Hello, my name is Ali Painter. My Grandma Ruth Stanton is 94 years old and has volunteered in her community and for this nation all her life. Throughout our generations my family has served America through volunteerism and living purposeful lives. To honor her lifetime dedication and service I am offering a $500.00 grant to the person, family, or organization who most reflects Grandma Ruth’s dedication and life long service. 

Meet Grandma Ruth Stanton

Grandma Ruth has always been a dedicated volunteer who wasn’t afraid of hard work. She is a faithful and kind team player who helped anyone in need and has always put others’ needs above herself. During her life she has volunteered and supported agencies like Habitat For Humanity, Goodwill, and the Red Cross. She has also supported homeless shelters, worked as a drug and alcohol counselor, and donated to various organizations feeding the hungry. She has ministered to the sick at the hospitals and has given financially to those in need.. She has taken in troubled teens and families that needed temporary housing and raised three foster children. For over 80 years she has supported various missionaries through financial support, making quilts, and sending educational supplies. She never misses church and is a prayer warrior for those having problems. My Grandmother taught us all to live purposeful lives and hopefully her example will inspire others to live an accomplished goal driven life so generations will continue to help America stay strong.

How did the Ruth Stanton $500.00 Community Grant Start?

Last Christmas we were doing some last minute shopping in Oroville, California where my Grandparents live. We saw an advertisement asking for food donations and we went inside the store to find out more. There we met an amazing volunteer who inspired us. We stopped our Christmas shopping and went coupon shopping instead (see photo). We told Grandma Ruth of this woman’s compassion toward the less fortunate and commitment to volunteerism. The idea of the Ruth Stanton Community Grant was born.

Later we received a thank-you card with a $20.00 gift certificate for candy. I asked my Grandma to meet this amazing woman and to see if she fit the ideals that Grandma Ruth believes in and if she should be our winner. Both Grandmas were in agreement when they met this kind and generous lady. She is indeed deserving of this honor and will be presented the Ruth Stanton Community Grant of $500.00 on March 9, 2008.

The 2008 Ruth Stanton Community Grant Winner

We are proud to announce the 2008 winner of the Ruth Stanton Community Grant, Catherine Beechen of Riverside, California. When Catherine was very young, her love for music was evident. She joined the church choir and began playing the flute for not only church performances but for shut-ins, the elderly, and the sick. This love for singing has opened many doors for service projects for Catherine. 

She has gone all over the world not only performing her musical arts, but helping in other volunteering opportunities . She especially loves working with children and improving the lives of children.

She has spent many summers building houses in countries like Mexico, Guatemala, and Jamaica. During her mission trips she has had the opportunity to teach English, work as a Vacation Bible School leader, and feed and cloth the poor and work in various orphanages. Catherine is a solid “A” student while also having talents in Swimming, Varsity Volleyball, Basketball, and Softball. 

She has been involved in the Evangelism Club, Environmental Science Club, Pep Club, and Big Sister/Little Sisters. She has spent her summer vacations volunteering at the Orthopedics Department at Kaiser, as an activity leader at a homeless shelter, volunteering for Samaritan’s Purse, working at the Los Angeles Rescue Mission, and at a Los Angles Food Bank, and going on various mission trips. She is involved in weekly Bible studies and church ministry outreach which includes special holiday programs and performances.

Catherine does not seek earthly awards, however she has received The Presidential Gold Award for Community Service, the Optimist Club Youth Appreciation Award and several community service awards from her school. Congratulations Catherine for your lifetime of community service and for all you do for humanity.

Be sure to view our Photo Gallery for winners photos and more!

View the 2007 Grant Winner Information Here>>>