Special Awards
MEMBER HONORED WITH COMMUNITY AWARD
Willene Smith, long-time member and Past-President, was recently honored with the
Arizona Cardinals Community Quarterback Award for her commitment to community service.
Each year, Arizona Cardinals Charities presents several of these awards to deserving
volunteers from around the state. Willene was nominated by Arizona Quilters Hall of
Fame especially for her creation and continuation of the DPS Quilt Project. This
project, begun in 1984, provides donated quilts to the Arizona Department of Public
Safety. DPS Officers carry the quilts in their squad cars, using them to comfort
victims of accidents, domestic violence, or children removed from dangerous
situations. Since the project’s inception, over 6,450 quilts have been donated.
Recipients of the 2010 Awards were honored by the Cardinals prior to the
January 3 game. Each honoree was presented with an inscribed and autographed
football at a luncheon in the Players Family Room. Honorees had the opportunity
to talk a bit about their volunteer work. Following the luncheon, honorees and a
representative from their nominating charity were escorted onto the playing field
where the charities were presented with a grant award to honor the recipients.
Sharlene Helgerson, Willene’s daughter, accepted the award on Willene’s behalf
as Willene was recuperating from a brief hospital stay. Judy Taylor, Vice President
of Arizona Quilters Hall of Fame, represented the Hall of Fame in the award ceremony.
Congratulations to Willene and thank you for your continued efforts in the
DPS Quilt Project!
