|
 DARCARS President John Darvish was honored
recently with the “Buddy Award for Enduring Spirit” at the 11th annual
Morris K. Udall Awards ceremony to benefit Parkinson’s Action Networks.
The Parkinson’s Action Network (PAN) is an
educational and advocacy voice for the Parkinson’s community. The group is
fighting to find a cure within five years through lobbying for increased
investment of public resources to bring a cure to the more than one million
Americans who suffer from Parkinson’s disease.
The Buddy Levenson Award is named after a
well-known and well-liked Washingtonian who battled Parkinson’s disease for
more than 20 years, passing away in May 2000. Mr. Levenson worked for 12
years after being diagnosed. When he could no longer work, he still provided
inspiration to his family and friends with his optimistic and wholehearted
approach to life.
The Buddy Award is given to an individual who,
despite suffering from Parkinson’s disease, exhibits that same enduring
spirit by making extraordinary contributions to the betterment of humankind
in their work, family life and charitable endeavors.
John Darvish was chosen as this year’s
recipient because he and the DARCARS dealerships (31 franchises in 20
locations in three states) are recognized as major donors and a major force
in the charitable and civic needs of the Washington area. “My most important
civic achievement has been our ability to establish a solid foundation in
the community whereby people we touch know they can always count on me and
my organization in times of need. There are over 30 local charitable and
civic organizations to which we constantly provide time, talent, and
resources,” said Darvish.
Also honored for their public service were
Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy G. Thompson, Senate Majority
Leader Bill Frist, and Rep. Lane Evans (D-IL). Joe and Nina Brown, full time
volunteers in Houston, received the Milly Kondracke Award for Outstanding
Advocacy. |
