April 13th, 2005

With the honorable Jim Tarbell acting as Master of Ceremonies, board, staff, and friends of Caracole gathered on April 13th at the Columbia Center to celebrate accomplishments and to thank supporters for 17 years of service and loyalty. During opening remarks, board president James Jackson remarked, “Tonight we will celebrate another year in the fight against HIV/AIDS, homelessness and helplessness. Tonight we are going to see some jewels in Cincinnati’s crown – people whose commitment and courage makes a difference in our community.”

Highlighting the evening were three awards which honor outstanding service to the Caracole community. The Caracole Living Award, for persons who have made a significant contribution to persons living with HIV/AIDS, was presented to the Imperial Sovereign Queen City Court of the Buckeye Empire; over the past 14 years, the I.S.Q.C.C.B.E. has raised over $100,000 for Caracole services. The first ever Melissa Lanier Award, given to a volunteer who has gone above and beyond serving residents of Caracole, was presented to Dr. Cori Yeager. Dr. Yeager is a psychologist who volunteers time at the Recovery Community on a regular basis counseling residents and leading groups. The Sister Grace Murphy Award, given to a board member who has made a special contribution, was awarded to Carol Boymel for her years of committed service on the Caracole Board of Trustees.