News

Nonprofits honored, CCA awarded at Unity in Communities

Lindsey Bever, reporter, neighborsgo

Jul 22, 2009

Christian Community Action, a nonprofit that helps families in need, took a financial hit last year because of the economic downturn, its president said. But the organization worked through it and was named Nonprofit of the Year at the third annual Unity in Communities luncheon on July 21.

CCA provides programs to give families in need the skills to get back on their feet. The nonprofit’s programs provide food; educational and vocational training; toys for Christmas and more. CCA is currently helping more than 12,000 people, according to its Web site.

CCA president Scott Orr said the nonprofit really began struggling last year when the economy started to fall, missing its target by $40,000 or $50,000. Orr said he was scared to death, but the communities stepped forward.

In addition to the award, CCA received certificates of recognition for outstanding service from Sen. Jane Nelson, Sen. Chris Harris and U.S. Congressman Michael Burgess.

“We’re elated to be recognized, to get a pat on the back after such a tough year,” Orr said. “It serves not only as an affirmation but also something we can take to the communities. It gives us credibility to serve out our mission.”

Mayor Dianne Costa of Highland Village, Mayor Jody Smith of Flower Mound and Mayor Dean Ueckert of Lewisville helped bring the three communities together to support local nonprofits. More than 200 members of these communities, among which 19 nonprofits were represented, attended the luncheon.

The three finalists for Nonprofit of the Year were CASA of Denton County, Communities in Schools of North Texas and CCA.

The purpose of the luncheon was not only to award Nonprofit of the Year but also to give the participating nonprofits a way to spotlight their organizations to community business leaders, said Katy Taggart, president of the Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce.

Nonprofits, including Keep Lewisville Beautiful, Habitat for Humanity and CCA, had information tables at the luncheon to expose the organizations to the communities and business leaders in order to bring in sponsors, volunteers and potential board members, Taggart said.

The Unity in Communities luncheon was coordinated by the Flower Mound and Lewisville Area chambers and the Highland Village Business Association and was sponsored by United Community Bank.