Exchange Club recognizes Hallum’s volunteer service
Citing her tireless service to the community, the McMinnville Noon Exchange Club honored Bettye Hallum with the Humanitarian of the Year Award Tuesday evening.
“Ms. Hallum exemplifies what this award is all about,” said Exchange president Bryan Denton. “She has not sought out recognition or publicity for her work, but instead has quietly gone about helping others without expecting anything in return.”
The award is given annually to a person who has served others in the community. The Exchange Club looks for people who might otherwise not be recognized for their good work.
In honoring Hallum during special ceremonies Tuesday at The Inn at Harvest Farms, Denton noted her many volunteer endeavors which include work with the Lazarus House and Relay For Life. Her husband, A.P. Hallum, passed away after a battle with cancer. The two had helped run the family business, Mountain Creek Nursery. Prior to operating the nursery, Hallum was a nurse, serving under Drs. Moore and Smoot.
In addition to her volunteer work with the Relay for Life and Lazarus House, Hallum is also a champion for the prevention of abuse, serving on the Families in Crisis board of directors. She also serves on the Upper Cumberland Social Services Agency, and with Pacesetters.
“It’s not just one thing she’s involved with, but instead, a staggering number of programs,” Denton said. “It’s tireless service like hers which makes the world a better place.”
As is tradition, Hallum was not aware she was to receive the award. She was led to believe she was there to help honor someone else.
In other awards conferred by the Noon Exchange Club, Jenny Jacobs was honored for her sponsorship of the EXCEL club at the high school while Ken and Leda Roberts were given Lifetime Achievement Awards for their service for Exchange. Melissa Stover was given the Exchangite of the Year Award.