North Central resident Ann Schmitt and her husband, Larry (right) recently were given the Bob Russell Lifetime Achievement Award by the St. Vincent de Paul Society, for their years of volunteer service. On hand to present the award was Bob Russell himself, left, a longtime volunteer and board member with the organization (submitted photo).
St. Vincent de Paul recently awarded Larry and Ann Schmitt of North Central Phoenix with the Bob Russell Lifetime Achievement Award.
This award is presented once a year to volunteers who go above and beyond to help serve their community, and who exemplify an exception spirit of service and love of others. Together, Larry and Ann have served the community for a combined 24 years.
The couple can be found at St. Vincent de Paul’s downtown dining room every week where they serve 500 homeless men and women breakfast and lunch. The dining rooms give those in need a chance to have a sit-down meal in a safe and comfortable environment. Volunteers create an experience many of us take for granted—an opportunity not only to eat but to meet-and-greet as well.
The award was named after Bob Russell, who has been part of the St. Vincent de Paul family for more than 20 years, as both a board member and volunteer. He has been involved with major initiatives, including the building of the nonprofit’s downtown campus.
