BY CHRISTINE PRICE
Gazette Newspapers
PAINESVILLE – The spirit of volunteerism and community compassion took center stage earlier this month, as Forbes House announced the creation of the “Patty Perry Heart of Service Award,” a new annual recognition honoring someone whose dedication reflects a deep commitment to serving others.
The award was established to celebrate the extraordinary legacy of longtime volunteer and community advocate Patty Perry, whose years of service and leadership have had a lasting effects throughout Lake County, and especially within Forbes House, an organization supporting survivors of domestic violence.
According to Forbes House Executive Director Kathy Strancar, the award recognizes the passion, generosity and hard work Perry has demonstrated throughout her life.
“Patty is known for her creativity, joyful, positive spirit and kind heart,” Strancar said. “The Mother’s Day Tea exists because Patty believed in creating something beautiful and meaningful that would support survivors while bringing people together. Her compassion, creativity and servant leadership energize and inspire all.”
Five years ago, Perry envisioned and launched the Forbes House Mother’s Day Tea, which has since grown into one of the organization’s signature fundraising events.
What began as a passion project has evolved into a beloved annual tradition bringing mothers, daughters and community members together in support of survivors and families served by Forbes House.
Perry’s volunteer efforts also extend throughout the community.
She played a key role in helping develop the popular Women United Winterfest Wine Pull fundraiser for United Way of Lake County, an event recognized for both its creativity and fundraising success.
The inaugural Patty Perry Heart of Service Award was presented to Perry herself during the fifth annual Forbes House Mother’s Day Tea, held May 8 at Mentor Harbor Yachting Club.
The surprise announcement was met with applause and a standing ovation from attendees.
“I am deeply honored to be the first recipient of the Patty Perry Heart of Service Award,” Perry said. “To have this award carry my name is incredibly meaningful, but what matters most is the message behind it: that service, compassion and giving back can truly strengthen a community.”
A resident of Mentor, Perry is widely recognized throughout Lake County for her dedication to philanthropy, volunteerism and nonprofit leadership.
Through her work with ProMark Enterprises LLC and numerous community organizations, she has become a driving force behind initiatives supporting local families and individuals in need.
A graduate of Leadership Lake County’s Class of 1998, Perry has received several honors for her service, including the 2023 Matthew A. Logies Ambassador Award from United Way of Lake County, the 2021 Outstanding Woman of the Year Award from Women United and the 2019 Power of One Award.
Forbes House officials said the Patty Perry Heart of Service Award will now be presented annually to volunteers whose dedication reflects the same empathy, humility and commitment to community that Perry has modeled throughout her life.
