Deacon Gene Smith Honored With Founders’ Award
Deacon Gene Smith Honored With Founders’ Award
September 18, 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Society of St. Vincent de Paul National Foundation Honors Deacon Gene Smith With Founders’ Award
At the Society of St. Vincent de Paul’s recent National Assembly in St. Louis MO, the SVdP National Foundation honored former National President Deacon Gene Smith of San Rafael CA with the Founder’s Award.
The National Foundation works to support the work of the National Council and strengthens the Vincentian network of charity through financial support and other endeavors. Their award recognizes Smith’s exceptional service and outstanding contributions to the National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul.
Smith served a six-year term as National President from 1999 to 2005. Among the hallmarks of his presidency, Smith led the Society through its first strategic plan, and helped implement the Society’s first formal mission statement. He also oversaw establishment of the Voice of the Poor Committee, developed “to uphold Catholic social teaching by researching, validating, documenting, advocating, and promulgating issues related to the condition of the poor and disenfranchised.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT
Jill Pioter
National Council of the United States, Society of St. Vincent de Paul
66 Progress Parkway, St. Louis, MO 63043
phone (314) 576-3993, ext. 204
jpioter@svdpusa.org
1 Comment
It was wonderful to be present when Gene Smith was honored for for his stellar role in the Society. Gene, for as long as I’ve known him, even before he was President, believed that he is a Vincentian 24/7. He, and his lovely wife, Nina continue that today. Congratulations, Gene. You are a gift.