News & Events

ECS Annual Meeting

On Tuesday, April 8, in the beautiful fireside room at the Church of St. John the Evangelist, ECS Board President, Harlan Strong (St. Edward the Confessor) welcomed more than 70 guests to ECS’ Annual Meeting and Celebration.  The inspirational words from the Rev. Frank Wilson, the Rev. Spenser Simrill, the Rev. Andrew Waldo, and Executive Director, Frank Vardeman, surely touched all who were in attendance. 

“Many made note that they thought it was one of the best [ECS] annual meetings they attended,” said Brian Crist, ECS Board member. 

The evening honored ECS friends, staff, and supporters who have given of their time and talent to the agency over the past year.  Christ Presbyterian Church in Edina received the award for Church of the Year, while the Cathedral of St. Mark’s Bag Lunch Committee was recognized as the Volunteer Group of the Year.  ECS volunteers Rex Gaskill (St. John the Baptist), Cindy Bertheau (St. Christopher’s, Roseville) and Pat Brynteson (St. John the Evangelist) were recognized as the individual Volunteers of the Year. 

The Rev. Andrew Waldo paid tribute to fellow parishioner and dear friend, Sue Veazie, who was named ECS Employee of the Year.  Sue serves as the Ready for Success Program Manager for ECS.  With great emotion, Sue accepted her award, acknowledging the support she receives from so many others that make her work at RFS possible.  Sue’s words of thanks evidenced her compassion for, and dedication to, the clients, volunteers and staff of Ready for Success. 

As ECS Board member, Lynne Whitacre, (St. Edward’s the Confessor) shared, “It was a very inspirational meeting – the people there were very aware of the difficult year that has just passed; however, all felt inspired about the good works that ECS is still doing and will continue to do in the years ahead.”