The Mesquite Senior Games, and several of its volunteers, has received nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Points of Light awards.
The nonprofit organization itself received a nomination in the category of “nonprofit and Community Organization Volunteer program.
In addition, three other local residents were nominated for their volunteer work in the community and in the MSG organization. These include Beth Ann Caplinger, and Shelton and Sharon Wakefield.
Mesquite Senior Games is a worthy nominee as an organization. So far this year, nearly 100 volunteers have contributed over 2,500 hours, all committed to supporting the health and fitness of anybody 50 years and better.
MSG’s mission is to strengthen and maintain the body, to fortify the mind, and to bring increased social well-being to all ages. This mission is supported almost entirely by dedicated volunteers. Working tirelessly to achieve these goals, these valued team members do everything from staging events, scoring competitions, administrative tasks such as web design, database management, and graphic arts.
MSG leads the way in senior health and exemplary volunteer service and performance,” said Amy Bradshaw, who recently stepped down as director of MSG. Bradshaw has agreed to stay on as interim director until a replacement can be made.
In the category of Volunteer Manager, Beth Ann Caplinger was nominated for her many volunteer missions including Volunteer Coordinator for MSG, Virgin Valley Little League, and R.A.I.S.E. Mesquite. Caplinger serves on the Boards for all three nonprofits.
“Caplinger’s volunteer work has a huge impact on the community,” said Bradshaw. “Between those three organizations, there are very few that have not been touched by her volunteerism. She instills that same spirit of giving in the volunteers she manages. Beth’s hard work and generous spirit continues to improve this community every day.”
Shelton and Sharon Wakefield were each nominated in the category of Individual Volunteer. Both volunteered in their community for decades before moving to Mesquite about eight years ago. Since then, the Wakefields have devoted many hours to the betterment of Mesquite.
Sharon has been volunteering as a dance instructor. She also makes and donates quilts for the Quilts for Kids organization.
Shelton joined the Southern Nevada Symphony Orchestra and has participated in community theatre productions.
Together the couple has volunteered as judges for Help Patriotism Prevail essay contests, helped to run concession stands for both senior softball and youth sports and volunteered countless hours for MSG.
“They are best known as Chef Shelton and Sous Chef Sharon for the many lunches they prepare for the senior athletes and volunteers,” Bradshaw said. “Every town should be so lucky to have generous volunteers like the Sharon and Shelton Wakefield.”
The Governor’s Points of Light Awards program started 20 years ago to celebrate and honor the individuals and organizations iwho demonstrate extraordinary volunteer service.
The Governor’s Points of Light Awards 20th Anniversary event will take place on Thursday, October 20 at the Blind Center of Nevada in Las Vegas.
