March 20, 2025 – “Love Leaves a Legacy,” and LOA’s 53rd Annual Meeting celebrated the incredible legacy that continues to unfold thanks to those dedicated to helping older persons in our community. With WDBJ7 ’s Natalie Faunce as our emcee, and held in the beautiful Fitzpatrick Hall of the Jefferson Center, we enjoyed a delicious lunch by Blue Ridge Catering and remarks by our President & CEO Ron Boyd and incoming Chair of the Board of Directors Ezra Amiss.
The Babe and Sidney Lewis Memorial Award was presented to P1 Technologies, for their significant philanthropic support of seniors in the greater Roanoke Valley.
For outstanding volunteer service, we presented the Helen I. Phelps Memorial Award to Delta Dental of Virginia, for their dedication to volunteering and supporting LOA.
The Staff Award was presented to the F.R.E.E. Foundation of Virginia, for their significant and tangible contributions to seniors, especially those under-served and most at risk of losing their independence, through their close collaboration with the LOA in providing donated medical equipment to needy seniors.
We also honored the legacy of Susan B. Williams who served as the Executive Director/CEO of LOA for almost three decades. The tragedy and senseless act of her passing do not overshadow her benevolent contributions, leadership, and service to the greater Roanoke Valley. To acknowledge her contributions and honor Susan for future generations the Board of Directors announced the Susan B. Williams Humanitarian Award which will be given at future Annual Meetings. This award will be given in recognition of exemplary service to those less fortunate, the forgotten, and the under-served in the greater Roanoke Valley.
In addition, the floral centerpieces at each table were in honor of Susan. Following the closure of the meeting, to honor Susan’s legacy of love, we asked that a person at each table take and deliver the flower arrangement to a homebound senior.