The Governor’s Points of Light Awards program started 20 years ago, a partnership between the Governor’s office and Nevada Volunteers to celebrate and honor the individuals and organizations who demonstrate extraordinary volunteer service. Awards are presented in nine categories including Individual Youth and Adult, Lifetime, National, Nonprofit, Corporate, and Veterans organizations. Nominations for the 2022 awards include several from right here in Mesquite.
In the category of Nonprofit and Community Organization Volunteer Program, Mesquite Senior Games is a worthy nominee. So far this year, nearly 100 volunteers have contributed over 2500 hours, all committed to supporting the health and fitness of anybody 50 years and better. MSG’s mission is to strengthen and maintain the body, to fortify the mind, and to bring increased social well-being to all ages and is supported almost entirely by dedicated volunteers. Working tirelessly to achieve these goals, these valued team members do everything from staging events, scoring competitions, administrative tasks such as web design, database management, and graphics arts. MSG leads the way in senior health and exemplary volunteer service and performance.
In the category of Volunteer Manager, Beth Ann Caplinger was nominated for her many volunteer missions including Volunteer Coordinator for Mesquite Senior Games, Virgin Valley Little League, and R.A.I.S.E. Mesquite. Ms. Caplinger serves on the Boards for all three nonprofits. Beth’s volunteer work has a huge impact on the community of Mesquite. Between the three organizations, there are very few that have not been touched by her volunteerism. She instills that same spirit of giving in the volunteers she manages. Beth’s hard work and generous spirit continues to improve this community every day.
In the category of Individual Volunteer (18 or older), two extraordinary locals were nominated, Shelton and Sharon Wakefield. Both volunteered for decades before moving to Mesquite about 8 years ago. Since then, they have devoted many hours to the betterment of our community. Volunteering as a dance instructor and making and donating quilts for Quilts for Kids organization has been a passion of Sharon’s while Shelton joined the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra and has participated in community theatre productions. Together they have volunteered as judges for Help Patriotism Prevail essay contests, helped to run concession stands for both senior softball and youth sports and volunteered countless hours for Mesquite Senior Games in many capacities, but are best known as Chef Shelton and Sous Chef Sharon for the many lunches they prepare for the senior athletes and volunteers. Every town should be so lucky to have generous volunteers like the Sharon and Shelton Wakefield.
Celebrating the individuals and organizations who model Nevada values of service, the Governor’s Points of Light Awards 20th Anniversary event will take place on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at the Blind Center of Nevada in Las Vegas.