As the 25th year of the Crisis Center was commemorated, the community hosted a Gala event to celebrate the accomplishments of the county’s primary resource for those in need of a variety of services, including temporary housing, food, clothing, bedding, and support services.  The live and virtual auctions at the heart of the Gala were reported to have been the most successful in the history of the event, and will go toward sustaining the Center’s activities.  “We’re happy to report this is the most successful year we’ve had so far as far as the auctions go,” said Malena Jiminez, Outreach and Awareness Advocate at the Center.

In addition to the fundraising elements of the dinner, it also served as a platform for announcing the Dove Award winners for 2022.  Holly Llewelyn, Director of the Crisis Center, was given the Dove award for her “outstanding service and leadership,” as well as named a “Dedicated Director” by the board.  “The success of any organization starts with its leadership,” Jimenez said.  “Holly has been directing the Crisis Center for over 12 years, and has served as the executive director for the last five.  I wish I could provide stats on how many individuals have been comforted by her standing by them during times of trial, or how much suffering she has eased with a listening ear and a kind heart.  Unfortunately only those she was privileged to assist and those of us fortunate enough to have worked alongside her know the impact she has made on this community on a daily basis.”  Gabe Jimenez, of the board of directors for the Center, presented Llewelyn with a number of gifts in appreciation.

Her award was given in conjunction with a surprise video of congratulations from her children.  Llewelyn has been leading the Center for a number of years, expanding services and outreach on an ongoing basis, and making it into the community pillar that it has become.

Buddy Asay, a longtime volunteer of the Center, as well as the baker of the evening’s rolls, was also given a Dove Award for his continued and persistent service to the organization.  “I’ve never seen him without a smile,” Jimenez said, as she introduced him. “And this person has one of the biggest smiles I’ve ever seen.  And how can you not smile when you see his, or hear him laugh.  I’ve never heard him speak ill of anyone.  [Asay] is a true friend and neighbor.  Did you know he was busy for twelve hours making rolls for the Gala? Who else would volunteer to do this every year for the last nine years?”  A gift card and plaque were given to Asay in honor of the award.

Patti and Mark Jones were also given a Dove award for their continued support and essential contributions to the Crisis Center over many years.  “Learning just a snippet of their story was inspiring to me, and to all of us,” Jimenez said, before revealing the identities of the winners.  “The Oneida Crisis Center has seen these people in action for years.  One of these people is outgoing, while the other is an introvert.  One of them we’ve all heard from, while the other we’ve maybe only heard ten or twelve words from when they come to help at the food bank or the shelter.  But you don’t have to be an extrovert to be giving.  This individual is one half of a kind and patient couple.  When I asked this person what he did in his spare time, he said, ‘whatever she tells me to.’”  

“The other half of this couple is outgoing, loves to talk, tells great stories, went to nursing school, served a mission in the Philippines,” Jimenez continued.  “This couple has three children…they are happy to be the parents of four grandchildren.  They would do anything to help anyone in need, and they would not want the notoriety of doing it.  They believe that no matter how hard your life has been, if you can go back and try to make it better for someone else then you should do it. They are truly the most selfless givers that we know.”

Following the presentation of gifts of appreciation to the Joneses, the event turned its time over to the live auction, hosted by local auctioneer Lynn Livingston.  Items for the auction were primarily donated by local merchants and donors, though there were also a number of auction lots from Pocatello, Utah, and other supporters of the Crisis Center from around the region.  The bidding on lots was consistent throughout the evening, with most averaging winning bids of between $200 and $300.  The Crisis Center staff was gratified and heartened by the turnout for the event, the success of the online auction, and the expression of support from the community.