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| Bonnie Grissett (right) beside Carmen Godwin |
We regret to inform you that Bonnie Grissett, who as past Executive Director of RAP guided the organization and the Historic District through some of its most significant achievements, passed away this afternoon after a long-battle with breast cancer.
Bonnie was the face of Riverside Avondale Preservation for 16 years--almost half of the organization's history. She was a dedicated, knowledgeable and passionate voice for the neighborhoods she loved so well. She oversaw the successful designation of Riverside Avondale as a local historic district, and helped ensure that big corporations (such as St. Vincent's and Publix) that were planning projects designed to improve services to the neighborhood also upheld the area's historical integrity.
If you've ever enjoyed the beauty of Luminaria, or patronized the Riverside Arts Festival, or strolled through houses on RAP's Spring Tour of Homes, you've taken part in projects in which Bonnie played an integral role. Bonnie led by example and--as anyone who worked with her can attest--her commitment to RAP made her a difficult person to disappoint. Because of Bonnie, the board members and myriad volunteers of RAP cared a little more and worked a little harder. On the occasion of her retirement in February of 2008, even the Times Union's Charlie's Patton saw reason to laud her accomplishments.
She will most certainly be missed. We wish her family strength and blessings during this difficult time.
1 comment:
Bonnie was so inspiring that upon the sale of my business, I immediately began working for Bonnie. As a volunteer of course. I loved both her sense of mission and her sense of humor. Bonnie kept pulling me into projects and encouraged me to serve on the board. I'm now proud to serve at Vice Chair- Membership and Development for Riverside Avondale Preservation. I miss you Bonnie.
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