Governor Brian Sandoval announced the six recipients at the 11th Annual Governor’s Points of Light Awards held Friday, January 18th. The awards luncheon was held in conjunction with the Volunteer and Corporate Engagement Summit. The Summit featured national and regional speakers and included Michael Yackira, CEO of NV Energy and Phyllis James, Vice-President of Corporate Responsibility for MGM Resorts International.
Governor Sandoval stated during his speech, “In the two years that I’ve been privileged to serve as your Governor, I’m reminded time and time again of the resilience of Nevadans, of their inner strength and of course their desire to serve. It’s a side of Nevada that doesn’t get as much coverage in the national media, but you and I know it’s all there. Nevada Volunteers and the people we honor today are at the very core of that side of Nevada.”
The 11th Annual Governor’s Points of Light Award Recipients Include:
Individual Volunteer: Southern Nevada
Raquel O’Neill (Las Vegas)
Individual Volunteer: Northern Nevada
Christina Thomas (Reno)
Individual Volunteer: Rural
Fern Payne (Pahrump)
Volunteer Managers
Dustin Rains (Las Vegas)
Nonprofit Volunteer Programs
R&R Partners Foundation (Las Vegas)
Corporate and Business Volunteer Programs
The MGM Resorts International Employee Volunteer Program (Las Vegas)
Governor Sandoval closed his keynote with a challenge to the audience encouraging all to get involved in volunteering. With the 150th Anniversary of Nevada’s statehood around the corner, it is up to the Nevada citizens to make that celebration the true success it can be through volunteering and getting involved. To find volunteer opportunities throughout Nevada, visit nevadavolunteers.org.