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FEDERLASBURG - The Men For Change Outreach hosted their 15th Annual Community Recognition Volunteer Appreciation Event on July 19 at the VFW facility. A host of family and friends gathered to support and honor the distinguished 2025 honorees: Pastor Pam Bockart, Stacy Gardner, Michelle Hammond, Bruce Hancock, Gelard Merilus and Willie Johnson. They were chosen based upon their commitment to community service, strong leadership, church involvement, family values, moral integrity, strong work ethics, and living a godly lifestyle.
This year's theme was “There is a Blessing in the Pressing” which results when serving others needs before your own.
The honorees say they take pride in giving back to the community they love, from coaching youth, helping out with the food bank, volunteering in the schools, mowing a neighbor’s lawn, providing vital resources to families to serving seniors.
Men For Change President David Ricks, Sr., said they are deserving of recognition and honor. “I believe in giving them their flowers while they can smell them, said Ricks.
During this event we shine the spotlight on them to honor their presence and give them their accolades.
Feeling humbled by the gesture, Stacy Gardner, a community leader and activist described what the honor meant to her. “ It was heartfelt and satisfying to be recognized and honored this way. To know that your efforts are appreciated and valued is very gratifying. "We do what we do because we love our community, we don’t do it for recognition,” said Gardner. “Being honored this way gives us the energy to keep doing what we’re doing, serving our community and making an impact in the lives of youth and families.”
The keynote speaker of the evening was Jonathan Tilghman, Sr., a local author, church elder, inspirational speaker . Tilghman shared an uplifting message from his book , entitled Fully Loving You (FLY). He related that he was born with dyslexia, a learning disorder involving difficulty reading. He revealed the challenges and barriers he faced in school while being bullied and ostracized . However, by learning to (FLY), he pursued his dreams and goals of graduating from college and obtaining a successful career. Heencouraged the audience to (FLY) soar high above obstacles and hurdles to accomplish their dreams and goals in life.
The honorees were presented with citations and plaques from local and state officials. Federalsburg Mayor Kim Abner was on hand to present honorees a citation from the town. Senator Johnny Mautz (District 37) was unavailable to attend, however, his office issued proclamations for the honorees. Ricks presented the honorees with a plaque on behalf of the MFC organization.
President Ricks thanked the audience for their support for making the event successful and their generosity in sustaining the Men For Change afterschool program and services. He also extended gratitude to the Gospel Souls, a local multi-talented musical group for their performance during the event. Over the years, they have become a regular staple and support to the annual event.
The organization is looking for volunteers who are willing to share their time, talents and resources to make a difference in the lives of youth. For more info, contact David Ricks at 443-786-5182.
