by PALM BEACH, Fla. – William Lowry, founder and president of No Child Hungry, presented The President’s Volunteer Service Award to Nationwide Marketing Group CEO Tom Hickman at a ceremony in Palm Beach, Florida. The organization honored Hickman for his years of volunteer service and support.
The President’s Volunteer Service Award (PVSA) is a civil award bestowed by the president of the United States. Established by executive order of George W. Bush in 2003, the award honors volunteers that give hundreds of hours per year helping those in need. Since inception, the award has continued under each administration, honoring volunteers who are using their time and talents
to solve challenges facing our nation.
Led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, this program allows Certifying Organizations like No Child Hungry to recognize their most exceptional volunteers.
In a presentation ceremony at The Breakers Resort, the non-profit recognized Hickman’s ongoing volunteer service with the organization. Hickman has served as a volunteer both domestically and internationally, joining No Child Hungry teams as far away as Haiti, and most recently, during disaster relief efforts in Maui, Hawaii.
Mike Whitaker, senior vice president and chief operating officer of No Child Hungry, said, “Since Tom first kicked off his organization’s efforts with us back in 2018, he’s been a great partner. Not only has he inspired thousands to join this effort through Nationwide’s support of meal packing at their events, but he’s also answered the call to serve personally. Carving out time as an executive can be challenging, but Tom’s willingness to be hands-on and build relationships during distribution efforts is special. Great leaders inspire others to follow their lead, not just with words, but with action. They lead by example, and this is what sets them far apart from the rest. Tom has exemplified this dynamic for years.”
During the presentation, Hickman received a personalized certificate, an official coin and medallion, and a congratulatory letter from President Biden.
Lowry added, “The mission-focused success of No Child Hungry over the past decade would have never been possible without the selfless volunteers that have enabled us to distribute nearly sixty million meals to children in need. Tom has been just such a volunteer. His leadership at Nationwide Marketing Group has resulted in more than 2.6 million meals for kids packed by their network, and
he’s been right there, in the thick of it, both packing and distributing meals all along the way.”
No Child Hungry was granted authority to bestow the President’s Volunteer Service Awards as an official certifying organization in 2023.
Whitaker added, “We find it so important to recognize those exceptional volunteers who have given hundreds of hours to support our mission. As President Bush said, “There can be no definition of a successful life that does not include service to others.” We believe that recognizing those who go far above and beyond in their volunteer efforts is paramount. They serve as an inspiration to others, and an example we can all follow.”
