By Sarrah Peters
News Editor
Darden Rehabilitation Foundation recognized employees and employers at its annual luncheon and award ceremony on October 29.
Darden helps individuals with disabilities that pose a challenge to employment to find jobs. The foundation serves five counties.
Judge Joe Nabors swore in new officers for the foundation. Program Coordinator Dana Johnson presented the awards.
Johnnie Cofield was awarded Workshop Employee of the Year. Cofield works on the Darden Rehabilitation’s housekeeping team.
Josh Rector was named was awarded the Special Achievement Award. He began working at Noccalula Falls in 2005 as a tour guide for the small animals.
Ryan Collier was awarded the Supported Employment Employee of the Year. He works at Publix. He worked hard to obtain a license so he could travel to and from work.
Cash Saver Food Store was named the Etowah County Employer of the Year. Cash Saver allows Darden’s clients to come in to stock shelves at any time.
Candie Fallon was named Employee of the Year. She works at Zaxby’s where she quickly progressed from hostess to food preperation.
Mark Ahrens was named Marshall County Employee of the Year. He works at Family Garden Group Home helping young men with dysfunctional family situations.
Family Garden Group Home was named Marshall County Partner of the Year. the home’s director Jennifer Hampton accepted the award.
Lisa Bates was named Teacher of the Year.
Piedmont City Schools was named Cherokee County Partner of the Year. Rena Seals, the school system’s Director of Technology.
Team One Automotive Group was honored as a Platinum Fundraising Sponsor of the Year, for its contribution to Darden’s Annual Bass Tournament fundraiser.
Dawn Beavers Britt was named Darden Employee of the year for her hard work making the Supported Employment program a success.
Darden also honored employees that had worked for the company for 10 years or more.