Fernando Trevino (center) accepts the GRACE 2021 President’s Award with GRACE CEO Shonda Schaefer, and GRACEful Buys Manager Nick Vega.
Fernando Trevino claimed the GRACE President’s Award at the August meeting of the Board of Directors. His title is Assistant Manager of GRACEful Buys, but that is only the beginning of his story and his work for GRACE.
As assistant manager of the Grapevine store, Trevino oversees much of the staff and volunteer activities—duties that include serving nearly 7,500 customer and donor visits every year. Yet, he will quickly roll up his sleeves and help load a new couch, dresser, or dining table into a customer’s vehicle.
In her presentation remarks, Board President Traci Bernard lauded Trevino’s ability to handle the many details, schedules, and challenges of the resale store at GRACE
“Fernando has the rare ability to both motivate and encourage,” said President Bernard. “His dedication to GRACE is an inspiration to others in the GRACE family—staff, volunteers, donors and customers.”
After 15 years at GRACE, Trevino has inspired hundreds of others who now share his passion for the GRACE mission. The knowledge he has gained over the years also gives him the ability to work where the need is greatest.
As an example, President Bernard cited his temporary reassignment to the GRACE Food Pantry in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trevino’s work at the Pantry ensured those struggling through furloughs and lay-offs last year had food and necessary supplies for their families.
“Fernando has always been one to go ‘over and above’,” said President Bernard. “With the Food Pantry, in particular, he courageously rose to the occasion and clearly exhibited our core values.”
In accepting the award, Trevino put into words his feelings and appreciation for the GRACE mission.
“I’m honored and humbled to accept the President’s Award,” said Trevino. “Working at GRACE—helping those in need—has always been very rewarding and fulfilling for me.
“I want to extend my appreciation to Shonda Schaefer and the Leadership Team who have always encouraged and supported me. They lead by example and have established a ‘giving’ culture in the workplace.
“I hope I can do this award justice by continuing to work hard and diligently, and continue the amazing work that GRACE does.”
The GRACE President’s Award is given annually to a member of the GRACE staff who most exhibits “excellence in the GRACE Mission and Vision and going above and beyond.” Congratulations to Fernando Trevino, the 2021 President’s Award recipient.
Click Fernando Trevino for more information about GRACEful Buys, or to congratulate him for his President’s Award.
