Godfrey, IL, May 21, 2009 . . . Sombreros and festive music welcomed guests to Riverbend Head Start & Family Services annual Circle of Care award dinner Thursday night. Ed and Nancy Ryrie of Alton were this year�s recipients of the prestigious community service award. Their dedication to community service was celebrated during the fiesta-themed event that attracted over 270 guests and raised over $44,000.
The Ryries received the Circle of Care award because of their unwavering commitment to strong families, accessible healthcare and community service. In addition, they�ve supported the agency�s mission to enable children and families to develop positive skills to meet life�s challenges for decades.
The Ryries were roasted and toasted by loved ones who shared stories that unveiled inside jokes and even embarrassing moments. Ed�s sisters revealed some wardrobe choices they forced upon him at a young age while Nancy�s children mocked her fanny pack days.
After the speakers had their fun, they made a toast to the couple, sincerely acknowledging their hard work and dedication in everything they do.
Ed Ryrie's sister, Janet Biermann, said, �Your kindness, generosity and selflessness is evident in everything you do. You are both thoughtful, supportive and loving to your children, our family and this community. You enrich all of our lives just by being yourselves.�
The Ryrie children, Kristen, Jennifer and John were able to learn a lot about their parents� involvement in the community during the event preparation. Talking with friends of the family they realized that their parents �don�t do these things to be recognized. It�s just what they do, who they are.�
Nancy and Ed were the last to speak. They explained how much of an impact their parents made on them and taught them the importance of volunteerism and community involvement.
Nancy remembered a quote her parents always said about the word �can�t�. �Can�t never did anything. It should not be in anyone�s vocabulary because there is always a way.� Because of life lessons such as this, the couple has always given community service their all, taught their children to do the same and influenced many others to keep pushing their mission.
The award presented to the couple was a framed watercolor painting of their treasured family home in Fairmount, a neighborhood of Alton.
Since 1994, Riverbend Head Start & Family Services has honored those who have made a significant contribution to the community through volunteerism, profession or philanthropy at its Circle of Care award dinner. Proceeds from corporate sponsorships, reservations, donations, program advertisements, raffle tickets and a silent auction directly benefit the agency�s programs that serve 4,000 children and families each year.
This tribute places the Ryrie�s on an impressive list of people who have enhanced the community through service. They are: Dr. Paul Pierce, Rod & Jane St. Clair, Essic Robinson, Dale & Carol Neudecker, Judge Nicolas Byron & Josephine Beckwith, Jim Goodwin, Buddy Davis, Paul & Sandy Lauschke, Jack & Betty Jacoby, Don Miller, Anna Beach & Andy Simpson, Ron McMullen, Steve & Mary Lou Cousley, Senator William Haine, Tom & Jeana Hutchinson, Bill & Pat Kessler and Diana Enloe.
Riverbend Head Start & Family Services is a non-profit organization that provides child development and counseling services to families in Madison County. Through its early intervention, early childhood education, parent education, crisis intervention and family and individual counseling services, the agency achieves its mission to enable children and families to develop positive skills to meet life�s challenges. www.riverbendfamilies.org
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