Letter from Heart of Tennessee Executive Director, Tara Stone - March 2020

Heart of Tennessee Volunteer Receives Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award  

Anita Murrell

On February 9, 2020, Anita Murrell received the Governor’s Volunteer Stars Award (GVSA) representing Rutherford County. Murrell received the award for her work with the Heart of Tennessee chapter of the American Red Cross. The GVSA is an initiative from Volunteer Tennessee that seeks to recognize outstanding volunteers from each of Tennessee’s 95 counties. 

Anita has been a volunteer for four years logging thousands of volunteer hours, not including her many Disaster Relief Operations in Tennessee and across the United States where she serves as a Volunteer Partner - Disaster Program Manager. She has proven to be valuable in multiple areas of service assisting in training, client services, recruitment, and logistics continuing to move the Red Cross mission forward. 

The eligibility requirements for the award states, “Any individual whose volunteer activities in Tennessee benefit the community or the State of Tennessee in a substantial, important, or unique way” can apply or be nominated. Nominees are judged in the areas of Need, Action, Innovation and Impact. Anita represents all of these areas every day that she represents the Red Cross. 

The HOT chapter has countless volunteers making a difference in the community every day. Their dedication to serving our 17 counties is appreciated by our team on a daily basis,  and it is nice to see one of our volunteers recognized publicly at the state level. 

You will find Anita in the HOT office most days of the week. Be sure to congratulate her when you see her. We know she does not serve for the recognition, but we think she deserves a thank you. 

Tara Stone
Executive Director