2019 George Bass Brick and Mortar Dinner
John Tiffany (Inductee to the Hall of Fame) , Jan Lloyd-Gohl (Inductee to the Hall of Fame), John McCarty (Inductee to the Hall of Fame), Katie Goforth (Community Partner of the Year) and Justin Campbell (Volunteer of the Year).
On Saturday March 2nd, we held our Annual George Bass Brick and Mortar Dinner. We take time to raise money for the George Bass Endowment Fund and to celebrate outstanding individuals that make Mountain T.O.P. an incredible place to grow and serve.
Get to know the recipients of the Community Partnership Award, Volunteer of the Year award, and the latest inductees to the Fisher of People Hall of Fame.
Community Partnership Award:
Katie GoForth
Katie Goforth is the founding director of the South Cumberland Health Network and as co-director of grants for Volunteer Behavioral Health. She is active on numerous local and regional committees and boards in the fields of public health and education, including the South Cumberland Health Network, Grundy County Health Council, Activ8 Grundy, Tennessee Commission on Children and Youth, and Friends of South Cumberland State Park. During the launching of the South Cumberland Health Network, Katie was an employee of Mountain T.O.P. because we held the grant to start this network. This network is a collaboration of health providers, health & community agencies dedicated to improving health outcomes for people living on the Plateau. As an organization who focuses on health from a housing perspective, we deeply value our connections to partner agencies with the same goals.
Volunteer of the Year:
Justin Campbell
Justin Campbell has been involved with Mountain T.O.P. as a volunteer, served on summer staff for 3 summers, and spent 2 years on full-time staff as a Service Area Manager. Justin's contributions have been invaluable to the ministry. In addition to his gifts of wit and height, Justin continues to lend his expertise to our Summer Staff Training and facility projects.
Atop the list of Justin's contributions to Mountain T.O.P. is the work he did in getting our volunteer and project management database, Salesforce, customized and functional for Mountain T.O.P.'s use. Salesforce has transformed the way we manage our relationships with volunteer groups and community families. Even after his time on staff, Justin is still always available for a consultation, which Rachael is particularly thankful for.
Fisher of People Hall of Fame:
J. Doehring
J. was a born and bred Texan from Houston. He graduated from Texas A&M University and was a proud Aggie Alumnus. J. and his family have been supporters and participants in both YSM and AIM for over 30 years. J. came to YSM with Holy Covenant UMC for 16 years as a driver. He also served on the MTOP Board for 13 years before his untimely death in April 2018. J. was instrumental in helping the ministry develop sound personnel policies and practices. His love of the Lord, family and this ministry are his legacy.
Fisher of People Hall of Fame:
Jan Lloyd-Gohl
Jan is a long-term volunteer from Illinois in the Adults in Ministry program. She has been a fixture in the Summer Plus program for many years teaching cooking skills among other things to the young people in our community. She is also a regular participant in Friends Weekend and Fall AIM. Jan brings a wonderful, caring attitude and shares Christ's love in very visible ways with everyone she encounters. We have also all been the beneficiaries of the best cookies on the planet!
Fisher of People Hall of Fame:
John McCarty
John began his service to the ministry as a youth camper. He later served on summer staff and has been declared the best Field Manager ever by Ed Simmons. John continues to serve the ministry as a long time YSM adult with Collierville UMC. He has mentored many youth from his church through the years resulting in several serving on summer staff. John is a regular participant in Friends Weekend and takes an active interest in maintaining and developing our facilities. He often brings a group of men from his church in the off season to work on our camps. John is a member of the Board and currently serves as Vice Chair.
Fisher of People Hall of Fame:
John Tiffany
John is a long-time volunteer with both YSM and AIM from St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Cincinnati. He is the contact person for his church and comes twice each summer with their groups. His is an advocate for our extending the partnership ministry and has coordinated donations to this effort every year since it was started. John is a major supporter of our effort to upgrade camper cabins at Pines. He is also believer in our summer staff and finds ways to support them every summer. John is a currently a member of the MTOP Board serving on the Resource Development Committee.
Fisher of People Hall of Fame:
Craig Wright
Craig is a quiet but strong volunteer for this ministry. He has served through the Adults in Ministry program for many years - both Summer and Fall. He is also a regular participant in Friends Weekend. Craig displays his love of God through his mighty actions. Mountain TOP has been blessed by his constant and consistent support over the years. A fun fact about Craig is he is the first volunteer to ever have a reserved parking spot at camp!