By J.J. Smith. Nov. 14 was proclaimed “Margo Nielsen Day” by City of Heath Mayor John Ratcliffe in recognition of  her 20 years of service to Rockwall County residents as Executive Director of Rockwall Helping Hands during a community appreciation evening hosted Nov. 14 at Heath Salon and Spa.

The event was a finale to a week-long schedule of activities presented by Heath Salon and Spa that raised more than $9,000 for the Helping Hands Medical Facility.

“Margo Nielsen joined Helping Hands in 1989 and has since provided creative leadership, overseeing the growth of the agency from three to thirty employees with a current annual budget of $1,800,000,” said Mayor Ratcliffe, as he presented Mrs. Nielsen with a proclamation declaring Nov. 14 as “Margo Nielsen Day” in the City of Heath.

Rockwall County has experienced tremendous growth during Mrs. Nielsen’s tenure, and she has courageously and consistently inspired the community to care for neighbors in need, Mr. Ratcliffe said.

Mrs. Nielsen has led Helping Hands, its staff and volunteers in improving its facilities and providing services through the Thrift Stores, Health Center, Assistance and Referrals and the  Food Pantry.

Mayor Ratcliffe noted that Nielsen’s name has become synonymous with the mission of Helping Hands:

Helping the dependent become independent; helping the needy to improve the quality of their lives; helping individuals and families to find supportive resources; and helping the advantaged to find meaningful ways to serve.

Pictured above from left are Mayor John Ratcliffe, Margo Nielsen and Heath Hair Salon and Spa owner Juana French.

The official proclamation reads as follows:

City of Heath, Texas

 PROCLAMATION

WHEREAS, in 1977 through the vision and initiative of Heath resident Robert Reeves and other dedicated Rockwall area residents, the foundation was laid for Helping Hands to provide compassionate care to those in our community in critical need; and

WHEREAS, the City of Heath values the enormous contribution of Helping Hands to the well-being of our community; and

WHEREAS, Margo Nielsen joined Helping Hands in 1989 and has since provided creative leadership, overseeing the growth of the agency from three to thirty employees with a current annual budget of $1,800,000, improving the facilities of the agency and providing service through the Thrift Stores, Health Center, Assistance and Referrals and Food Pantry; and

WHEREAS, the last twenty years have brought tremendous growth in Rockwall County and the City of Heath and Margo Nielsen has courageously and consistently inspired our community to care for our neighbors in need; and

WHEREAS, because of her enduring character and commitment, Margo Nielsen’s name has become synonymous with the mission of Helping Hands: “helping the dependent become independent; helping the needy to improve the quality of their lives; helping individuals and families to find supportive resources; and helping the advantaged to find meaningful ways to serve; and

Whereas, the residents of the City of Heath proudly call Margo Nielsen, neighbor and friend and wish to join in the celebration of Margo Nielsen’s twenty years of service and dedication,

NOW THEREFORE I, the Mayor of the City of Heath, do hereby proclaim November 14, 2009 as

 Margo Nielsen Day

 in the City of Heath and urge all citizens of Heath to recognize her accomplishments and contributions to our community and encourage citizen support for Helping Hands.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and have caused the Seal of the  City of Heath, Texas, to be affixed this 14^th day of November, 2009.

______________________________

                                                                                                         John Ratcliffe, Mayor