Clifton Chamber honors Ferguson, Harr at 2024 banquet

• Courtesy Photo By Clifton Chamber of Commerce

The Clifton Chamber of Commerce recognized two outstanding individuals during the 54th annual Clifton Chamber of Commerce Banquet at Texas Safari Ranch on Saturday, February 24.

In front of a huge crowd, Patricia Ferguson was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award; Kathy Harr, with the Community Service Award.

The Hulen Aars Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual that shows diversity in the community, is positive and progressive in community spirit, exemplifies leadership, is committed, dedicated, and has supported chamber goals, and a resident of Clifton for at least 20 years.

In his presentation, B.C. Bennett recounted Ferguson’s numerous activities, attested to her steadfast character, and support of all things Bosque County and Clifton.

Ferguson currently serves on the boards of the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, the Aggie Bar Association, the Bosque Museum, and the State Bar’s Grievance Committee.

Ferguson has stepped up in times of great need, serving as the president of the Bosque Museum when the executive director left suddenly and when the museum’s Horn Shelter exhibit was being reimagined and recreated.

Bennett said Ferguson twice served as president of the Clifton Lions Club, served on the Chamber board and served as Chamber president in 2017.

Bennett noted that she was the first woman to be asked and/ or allowed to ‘flip pancakes’ at the Lions Club pancake suppers. She has taken a special interest, serving as a counselor for over 20 years at Camp Janus, a camp for children who survived burns.

“Not unlike her father and her brother, she is that person you ask to do the job because you want it done right the first time,” he said. “She will complete the job with little fanfare, no regard to personal credit or attention, and will have already moved on to the next project drawing little attention to her efforts.”

She is an avid outdoorswoman, a photographer, an inveterate traveler, a local business owner, and a woman who values her family and friends.

The Community Service Award carries the same weight as the Lifetime Achievement Award with the added criteria that the recipient has lived in Clifton for a shorter period.

In his presentation of the Community Service Award to Harr, Doug Perschke said her community spirit is “off the charts.”

Harr has served and supported the Bosque Arts Center, Bosque Museum, the Bosque Civic Music Association, the First Presbyterian Church in Clifton, Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels, the Clifton Food Bank, the Clifton Angel Tree, and Clifton’s Wreaths Across America, the latter of which honors fallen veterans in December.

“Each of these organizations is central to what defines Clifton as the community it is,” Perschke said.

Perschke highlighted Harr’s role in launching and growing the bingo games as an important fundraiser for the BAC and expanding the Wreaths Across America footprint into Turnersville in neighboring Coryell County.

Perschke closed on a personal note, thanking Harr -- as well as her husband Steve -- for their efforts as an unceasing ambassador for the Clifton and Bosque County area.

“Just a few days short of 11 years ago, Paula and I officially became part of the community in Bosque County. But prior to that, Kathy and Steve were gracious in their hospitality and proud to show us the merits of Clifton and the beauty of the surrounding areas,” he said.

He continued, “We were convinced and have been proud members of the community ever since. It’s not just her formal volunteer efforts that have benefited Clifton and the community, but her informal efforts have impacted the community as well.”

“Thank you, Kathy, for your past efforts and actions to serve the Clifton community. Thank you for all you continue to do today, and thank you for what you plan to do in the future,” he concluded.

Following the awards presentation, the chamber members held a live auction that raised money on behalf of the Clifton Chamber.

Rockin’ K & C served the dinner; entertainment was by Chad Holt and the Chizlers.

About the Chamber

The mission of the Clifton Chamber of Commerce is the promotion of trade, civic improvements, positive business and consumer relationships, industrial growth, tourism, and other aspects that help insure the present and future growth of Clifton.