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This year Carmichael Rotary’s Vocational Service Director has the privilege of honoring individuals who make extraordinary contributions in our community and we have honored a Police Officer and a Teacher. We are honored to pay tribute to someone, who in her retirement, continues to make a difference in our community.
The recipient of this years’ Service Above Self Award is Mrs. Terryl Summers. Mrs. Summers is a native of Sacramento and has lived in the Arden Arcade and Carmichael areas since 1958. She has two children and five grandchildren. She graduated from Rio Americano High School; earned a BA at California State University, Sacramento and a master’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She earned education credentials from California State University, Sacramento; University of San Francisco; University of San Diego and the University of the Pacific.
Before her retirement, Terryl spent her 32-year career in the Elk Grove Unified School District. In addition, Terryl has spent many years volunteering in the Community first as a Candy Striper at Sutter Hospital, then with the Junior League of Sacramento and at the Carmichael Food Locker. Terryl is an active member of the Carmichael Presbyterian Church; and since 2010, she has served as the Director of their Food Distribution Program. She oversees 180 volunteers. In 1984, the Food Locker served 43,000 meals and in 2018, the number increased to 171,000 meals. We think you will agree that Terryl has made a significant difference in the lives of many Carmichael residents.
The pastor of Carmichael Presbyterian Church, Keith DeVries, shared some additional information about Terryl and her work at his church.
Pastor Keith said that he met Mrs. Summers while working on the club’s Christmas Basket Project when Chairman Rich Plath asked him to find ways to give some extra food away. Not only did Mrs. Summers accept the extra food baskets, she accepted 10 boxes to feed ten families of four which included turkeys and all the trimming for a holiday feast. Her operation, which I believe, is a year-long commitment, makes you proud there are people like Terryl serving the community in such an admirable way
Rich Plath said that he is well acquainted with the Carmichael’s Presbyterian food closet and the good work that they do for the community. They have collaborated with our Holiday food baskets program, which is very much appreciated by our Club.
Terryl was then invited to come up and receive a plaque from the Carmichael Rotary Club as “Service above Self” award person of the year.
Terryl said a few words, thanking our Club for this gratifying award and talked a little about her work. She said they have a community garden which donates fresh produce for their clients in the area and the Food Bank donates up to 6-7 tons of food. Also, though off the subject, Mrs. Summers confessed to owning 6 Mini Coopers, one of which is from 1963. (B.E.’s additional notes)
President Greg also gave Mrs. Summers a recent book by Carmichael’s own Susan Skinner and told her that the Carmichael Rotary Club would be donating a book to the Carmichael Library in her name.
You can access the food bank by going to: www.carmichaelpres.org/mission-outreach/carmichael-food-closet/