(L to R) Cape Cod Chapter executive committee members Scott Branco, Bill Jenkins and Gary Childs accept a 2012 "Len Hadley Volunteerism Award" on behalf of Nancy & Clay Beless from ALF President Eric Davis (Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani)
The American Lighthouse Foundation held its annual lighthouse gala at the Four Points by Sheraton in Eastham, MA, on April 28, 2012.
The organization’s signature event featured some wonderful lighthouse camaraderie, fundraising, a great meal and some Cape Cod lighthouses open for climbing (Nauset, The Three Sisters and Highland), but the highlight of the evening event was the presentation of awards to well-deserving individuals and groups for their amazing dedication to lighthouse preservation and education.
One of the awards presented was the 2012 ALF “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award,” which was presented to twelve outstanding volunteers throughout the organization.
The Cape Cod Chapter of ALF recognized Nancy and Clay Beyless this year with the honor for their above and beyond contributions to ALF/CCC’s mission.
Cape Cod Chapter Chairman Bill Jenkins, Vice-Chair Gary Childs and Treasurer Scott Branco accepted the 2012 “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award” on behalf of Nancy and Clay who were busy working at the Race Point keeper’s house, preparing the dwelling for the upcoming overnight stay season the same night of the gala.
The following text was read to attendees at the lighthouse gala about Nancy and Clay’s dedicated volunteer efforts…
Nancy and Clay Beless were honored for their dedication to Race Point Light Station (Photo courtesy of the Cape Cod Chapter)
“This year, the Cape Cod Chapter of the American Lighthouse Foundation recognizes Nancy and Clay Beless as our stand-out volunteers. They hold genuine enthusiasm and respect for our mission, and a combined drive that says “What can we do?” rather than “What do we get for what we do?” Brought on as keepers for the overnight stay program at Race Point, Nancy and Clay also sit on the Cape Cod Chapter’s Committee as co-Secretaries.
Moreover, Nancy volunteers as our Donations & Charity Requests Director, while Clay also serves as our Lighthouse Tours Director. This outstanding couple has called upon AmeriCorps volunteers to assist with Special Projects at Race Point from planting beach grass to house set-up before the guest season begins. They also help organize our annual Mariner’s Weekend Tour in which over 300 visitors tour the facility on a single Sunday in May.
They have risen above the standards we ask of volunteers and carry a phenomenal share of the load for our chapter. Nancy and Clay, we gratefully thank you for years of outstanding service by presenting to you the 2012 Len Hadley Volunteerism Award.”
Did you know?
The American Lighthouse Foundation’s “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award” was named after Len Hadley, one of the original volunteers of the organization in 1994. Len possessed a wonderful personality and ability to connect with others, and was a stellar volunteer for a number of ALF projects throughout the years.
The vital pillar supporting the American Lighthouse Foundation’s success in preservation, education and public access programs over the past eighteen years has undeniably been the dedication of ALF volunteers such as Len Hadley.
When Len sadly passed away in October 2000, the ALF board of directors honored his uncommon dedication to volunteerism by naming an award after him that would recognize other outstanding ALF volunteers for the same passion, selflessness and commitment to lighthouse preservation for which Len stood for.
Race Point Light Station is a wonderful example of preservation excellence and can be enjoyed by the general public thanks in part to the amazing dedication of volunteers like Nancy and Clay Beless (Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.)
