David Aldridge Named 2013 Tigard Shining Stars “From the Heart” Volunteer of the Year

David Aldridge has been selected as the 2013 Tigard Shining Stars “From the Heart” Volunteer of the Year, named in honor of Jim Hartman.  Jim Hartman set the standard for this award by his example of giving from the heart to his community, and the “From the Heart” award honors a person who has dedicated their time and energy to a specific cause in the Tigard community.  This person gives willingly, energetically and consistently; they might be well known or might be a “quiet” volunteer, unrecognized until now, but always gives “from the heart”!  This person may have worked on the same project for many years.
David Aldridge has dedicated over 4,000 hours to Good Neighbor Center (GNC) in Tigard, primarily as an overnight host.  The GNC is dedicated to providing safe emergency housing and supportive services to families in the Tigard area.  As an overnight host, David comes in at 10 p.m. with a pillow and a blanket and sleeps in the shelter until 6 a.m. David has dedicated one night each week to this nonprofit for 13 years as an overnight host, as well as serving in an “on-call” basis.  On his watch, which has grown to over 450 nights, he makes sure the shelter is safe and all residents are following the rules.
In addition, David has spent many Christmas Eves at the GNC, playing the role of Santa Clause and handing out presents.  He has acted as a mentor to clients and staff at the center, providing resources and support.  Through David’s steadfast commitment to the GoodNeighborCenter, this nonprofit was able to save over $35,000.  Through such long-term commitment the GNC continues to empower families in the area, and by relying on volunteers to stay overnight the organization saves over $80,000/year.  These hosts are crucial to the success of the organization, and David’s generous heart and dedication makes him an ideal role model for the community.
Please join us in congratulating David on this well-deserved award.  His award will be formally presented with other Tigard volunteer and business awards at Tigard’s 2013 Shining Stars Community Awards Celebration, sponsored by Platinum Title Sponsor Washington Federal and held on Friday, April 26th from 5:30-9 p.m. at Embassy Suites – Washington Square, event location host. With a theme of “Wild Wild West”, this western themed dinner event includes dinner, silent auction, dessert dash, awards, and more. Tickets are only $35/person, dress is casual, country western.  So cowboy/cowgirl up and come join us to celebrate Tigard!
For further details about Shining Stars, please contact the Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce at 503-639-1656 or at info@tigardchamber.org  or go to our webpage at www.tigardchamber.org
Tigard Area Chamber of Commerce (TACC)
The Tigard Chamber (TACC) is a tool that enables and equips your business to be more nimble, reach farther, grow faster and stay ahead of the competition. Our over 300 member businesses that are part of the Tigard Chamber, an elite 10% of Tigard’s business community, not only leverage each other, but each of these members’ connections and knowledge, as well. It is exponential. If you have a business challenge, question or idea, you are not alone as part of the Tigard Chamber. The TACC provides for its members: Connections & Credibility, Learning, Business Advocacy, Cost Savings, Hot Deals and Community Involvement!
Good Neighbor Center
A place where families are transformed and can become self-sufficient once more. When families arrive they are asked to do an assessment of where they are and what the barriers are to long-term stability. A Case Manager works with each family where they are and the family identifies where they want to be and a work plan is created to help them get on the track to become self-sufficient. Although each family is homeless, they are all facing barriers. Weekly check-ins and assignments help families navigate the resources to assistance and finding jobs. http://goodneighborcenter.org/services.php