ATLANTA—Recognizing St. Vincent de Paul Society volunteers who have exemplified distinguished service to people in need, the Society recently presented its 2000 Top Hat Awards.

Ed and Ellen Warnecke of the SVdP conference at St. Jude the Apostle Church in Atlanta and Gerry Deckbar, a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church conference in Atlanta, were presented with the award at the Society’s annual Spring to Life event.

The Warneckes have been members of SVdP for 25 years. Demonstrations of their kind acts include buying flowers for an elderly client while on their way to a home visit, buying groceries for a woman living in a motel with her children and making arrangements with a gas station to obtain gas and car repairs for clients. Treating the person in need with respect appears to be the couple’s creed.

“They are caring, loving people who are the epitome of the SVdP volunteer,” said Elizabeth Leavitt, co-conference president. “They treat everyone who seeks help as someone special—going above and beyond to make their clients feel special.”

Deckbar was instrumental in starting the IHM conference 30 years ago. He has served as Council president, conference president and most recently as conference spiritual advisor.

An architect by trade, Deckbar has helped SVdP with all facets of building and design and was very involved in helping the Council office in the major undertaking of moving to its new location on Chamblee Tucker Road. The father of six and grandfather of 13, he has also given the archdiocese extensive service, helping in education, Catholic Social Services and liturgy.

“Gerry has guided our conference to a whole new level of spirituality and fosters togetherness by his humility and unselfish attitude,” IHM Conference President Dick Valentino said.