HEAL and The Nest Domestic Violence Shelter will host its annual Heroes with Heart award ceremony this Sunday, October 18th at 1:00 p.m. at Gateway Church of Christ, 415 Sudderth Drive, in Ruidoso. The public is welcome to attend this free celebration.
Heroes with Heart celebrates local heroes who have shown exceptional and unselfish caring for others. According to HEAL Board President Rick Hutchison, “By honoring ordinary people who perform extraordinary acts of kindness, philanthropy and significantly impact the lives of others in a positive way, we foster a community of Heroes with Heart. This annual ceremony is HEAL’s way of giving back to the community that is so kind and generous to the Nest.”
This year’s Heroes are:
Ann Spence –Ann is a compassionate person that helps anyone who enters the school feel welcomed and at ease. She handles every situation that comes up with professionalism and efficiency, setting a high standard for staff in the school. She was instrumental in assisting implement the Food for Kids Backpack program at the White Mountain Schools.
Barbara Snowden – Barbara is a local cosmetologist and owner of The Crystal Pistol who has volunteered countless hours to serve survivors and their children with free haircuts and styles. She understands the importance of the happiness that comes from having their self-esteem lifted.
Becky Washburn – As a country veterinarian, Dr. Becky offers an invaluable service of good veterinary services at reasonable costs, finds good homes for homeless and unwanted animals, caries for injured wild animals of many varieties and willingly takes phone calls at all hours of the day and night.
David Bustamonte – At just 26 years old, David Bustamante has gone out of his way to make a difference in Ruidoso when he moved to Ruidoso a year ago. As Manager of the Ruidoso Walgreen’s store, he has donated many large boxes of toiletries and organized a toy drive that brought about 60 toys and gifts to the NEST residents for Christmas last year.
Donnie Weems – Donnie Weems and his wife, Kathy, have been long time educators in Ruidoso, Lincoln County and Plains, Texas. Since Donnie’s retirement, he has dedicated many hours helping feed the hungry in our community. He has been very diligent and faithful in gathering food to share with the five food banks of Lincoln County.
Jada Long – Jada had an idea. She wanted to encourage her 4-H Club in Capitan to make Easter baskets for the children who live at The Nest. The club gave her $30 and with the money she purchased eggs, baskets, candy and supplies to make BooBoo Bunnies made of washcloths,
Joseph Bailey – Joe Bailey is a Ruidoso Police Officer currently assigned to the K-9 unit. In addition to his regular duties, Officer Bailey puts in many hours training his K-9 partner, Specter, in tracking missing persons, locating narcotics and serving as a bite dog when a suspect becomes aggressive and dangerous. He also works special projects designed to make people drive safely, stay buckled up and DWI-free.
Joseph’s Workshop – Joseph’s Workshop was started when Carol Keyes of the Holy Mount Episcopal Church saw the need to help the people in Lincoln County that were in transition from homelessness, domestic violence shelters and other situations. This outreach ministry helps those in the greatest need with household items supplied by donation.
Rick Hall – Rick Hall was raised in Ruidoso and is a faithful servant to our community. Rick donated every free moment minute of his time when he organized and led a team that built, from the ground up, a brand new home for a single mother and her children who had lost their home in the Little Bear Fire. The Lincoln County Food Bank is another of Rick’s volunteer stops.
Robert Diaz – Sgt. Robert Diaz is currently assigned to the criminal division of the New Mexico State Police. He motivates and encourages his investigators to put out 110% effort to aid the community they serve. Robert has participated in community events, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.
Rozlyne Long – Rozlyne Long was elected as one of the two 2015 HEAL Advocate Heroes with Heart by her co-workers at The Nest. When Roz joined the Team HEAL in 2014, she took on the task of not only resident advocacy, but also the Teen Dating Violence outreach programs in the Ruidoso School District and Mescalero Schools. She stepped into these diverse roles with grace and enthusiasm and proved to be very successful in both areas. Her specialty at HEAL is cultural competence and inclusion.
Ralph Nix, Jr. – Although quiet and a little shy, Ralph Nix, known as “Skip” by many of his friends, has a hero’s heart that works behind the scenes. He is a quiet supporter of many community organizations such as the New Mexico Military Institute, The Nest domestic violence shelter, the Lincoln County Humane Society, Spencer Theater and the Mountain Entertainment Group for the Arts, also known as MEGA.
Mayor Tom Battin – During the Little Bear Fire, then-County Commissioner Battin became part of a daily routine as both citizens and elected officials from the county converged at info meetings, press conferences and emergency commission meetings. Governor Martinez asked Commissioner Battin to step in, do what he does so well, and bring unity to the various entities that were taking part in fighting back the fire.
Victoria Gandarilla – Victoria was elected as the second 2015 HEAL Advocate Heroes with Heart by her co-workers at The Nest. Victoria has been an advocate at HEAL for 9 months and has already demonstrated exceptional qualities of a great advocate. Her big heart is also felt by Nest residents and their children. She loves her work as an advocate – her desire is that clients have the opportunity to transition from being a victim to being a survivor.