Reba’s Ranch House hosts 2nd Annual Volunteer Recognition and Awards Ceremony

Denison, Texas -- Over 60 of Reba’s Ranch House volunteers, along with staff and friends gathered in May for the House’s Second Annual Recognition and Awards Luncheon.

The luncheon honors volunteers who help to provide a welcoming and comforting home away from home for families staying at the Ranch House while visiting loved ones in area hospitals.

Reba’s Ranch House and the Texoma Health Foundation staff prepared the lunch using recipes collected from the House’s Meal Ministry Program. The meal ministry is comprised of local churches and groups who prepare and deliver warm homemade meals for the families each week.

“So often our families spend their entire day at the hospital and return physically and mentally drained," said Board of Director, Brett Graham. "When they return to Reba’s Ranch House and have a warm meal it means so much to them. On behalf of the Board, we thank you.”

In addition to meal ministry, volunteers help support the House through delivery of pantry items, they help with administrative tasks and cleaning.

Board of Director, Margie Morris said, “All of our volunteers extend the staff capacity of the House. You are not simply filling a spot that needs to be filled. Regardless of the way in which you choose to help, you each bring unique skills and gifts that you share to comfort others during some of their most difficult moments.”

RRH Director, Marilyn Bice closed the luncheon with a presentation of certificates and awards. Churches participating in the Reba’s Ranch House Meal Ministry were each recognized and presented with a certificate of appreciation.

“Without you all, this would just be a brick and stone building," Bice remarked. "Each of your kind deeds, whether you bring food, paper products, pray for our guests or volunteer, breathes life and laughter to create a home.”

Bice shared that this year the Ranch House also added an Internship Excellence Award. College interns provide assistance to the House throughout the year. She said that Shruiti Hegde from Austin College was chosen for the award in recognition of the hours Shruiti has invested and the kind spirit she brings to the House.

(L-R) Pat Ballou, Ron Ballou (Recipients of the 2013 Betty Holland Service Award) and Marilyn Bice, Reba’s Ranch House Director

At the close of the luncheon, Bice presented the House’s highest volunteer honor, the Betty Holland Service Award to Ron and Pat Ballou. Ron grew up in Denison and graduated from Denison High School in 1960. He attended Southeastern Oklahoma State University before joining the U.S. Navy. He spent four years in the military, with two years off and on in Vietnam. Upon release, he was employed with several different companies, retiring after 20 years from Conagra Foods. He was employed part-time with the Vaughn Group for seven years, retiring again. Ron came to the Ranch House as a volunteer in 2004 and became a permanent employee in 2006. He worked at the Ranch House from 2006 until this past year when he and his wife Pat moved to the Dallas-area. Bice shared that Pat could always be found behind the scenes. She always helped to work special events and projects by Ron’s side.

“It just felt fitting that they received this recognition as a team," stated Bice. "Their absence is greatly missed by all staff at both the Foundation and the Reba’s Ranch House. Their contributions over the years helped to make the House a place of comfort and care.”

The Betty Holland Service Award was established last year in honor of Betty’s dedication as a weekly volunteer for Reba’s Ranch House for over twenty years. Ranch House staff select a volunteer each year that exemplifies Betty’s care and dedication to bringing joy to others.

Reba’s Ranch House is a project of the Texoma Health Foundation. The House serves families visiting loved ones in area hospitals by providing a home away from home. The House has twelve private guest rooms and shared living quarters, including a full kitchen, playroom and library. Thanks to local churches participating in meal ministries, the House also provides warm meals each week to guests. To learn more about the Texoma Health Foundation or Reba’s Ranch House, visit www.texomahealth.org