It was a star-studded night when San Antonio's brightest stars were honored at the community's largest volunteer recognition event of the year. Last month at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center, over 400 of San Antonio's top volunteers were recognized for their community service. Twenty-two awards were presented to individuals and groups who give of themselves to help others in need. More than 900 cheered all of the nominees and award recipients.

BOMA's "Helping Hands" Community Service Committee was excited to be nominated for United Way's Volunteer of the Year Award for 2003 projects and activities. On Thursday night June 17, it was my privilege to accept the award on behalf of our wonderful committee. That's right . . . we won!

The award we received was in the United Way Group In Service category, and the other nominees were Army Family Team Building Volunteer Corps, BAMC Patient Transport, Better Opportunities for Single Soldiers, Camp Bullis Outdoor Recreation Center, Citizen's Police Academy Alumni Association, Company C 232nd Medical Batallion, Delta Gamma San Antonio Alumnae Chapter, Healing Arts Project/Big Brothers Big Sisters, McNay Art Museum, San Antonio College Service Learning Program, Soldier and Family Assistance Center, Trinity University Voluntary Action Center and Yellow Rose Auxillary. As you can see by this impressive list, receiving the award is a true honor.

I would like to thank my co-chair, Donna Garcia, and all of the hard-working, dedicated members of our committee. Without you, the successes we realized last year would not have been possible. This award belongs to ALL of you.

I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to Brenda Younts for suggesting that we be nominated. She was the catalyst behind us receiving this great honor. And, a big thank you to Kim Webb who completed and submitted the lengthy application which made us shine.