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For Immediate Release Dale Curry of Sanford receives SANFORD — Dale Curry of Sanford has been named recipient of the 2005 Dean Russell Beavers Outstanding Citizenship Award. Presented by the North Carolina Association of Rehabilitation Facilities, the award honors an individual in the Tar Heel State who epitomizes community involvement by demonstrating leadership, tenacity and genuine regard for the community. It is named for a man who, despite being developmentally delayed, touched thousands of lives and became a force in his communities of Morganton and Hendersonville. Curry was nominated by LCI Inc., which has helped enhance his job skills and placed him in the workforce through its Supported Employment program. The award was presented late last month by Michael Moseley and Linda Harrington, division directors from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Curry received the honor for a long history of personal determination and community service. His longtime desire was to move out of a group home and into his own apartment, a goal he accomplished last year. He has just celebrated his second year as a maintenance worker for Hardee's and has received glowing praise from his employer. Perhaps more impressive is his service to others. The Eagle Scout is an active member of First Baptist Church and remains active in his Boy Scout Troop. He recently worked with a group of volunteers to construct a bocce ball court at the Stevens Center, is past president of the Kiwanis Action Club and is a member of the ARC of Lee County. As part of his "Life Purpose" submission for the Eagle Scout Award, received in July, Curry said that "my life purpose is to be independent, to be on my own, to do my own shopping, to cook my own meals and to fulfill other responsibilities." Tammy Koger, executive director of LCI, is lavish in her praise of the award winner. "Dale has taken great leaps in achieving his life purpose, and has been an inspiration to everyone," she said. "I'm proud of what Dale has accomplished and am thankful for the example he's set for all of us." The North Carolina Association of Rehabilitation Facilities is an alliance of community rehabilitation programs. Founded in 1965 and based in Raleigh, it provides information, education and training for organizations dedicated helping people overcome barriers to employment. Founded in 1967, LCI primarily serves residents of Lee, Chatham, Harnett and Moore counties. The nonprofit organization provides manufacturing assistance and trained employees for business and industry, helps people with disabilities and other barriers to employment enjoy their greatest possible independence, and produces a full range of trophies, awards and engraving. — 30 — Media Contact Note to Editors
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