Geneseo Is For Tomorrow
Abell Receives Community Caring Award
Photo courtesy of Mowers Photography
Anthony Abell, center, of Geneseo, a long-time volunteer at Geneseo’s Good Samaritan Village, was presented with the 2013 GIFT Community Caring Award. With Abell is Mike Ricketts, left, president of the GIFT Foundation, and Annette Koehler, activity director/volunteer coordinator for Good Samaritan.
December 8, 2013 (Courtesy of Geneseo Republic)
Anthony “Tony” Abell of Geneseo was the 2013 recipient of the GIFT Foundation’s Community Caring Award. Abell was honored on Dec. 8 at Geneseo’s Good Samaritan Village where he’s served as a long-time volunteer.
“For over 35 years, he has come to Good Samaritan Village to nurture the residents in a very special way. His weekly visits offer personal prayer and the holy sacrament to people on our campus,” said Annette Koehler, the activity director and volunteer coordinator at Geneseo’s Good Samaritan Village. “Originally, he brought communion and prayed with people, but a couple of years ago, he added a Catholic service for a deeper Christian experience,” said Koehler in a letter nominating Abell for the award.
“Rain or shine, he is here with the peaceful demeanor of a saint,” she said. After spending time at Good Samaritan’s care center, Abell also visits the facility’s apartments. “He virtually brings the friendship and forgiveness of Jesus Christ to many, each and every week,” said Koehler. “His mission is nestled in with ours, serving older persons and others in need, believing that, ‘In Christ’s Love, Everyone is Someone,’ and reminds us that, as believers, we are forgiven and have a place in heaven.” She added, “His long-standing presence here is especially impressive due to the fact that he works hard on his farm year round and is very dedicated to his church and family.”