“She's quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.”
~ Proverbs 31:20

Deb's husband Jeff and daughters Katie and Abbi accept the award on her behalf

On February 6, 2009, HOPE worldwide lost one of its finest volunteers when Deb Rawls passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Her impact on her community and on HOPE worldwide as an organization will never be forgotten. Deb’s caring spirit continues to inspire volunteers in Minneapolis/St. Paul and other HOPE worldwide programs throughout the country. It was with a deep sense of gratitude and humility that she was honored posthumously at the HOPE worldwide Global Summit as 2009 Volunteer of the Year.

Deb served as program director of HOPE worldwide – Minnesota for 11 years. As a devoted and hard-working servant of the organization, Deb’s impact has been felt throughout the Minneapolis/St. Paul region as she has helped save more than 1,100 lives through organizing blood drives with our partner, the American Red Cross for more than 10 years. Deb also helped organize dinners for families in need through the Loaves and Fishes, Feed My Starving Children and Waite House Thanksgiving programs. Even while battling cancer, Deb continued to serve the Minneapolis community through the Summer Fun Read and Run Program, Toys for Tots and other special programs for children and senior citizens.

Tim Rawls, Deb’s husband, and their two daughters, Katie and Abbi, accepted the award on her behalf.  We at HOPE worldwide consider it a blessing to have known and served with Deb Rawls. She was truly a woman of noble character.