L-R: Shane Gaddy, Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Advisors; Kelly Lee, Wells Fargo Advisors; Anna Grace, student; David Ernest, executive director of Challenged Child and Friends; and Ella, student.
GAINESVILLE – Kelly Lee of Wells Fargo Advisors in Gainesville has been recognized by Wells Fargo for her contributions to her local community through her volunteer work with Challenged Child and Friends. Along with receiving a volunteer service award from the bank, Lee also won $1,000 for the non-profit, which serves special needs children through a full-inclusion pre-school program.
“I’m honored to receive this award from Wells Fargo and I’m thrilled that the award comes with $1,000 for Challenged Child and Friends,” said Lee. “This is a great organization with a unique approach for serving children with special needs.”
Lee has been volunteering with the organization for three years. She currently is on its board of advisors, has served as treasurer and helps with fundraisers. Her two children attend the non-profit’s pre-school program, which offers an integrated experience where children with a variety of developmental delays and disabilities learn and grow in a full inclusion program with children who have typical development.
“My children love spending time with the special needs children in their classrooms,” said Lee. “It teaches them compassion and they learn how to play with children who are different from them. In turn, the special needs children learn from the other children in the program, which encourages their development.”
“We appreciate all that Kelly contributes to our group,” said David Ernest, executive director of Challenged Child and Friends. “We are very grateful for her support and for this grant from Wells Fargo.”
In its 34th year, the Wells Fargo Volunteer Service Award program continues to recognize and reward team members’ volunteer efforts with contributions from Wells Fargo to the non-profit where they volunteer. This year, 235 team members in all were awarded a total of nearly $400,000 for their organizations.
“Kelly is such an advocate for our community in Gainesville,” said Shane Gaddy, Branch Manager for Wells Fargo Advisors. “She personifies Wells Fargo’s commitment to support our local communities. We are very proud of her.”
