SVdP Honors Volunteers Living the Gospel Through Service

SVdP Honors Volunteers Living the Gospel Through Service

ATLANTA, GA (April 29, 2025) — St. Vincent de Paul Georgia recently celebrated its annual Volunteer Awards, recognizing extraordinary individuals and partners who embody the Vincentian mission to “Love and Serve our Neighbor.”

In 2024, over 3,500 Vincentian Members and volunteers across Georgia gave more than 612,000 hours of their time to feed, clothe, house, heal, and bring hope to neighbors in need.

Nine Vincentians from across the state of Georgia were recognized as “Top Hat Award District Finalists.”  The Top Hat Award is the Society’s highest honor, given to Vincentians who live their faith through acts of mercy and justice, following the example of Blessed Frédéric Ozanam.

• Mike Gross                Immaculate Heart of Mary (Atlanta)
• Bob Kiel                      Queen of Angels (Thomson)
• Melissa Kinard          St. Lawrence (Lawrenceville)
• Sandra Kuhune         St. James the Apostle (McDonough)
• Jenn Molner              Holy Spirit (Atlanta)
• Phil Mooney              Holy Family (Marietta)
• Fred Puryear             Saint Jude the Apostle (Sandy Springs)
• Sue Seldomridge      Christ the Redeemer (Dawsonville)
• David Zauche            Our Lady of the Mountains (Jasper)

Each honoree exemplifies the Vincentian charism—serving not only with hands and resources, but with heart, humility, and faith. Their commitment helps fulfill our mission to “Love and Serve our Neighbor” through personal encounter and spiritual kinship.

Special Recognition awards were also given to valued community partners whose generosity and collaboration advance our shared work of mercy and justice. This year’s honorees include:

• Mirian Hernandez (tie – Individual Volunteer of the Year)
• John Nicol (tie – Individual Volunteer of the Year)
• PNC  (Corporate Volunteer of the Year)
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. – Alpha Beta Lambda Omega Chapter (Civic/Community Volunteer of the Year)

“These volunteers are the heart of our mission,” said Executive Director, Mike Mies. “Their love, humility, and faith are transforming lives – and communities – across Georgia.”

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About St. Vincent de Paul Georgia

St. Vincent de Paul Georgia, one of the state’s largest and most trusted social service organizations, provides compassionate, neighbor-to-neighbor support across Georgia. With over 3,500 Vincentian volunteer members and 74 Chapters (Conferences), we help more than 291,000 Georgians annually, addressing needs like emergency financial aid, food, clothing, housing, and health services. Our broad, localized and personalized approach allows us to meet the diverse needs of our communities, while advocating for social justice and systemic change. For more information, visit svdpgeorgia.org.

Founded in 1903, St. Vincent de Paul Georgia is a part of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul—a global, Catholic lay organization.