes Foothills Division Board. In this capacity, she has lobbied at the NC Legislature in Raleigh for March of Dimes to be sure every baby born in North Carolina is screened for Cystic Fibrosis. Kelly's family has represented March of Dimes in the 2008 Olde Soldiers Parade in Newton and as the 2008 Holiday House Ambassador family. Kelly and her husband, Tony also help as often as possible with other fund raising events.
Kelly rises to the challenge and helps whenever there is a need; recruiting other leaders, securing sponsorships and rallying volunteers and donors. As a March of Dimes volunteer, Kelly consistently goes above and beyond what is expected and enhances their agency and cause. She has opened her heart and herself to their mission and eloquently shares her personal story to inspire others to lend their support. Kelly selflessly gives her time and talent to the March of Dimes.
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