For the most significant demonstration nationally of commitment to “the Vision” of the Catch-A-Dream Foundation through contribution of time, energy and talents toward fulfilling and perpetuating the mission of the Program.
2015 Recipients: JIMMY and PAULA CARRUTH
Natives of Jackson, Jimmy and Paula Carruth have spent much of their 30 year marriage balancing careers with exemplary volunteer service. Paula retired in 2013 from the Department of Housing and Urban Development after 37 years of federal service and Jimmy retired from the Jackson Fire Department in 2004 after 25 years as a firefighter. Active members of Lakeland Presbyterian Church, they own J&P Pest Control, Inc. and spend much of their leisure time competing in bass tournaments or in the woods pursuing whitetails.
Their volunteer record is impressive, having previously worked with the Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Make-A-Wish, Wheeling Sportsmen and served in many capacities in their church. They were key players in developing a bass tournament to fund the Fallen Firefighters Memorial in Jackson, and ultimately became involved with Catch-A-Dream after successfully establishing the memorial and handing ownership of the tournament to Catch-A-Dream in 2010. They have been critical to the success of the Catch-A-Dream Bass Classic, now entering its seventh year and have contributed hundreds of hours to make it a success as it has generated over $250,000 to date. Both became trained and certified hosts in 2014 and have excelled in that role, accompanying 5 different children and families, from as many states, on their dream trip. Their passion and dedication are unsurpassed.
For their relentless efforts and tireless demonstration of the volunteer spirit, and for their impact on the Catch-A-Dream Program and upon countless lives, we proudly present the tenth annual Catch-A-Dream Foundation Volunteer of the Year Award to Jimmy and Paula Carruth.
