Ruritan National immediate past-president Robin Davenport recently visited the Ararat Ruritan Club to make a special presentation to Kevin and Pamela Smith.
“Their exceptional dedication to Ruritan National’s growth by organizing two clubs within one calendar year and their efforts embody the pioneering spirit of J. J. Gwaltney (Ruritan co-founder) and his unwavering commitment to strengthening communities through service.”
Davenport said he’d not seen this award given during his 43 years of involvement with Ruritan.
Kevin and Pamela tirelessly worked on chartering the Stuart and Woolwine Community Ruritan clubs in 2023 and are active in both clubs along with their home club in Ararat.
While Kevin originally joined Ruritan in 1999, and after a nearly ten year hiatus, he rejoined along with Pamela in 2019. “This is something that we enjoy together,” the couple agreed.
I’ve always had a sense of community involvement,” said Pamela, “and am always looking for ways to improve, not necessarily change.” Pamela said, “I love helping others. I’ve been involved in the community in some way all of my adult life.”
Pamela Smith recently learned that her dad, Johnnie B. Roberson was a charter member of the Dobyns Ruritan Club in 1969. “I guess the apple didn’t fall far from the tree,” she said. Pamela serves as the secretary for both Ararat and Stuart clubs and is currently the zone governor. She’s also been president of the Ararat club and has been selected as Club and District Ruritan of the Year
Kevin has served as treasurer for the Ararat Club and is currently Lt. Zone Governor. He, too, has been selected as club and district Ruritan of the Year. Kevin’s passion for continuing education has earned him various awards from Ruritan National Foundation. “This is the one sector of Ruritan that really fascinates me.” One of the programs within the foundation includes an endowment fund. Anyone contributing $1,000 to the Ruritan National Foundation fund will have a permanent and once it reaches $10,000, an annual disbursement is allowed for scholarship awards.
Patrick County Ruritan clubs include Ararat, Stuart, Woolwine Community, Meadows of Dan, Patrick Springs, and Red Bank.
The Ruritan slogan is “Fellowship, Goodwill, and Community Service”. Why not join us at one of our events? Come on out to see what this best kept secret is!
