Laura Bush to recognize Fort Worth man for dedication to volunteer service

by PegNews wire

First Lady Laura Bush will present the President’s Volunteer Service Award, on behalf of President George W. Bush, to Denis Cranford when Mrs. Bush arrives in Fort Worth, Texas, on Tuesday, September 16. Cranford is a volunteer with Camp Fire USA First Texas Council. To thank them for making a difference in the lives of others, President Bush honors a local volunteer when he travels throughout the United States. He has met with more than 650 volunteers, like Cranford, since March 2002.

As a volunteer with Camp Fire USA First Texas Council, Cranford has served for 15 years as the Camp Director for Camp El Tesoro de la Vida, a weeklong camp for children who are dealing with the passing of a loved one. The camp features traditional camping activities combined with specialized programs to help kids through the grieving process. Cranford recruits volunteers to coordinate and facilitate the camp, plans activities, secures supplies, and hosts fundraisers for camp scholarships. During his tenure as a volunteer, more than 1,500 grieving children have had the opportunity to attend Camp de la Vida.

Denis Cranford, Vice President and Performance Manager for JPMorgan/Chase, has been a volunteer for the last 16 years. The last 12 of those years he has been the Volunteer Director and personally recruited more than 60 volunteers to work the week of camp. He is not only a friend, mentor, counselor and comforter to children devastated by their loss; he works year-round to cultivate innovative partnerships with organizations not only for financial support, but also for enrichment to the program. His leadership and passion have touched the lives of over 1,000 grieving children. He was the recipient of The Real Estate Council's 2006 Dreamers, Doers and Unsung Hero Award for Tarrant County.

Source: Camp Fire USA First Texas Council