Baton Rouge, LA. (Nov. 12) – A Baton Rouge man today received the national “Heroes In Our Midst” award for his extraordinary commitment to connecting with those in need in his community.
Heroes In Our Midst, a national recognition program of the Greeting Card Association, named Richard Roberts, 50, a national hero during a half time ceremony at the LSU versus McNeese State basketball game. Roberts, now a CPA for Postlethwaite & Netterville, has made the time to volunteer for the Camp Fire USA Big River Council on a weekly, sometimes daily basis, impacting the 18,000-20,000 children whom the Big River Council serves annually.
Heroes In Our Midst honors everyday heroes who give of themselves to connect with others to show they care, and encourages Americans to send cards to the heroes in their own lives. Since its launch last year, Heroes In Our Midst has generated thousands of cards for community and personal heroes.
“We give communities an opportunity to express their gratitude to local heroes,” said Chris Bouchard, the national spokesman of Heroes In Our Midst. “Volunteers like Richard deserve recognition, and we hope that today’s presentation has inspired people to convey their appreciation to Richard and to their own personal heroes.”
Throughout his 15 years of service to the Camp Fire USA, Roberts has served in every officer position, but his service was primarily as Treasurer for the Council’s board and Chairman of the Finance Committee. In addition to his significant financial guidance, Richard has consistently been involved in activities of the Camp Committee, where he was able to help develop a “camper-ship program” that provides the summer camp experience to all youth, regardless of diversity or challenge.
“Kids get more life experiences out of a week at summer camp than they probably do a year at school; they learn a lot of independence from being outdoors,” said Roberts of the importance of outdoor experiences to children.
Many of Roberts’ projects with the Council reinforce this sentiment. Ranging from behind-the-scenes maintenance of camp facilities, leadership of hiking and fishing trips, and volunteering his accounting skills to Camp Fire’s board, Roberts has exceeded the expectations of all at the Big River Council.
“Even though Richard has significant personal and professional obligations, he has made the time to volunteer for the Council for over 15 years,” said Mike Grace, President, Board of Directors, Camp Fire USA Big River Council. “Richard's varied contributions, especially with regard to fiscal matters, have been critical to this Council as well as to the tens of thousands of children we serve on a regular basis.”
“I don’t really consider myself a hero, but I will always be here for the Council,” said Roberts of his service. “I’m just glad that I can be available to do these projects and that I work for a company that gives me as much time as they do.”
At the ceremony, Grace joined Susan Brown, Executive Director, Camp Fire USA Big River Council, to present Roberts with the bronze hero medallion and greeting cards from grateful members of his community.
Heroes In Our Midst and Camp Fire USA are asking members of the Baton Rouge community to send cards or notes expressing their thanks to Roberts, as well as cards to the heroes in their own lives. Cards for Roberts should be addressed to:
Richard Roberts
c/o Camp Fire USA-Big River Council
4874 Constitution Avenue, Suite 1-C
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70808
“Heroes In Our Midst is all about the rewards of connecting with others and building human ties,” said Bouchard. “Greeting cards are a cherished tradition for connecting and showing that you care about others. People everywhere have a special story of how someone impacted their life or created a shared memory through a greeting card.”
At the ceremony, the Heroes In Our Midst program said a check for $1,000 would be donated in Roberts’ name to Camp Fire USA Big River Council to support the efforts of volunteers like Roberts who are reaching out to connect with others in their community and make such significant impacts on the lives of local children.
To learn more about Heroes In Our Midst, visit www.HeroesInOurMidst.org.
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Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and most effective youth mentoring organization in the U.S. It has been the leader in one-to-one youth service for more than a century, developing positive relationships that have a direct and lasting impact of the lives of young people. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves 240,000 children, ages 6 through 18, in all 50 states. The national offices are located in Philadelphia. To volunteer or donate, visit www.bbbsa.org.
The Greeting Card Association, headquartered in Washington, DC, represents nearly 300 U.S. and international greeting card publishers and suppliers. It is dedicated to celebrating, promoting and preserving the tradition and cultural values of exchanging greeting cards.
