2018 Avon Lake Citizen of the Year and Projects of the Year Announced By the Avon Lake Community Council
05/01/2018 – The Avon Lake Community Council is excited to announce the 2019 Avon Lake Citizens of the Year – Tom and Tommie Patton - as well as Project of the Year – Avon Lake Kiwanis. It was a challenging, but unanimous decision for this year’s individuals and projects that have had significant involvement in and dedication to the community of Avon Lake.
The 2019 Citizens of the Year went to Tom and Tommie Patton of Avon Lake. "Tom and Tommie Patton have been major contributors with their time and philanthropic contributions to the Avon Lake schools, City of Avon Lake and the local non-profit organizations for over 30 years,” stated Avon Lake Community Council President Marty O’Donnell. “The voting organizations (that make up the Community Council) all agreed that the recognition of all their work and dedication was long overdue.”
The Patton’s have done significant work with Music on a Mission, raising funds for CRS, the Free Clinic, volunteered with Heritage Avon Lake and the Bicentennial Commission. Furthermore, they established the Lakeshore Electric Railway Museum as well. “The Community is fortunate to have this couple” said O 'Donnell.
The winner for this year’s 2019 Project of the Year goes to The Avon Lake Kiwanis Club. “The dedication of the members of this organization to raise funds for Avon Lake seniors to provide them with an educational opportunity with scholarship funds over the many years is what makes this community the place to live" O'Donnell stated. “In 5 years the Avon Lake Kiwanis have awarded over $79, 600 to Avon Lake seniors in high school. This has enabled them to further their education with 66 students receiving a minimum of $1 000.00 to a max of $2500.00. They have also purchased a uniform for a student accepted by the Naval Academy and assisted students with book costs.
"The Kiwanis organization has always put children first whether it be the building of the safety town, assisting the Saddle club with Hay Day for kids (which is an event that helps all children the opportunity to ride horses), or working in part with the Key Club members on various projects" says O’Donnell. “Also, Avon Lake Kiwanis have two Endowment funds one at the Lorain Community College and another in the name of Robert and Helen Murray. The pancake breakfasts in April and September also help to fund the program.”
The Citizen and Projects of the Year will hold a recognition dinner on Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 6:00 pm in the Avon Lake Waugaman Gallery room. For dinner reservations contact Marty O'Donnell at 440-933-7310.
For additional questions about these nominations or questions about the Avon Lake Community Council, please contact Martin O’Donnell at modonnell@avonlake.org or 440-933-7310. The Avon Lake Community Council is made up of 40+ community organizations that work together to help to share resources, ideas, and awareness for the good of all the groups.