The Arc to award 'above-and-beyond' supporters with Dove Awards at July 26 banquet

The Arc Anderson County has announced the 2024 winners of the Dove Award, recognizing individuals and companies who have gone above and beyond in their support of those with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.

The annual awards banquet will be at 6 p.m. July 26 at the Emory Valley Center, a news release said. Tickets can be purchased at: TheArcAndersonCounty.org/dove-awards .

These are the honorees, according to the release:

• Nisha Kala, and her son, Acen , have partnered with the Arc on several mission projects, including creating kits for the homeless and assisting with a food drive for a local food bank. Nisha also promotes the purchase of the Kind Grind, a special blend of coffee, the proceeds from which support the Arc. The Arc recognizes Nisha and Acen Kala with the Dove Award for their energetic and innovative efforts.
• Bee Childress is known cordially as "Ms. Bee" to her co-workers. Ms. Bee is the human resource coordinator at Food City Oak Ridge, a position she has held for approximately 10 years. Ms. Bee has had a hand in hiring everyone who works at the local Food City. She works directly with individuals to find ways they can be successful. She works with job coaches if they are needed and works transition plans with individuals so they can become fully independent contributing employees.
• Katie and Andy Varney, owners of Andy’s Pizza and More , have provided meals to those less fortunate, hired individuals with disabilities, and worked with the Arc to provide meaningful content as well as meals to Arc participants. Katie and Andy, from the first day they opened their business in Oak Ridge, welcomed all people and sought out ways to contribute in the community. Katie, originally from Lake City, worked with the Arc in New Jersey for many years before moving back to Tennessee. The Arc recognizes Katie and Andy Varney with the Dove Award for their exceptional community support.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: The Arc to award 'above-and-beyond' supporters with Dove Awards at July 26 banquet