HCHC Foundation Director recognized as Volunteer of the Year

MT. PLEASANT - Whether he's at an event, working as the Henry County Health Center Foundation's director or fulfilling his duties as a Chamber Ambassador, Mark Hempen is always around to lend a helping hand.

Hempen was named the Volunteer of the Year at the Mt. Pleasant Area Chamber Alliance's annual banquet last Thursday. Before being recognized as Volunteer of the Year, Hempen was also awarded the Chamber Ambassador of the Year.

The Chamber's executive vice president, Kristi Ray, explained the recipient of the award is chosen by the staff of the chamber.

'It's almost uncanny how every year, the staff just looks at each other at one event and knows that's it, that is this year's volunteer of the year,” Ray said in the lead-up to the announcement.

'This year that event came at our Sunday Golf Out. It's very possible it's because he was the only one that was sober,” she joked.

Ray continued to say that the award goes to someone 'who's helping us in the background, never asking us for the credit. They just have a knack for being there.”

'This recipient is always there, pitching in when we need it and thanking our staff when we should be thanking him,” she said.

Hempen was completely shocked to have received the award.

'I'm beside myself … it's certainly a pleasure to be a part of this community and help with the projects that goes on through the Chamber. It's just a pleasure to be able to stand with these people tonight,” Hempen said as he addressed members of the chamber.

For Hempen, being involved with the community is a privilege and an important aspect of being part of the town.

'I just really feel honored to be able to help with events and participate. Mt. Pleasant is such a wonderful place and there's a lot going on. There's a brilliant future that's here for us so just to be able to be a part of that is pretty great,” he said.

Hempen is incredibly involved with the Chamber and has been an ambassador for four years. He particularly enjoys being able to welcome people into Mt. Pleasant and sharing about what a wonderful place it is.

'You get the opportunity to meet new people and welcome into town and new businesses, welcome them to town and that's really an important piece … As the foundation director we're always building relationships with people, and the chamber also is building relationships with people. And its important that when new people come to Mt. Pleasant, they feel like they're welcomed, they feel like they're invited to be part of the excitement that's happening and so any time anyone has an opportunity to help bring that excitement, I think it's important to do so,” he said.