Volunteers receive 2009 Spirit of Clark County Awards

Vancouver, WA – During the State of the County presentation on Thursday, February 12, the Board of Clark County Commissioners presented Spirit of Clark County Awards to Bud Van Cleve, the Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board and Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation.

Created in 2001, the Spirit awards acknowledge the special efforts and extraordinary contributions of the county’s many volunteers. Here is more information about each of this year’s winners.

Bud Van Cleve

A Spirit of Clark County Award was presented to Ballard (Bud) Van Cleve for a lasting gift of service that is unsurpassed. He has volunteered countless hours and inspired others to get involved.

Bud often says, “You don’t have to move to live in a better community.” He has demonstrated the truth of those words every year since he started partnering with the county in 1997 as president of the NE Hazel Dell Neighborhood Association and as an active leader with the Neighborhood Associations Council of Clark County. He also represents neighborhood associations on the Three Creeks Planning Council.

That would be enough for many people, but Bud thinks nothing of putting in 60 to 80 hours a week as a community volunteer. He has served with more than 60 county advisory committees, task forces, business groups, school committees, emergency response groups and other civic organizations.

But perhaps his greatest gift is his considerable skill in inspiring others to get involved. Because of Bud Van Cleve, all of us live in a better community.

The Clark County Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board

Appointed by the Board of Clark County Commissioners, this group of volunteers advises the county on policies, issues and programs that affect residents with developmental disabilities and their families. Along the way, they have been involved in several major changes in the way services are provided and gained a statewide reputation for leadership, knowledge and advocacy.

Avid champions of jobs for all individuals, board members have challenged both the private and public sectors to include people with developmental disabilities in the workforce. The group promotes National Disability Employment Awareness month and has been behind legislative efforts to further opportunities for young people with developmental disabilities.

Most recently, the volunteers have invested time and effort in a quality initiative to hear directly from individuals and families. They continue to promote affordable and accessible housing and encourage neighborhoods and schools to welcome people with disabilities.

Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation

Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation has earned a Spirit of Clark County Award for helping Clark County Animal Control save horses from disease, neglect and starvation.

Local grasses and hay lack essential nutrients for the county’s horses, so imported hay and supplements are needed to prevent starvation. But in 2008 a regional hay shortage, higher feed costs and general economic pressures priced many horse owners out of the feed market. Last year Animal Control officers investigated three times the usual number of cases, involving 109 neglected horses.

Animal Control offered assistance to horse owners through Ripley’s Horse Aid Foundation. This statewide neglect prevention charity was able to secure lower feed prices and donations from horse care professionals. Each voucher from the foundation was good for 300 pounds of hay and 50 pounds of grain per horse.

Some horses were placed in foster care. Members of the Clark County Executive Horse Council volunteered to foster the rescued horses, nurse them back to health and prepare them for adoption. Additional veterinary care and gelding services were also provided through donations and discounts.