- NEW YORK, NY--ESTA bestowed the 2008 Frank Stewart Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes extraordinary effort by a volunteer or group of volunteers during the previous year, on the ESTA Membership Committee and on the Behind the Scenes Application for Assistance Review Committee. The awards were presented at ESTA's annual dinner on Thursday, October 23rd prior to the start of the LDI trade show in Las Vegas, NV.
- Bill Groener, ESTA's President, in making the first presentation told those gathered, “Your Membership Committee has recruited 88 new members since we last met at LDI in 2007. This number is substantial, but it is even more amazing in light of current economic uncertainties. In addition to their recruiting efforts, this group has also worked feverishly to retain existing members through improved communications that help to highlight the value associated with membership in our association.” Bob Luther, Fred Mikeska, Dinna Myers, Eddie Raymond, David Taylor, Steven Way, and Richard Wolpert received the award recognizing their outstanding volunteerism.
- Eddie Raymond of IATSE Local 16 and a previous recipient for his work on ETCP presented the award to the Behind the Scenes Application for Assistance Review Committee. Due to the nature of their work, the identities of the volunteers on this committee must remain confidential, but Eddie highlighted the profound effect their work has had on the lives they have touched, “As you can imagine bearing witness to the difficulties of others and having to choose who can and who cannot be helped by the foundation is at once gut wrenching and gratifying. At times of great need, this committee provides emotional support to those facing difficulties and the hard choices that accompany those times. While not all grants can be approved, the committee’s timely response and encouragement is greatly appreciated by all applicants.”
