We have a hero in our midst! Our own Sam Pirelli has been awarded the Community Hero Award from the New Mexico Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NMCADV). At a ceremony recently in Alamogordo, Sam was presented with the prestigious award. The award is given to those community leaders and businesses that have supported and advanced domestic violence advocacy in their communities and throughout the state.
Coleen Widell, Executive Director of HEAL and the Nest explains. “Each year members of the Coalition nominate a hero in their community, someone who has done extra special things to help their mission, program or clients. This year, our staff nominated sweet Sam.” Singled out for his quick responses, generosity and unfailing support of HEAL and the Nest, the Coalition also recognized his contributions and wisely designated him a Community Hero. He was one of four winners, including Alamogordo’s Executive Director of Love Inc., Susan Payne; Alma Martinez, owner of Nena’s Food in Albuquerque; and Vanessa and Ben Harvey, along with their children, from Artesia. Past HEAL winners from our community include Dr. Stephen Rath of Fusion Medical Spa for his donation of scar and tattoo removal for victims of domestic violence at the Nest and Carl Parson’s Plumbing, who has come at all hours of the day and night to fix the aging plumbing system at the Nest.
Sam is the owner of Pirelli Lock Shop in Ruidoso and embodies the support and advocacy this award recognizes. He has a heart made of gold and has proven this by offering his locksmithing skills to the Nest while refusing payment. Recently he spent many hours installing new locks on every door at the shelter. He continues to demonstrate his reliability, especially to the Nest. “The Nest is very important for Lincoln County,” Pirelli said. “It is important for the women and the children.”
Joining Sam at the award ceremony were many colleagues, friends and supporters including his twin sister, Ruidoso Middle School teacher Alicia Annala, HEAL Treasurer Rick Hutchison, HEAL Board Members Sheri Rodgers, Pat Shukis Fraser and her husband Bob Fraser, Ruidoso Village Councilor and HEAL board member Lynn Crawford and his wife Traci Crawford, Mike Rice, Doris Huskey, Widell and several other staff members from the Nest domestic violence shelter.
Rodgers says, “Sam is one of a kind and one of Lincoln County’s best; always willing to help and always with a smile and a glad heart. No one could be more deserving of the recognition. HEAL, the Nest, myself and so many others are privileged to call Sam Pirelli our friend and hero. We love you, Sam!”