#04-195
June 16, 2004

Stars shine at Rosalynn Carter Institute Gala Celebration of Caregivers

Mrs. Carter presents inaugural RCI Caring & Competent Caregiver Awards

ATLANTA--It was an exciting evening of entertainment to honor unsung heroes of caregiving as the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) held its first-ever Gala Celebration of Caregivers June 15 in Atlanta's Symphony Hall.

More than 1,700 guests from across the nation gathered to help former First Lady Rosalynn Carter acknowledge professional caregivers who often go unrecognized, with the presentation of the inaugural RCI Caring & Competent Caregiver Awards.

Performances by entertainers Clay Aiken and Danica Tisdale, Miss Atlanta 2004, as well as appearances by Dr. Neil Shulman, the "Real Doc Hollywood," and WSB-TV's Monica Kaufman, highlighted the evening. Aiken, a triple platinum RCA recording artist, sang his hit "Invisible," and concluded the program with a moving performance of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" with the Lee County, Ga., Middle School Choir.

The 2004 RCI Caring & Competent Caregiver Awards were made in four categories: Nurse's Aide/Patient Care Technician, Licensed Practical Nurse, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Home Health Aide. Winners, selected from 280 national nominees, were:

• Nurse's Aide/Patient Care Technician--Beverly H. Christman, Allentown, Penn.
• Licensed Practical Nurse--Scott Law, Virginia Beach, Va.
• Certified Nursing Assistant--Gayle Werre, Minot, N.D.
• Home Health Aide--Raschanda Cunningham, Independence, Ohio

"I feel honored to receive this award from such an influential humanitarian as Mrs. Carter," said Law, a Licensed Practical Nurse at Heartland Home Health Care and Hospice. "My job does not compare to the courageous fortitude of the many families that provide caring environments for their loved ones. I am excited to represent LPNs in this category for this first year of this award, while knowing there are many others who provide excellent care every day."

"I was very surprised to win the award," said Werre, a Certified Nursing Assistant Team Leader at Manor Care Health Services. "I feel honored to be chosen. I am doing what I want to do, which is caring for the elderly. I am proud of this accomplishment."

The 2004 award winners received a bronze medallion on blue and white ribbon, presented by Mrs. Carter, and a $1,000 educational grant. The award was underwritten by the Mariner Health Care Education Fund. Organizers hope to expand the award in future years to honor other categories of professional caregivers.

"The RCI Gala Celebration of Caregivers was one of the most moving events ever produced to honor these unsung heroes--people who provide the day-to-day care needed by our loved ones who may be ill or frail," said Ronda C. Talley, Ph.D., MPH, RCI executive director. "This is the first national award exclusively for professional caregivers, those who are paid to provide care, and the Rosalynn Carter Institute is proud to make these awards."

The event also featured a star-studded silent auction with 183 items, including some from actor Paul Newman and singer Alan Jackson.

The Rosalynn Carter Institute was formed in honor of former First Lady Rosalynn Carter in 1987, and is based at her alma mater, Georgia Southwestern State University, in Americus, Ga. The RCI also has an office in Washington, D.C. Through research, education and training, the RCI promotes the mental health and well-being of individuals, families, and professional caregivers; encourages effective caregiving practices; builds public awareness of caregiving needs; and advances public and social policies that enhance caring communities.

REPORTERS/EDITORS:

For more information on the Rosalynn Carter Institute (RCI) or its programs, call (229) 928-1234 or go online: www.RosalynnCarter.org.

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