Jay Hall ~ 2016 Bell Award Winner

Jay, wife Shelley, and son Wade at the award presentation.
 

Dear Vincentian Family,

Please join me in congratulating Jay Hall, President of the St. Anthony of Padua Conference.
Jay was named as one of the 2016 Bell Award Winners on October 21, 2016. He was
recognized for his work with the Little League, forming the lives of young people in the Clarksville, Indiana area and most importantly for his work with the St. Anthony of Padua
Food Pantry, serving those in need of food for themselves and their families.

Donna S. Young
Director, Conference Affairs and Volunteer Services, St. Vincent de Paul, Louisville, Kentucky
_______________

What a night! Here's my story. Late last year, one of the parents of a boy I coached at baseball five years ago thought I'd be a good candidate for a Bell Award and started digging to get more background on me. My wife Shelley got in the mix and contacted people that have known me the longest, and had them send letters to WLKY and the Spirit of Louisville Foundation. A friend in Mississippi that I volunteered with at a Catholic youth camp, Camp Ondessonk in Southern Illinois, a work friend, family, and some parents of current players of mine all wrote letters supporting my nomination. I was shocked and totally unaware this was going on and equally surprised when I got a certified letter telling me I won.

They wanted to recognize me for my work at the St. Vincent de Paul Society at St. Anthony as President and for my volunteer coaching and my Clarksville Little League board position.
It was an overwhelming, humbling, and inspiring ceremony to be honored in such a way—especially for someone who prefers to work behind the scenes.

I was privileged to meet and speak with Lonnie Ali and several WLKY personalities and to be thanked by Louisville Mayor Fischer. The awards ceremony is scheduled to air on WLKY on October 29, 2016 uninterrupted between 8:00–9:00 pm and you will be able to see where I
gave an acceptance speech thanking everyone and included Fr. Joe and the parishioners of
St. Anthony for their generosity toward St. Vincent de Paul. An experience I'll long remember.
       
     —Jay Hall