2024 Award Winners
Each year at our George Bass Brick and Mortar event, we honor a selection of important community partners and volunteers.
2024 Community Partners of the Year
This year, we recognized two community partners: Tim Tucker, on behalf of the Grundy County High School Carpentry program, and Housing Hub.
Under the leadership and expertise of Mr. Tucker, the students of GCHS built the first half of the Blessing House. The carpentry program provides students with invaluable hands-on experience in construction.
Last year, Housing Hub launched from Mountain T.O.P. as independent organization to see the new home build through to completion and continues to focus on building new affordable homes.
Partnership is integral to everything we do at Mountain T.O.P., especially when it comes to tackling housing issues in our community. We are grateful to our community partners!
2024 Volunteer of the Year
Emma Crandall was on summer staff from 2015-2017. Since being on summer staff, she has remained a vital individual to this ministry and remains very involved. She has served as a member on the board of directors, including as the Resource Development Committee chair. In these positions, she is always willing to lend a helping hand to Mountain T.O.P.’s full-time staff. This past year, she was a part of planning our first-ever Alumni Camp and served as the Alumni Camp Staff Program Manager. In 2025, she has already committed to aiding in the planning and execution of the 50th-anniversary programs to come!
We appreciate you, Emma!
2024 Fisher of People Hall of Fame
The Fisher of People Hall of Fame celebrates long-time and dedicated volunteers whose generous support and presence support our mission. Inductees are voted on by the Mountain T.O.P. staff, Board of Directors, and existing inductees. We welcome three new people into the Hall of Fall: Marge Kollar, Laurie Durham, and Bob Batson.
Bob Batson
Bob Batson, and his late wife Susan, have been involved with Mountain T.O.P. for over 15 years as consistent Adults in Ministry participants. Bob (far right) is often the silent hero on every project and is always willing to do any odd task or job with the most heart-warming smile on his face. His kindness to this ministry, our lovely homeowners, and his fellow volunteers does not go unnoticed. Bob's famously known for his morning devotional with musical bells, what a great way to start the day!
Laurie Durham
Laurie has been actively been participating with Mountain T.O.P. for 20 years, serving first with the youth as a leader and then with AIM. She actively participates in fall, spring, and Friends Weekends. She is a great and willing MPT member and has been a point person when asked. She enjoys meeting and getting to know the local families that MTOP works with.
Marge Kollar
Marge (left) has been a faithful participant in the AIM’s major home repair program for 25 years as well as volunteering for Quest, Friends Weekends, and Fall Festival. Her experience as an engineer at Ford was invaluable to the major home repair program as she served as a point person on many MPTs over the years. We are so grateful for the time and dedication Marge has shown to Mountain T.O.P. over the years!