2023 Employee Appreciation Awards
Recognition of Holy Angels Award Recipients
Regina moody receives honorary doctorate
Belmont Abbey College Recognizes Regina Moody with Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters
The degree of Doctor of Humane Letters is awarded to those who have distinguished themselves through humanitarian and philanthropic contributions to society.
Regina was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters for her decades of work with the differently able.
Abbot Placid Solari stated in his presentation of the Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters, “For the witness of a life inspired by her faith, her fidelity to her vocation as wife and mother, her leadership in her professional and civic communities and for her exemplary service as a champion and advocate for the differently able, Belmont Abbey College bestows on Regina Moody the Degree of Doctor of Humane Letters.”
REGINA MOODY inducted to the GASTON COUNTY SPORTS HALL OF FAME
Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame Honors Regina Moody with Marshall Rauch Humanitarian Award
Holy Angels proudly announces that President Emeritus, Regina Moody, has been awarded the prestigious Marshall Rauch Humanitarian Award at the Gaston County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony.
The Marshall Rauch Humanitarian Award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated exemplary commitment and dedication to improving the lives of others. This distinguished recognition acknowledges the profound impact Moody has made throughout her career, transforming the lives of countless individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and advocating for their inclusion and empowerment.
Moody's tireless efforts to enhance the quality of life for people with disabilities have been instrumental in Holy Angels' success and expansion over the years. Under her visionary leadership, the organization has grown to become a nationally recognized provider of comprehensive services, offering residential care, medical support, and therapeutic programs to individuals with diverse abilities.
“I am deeply humbled to receive the Marshall Rauch Humanitarian Award. This award is a testament to the dedication of the entire Holy Angels community, whose collective efforts have allowed us to provide unparalleled care and support to individuals with disabilities. I share this recognition with our remarkable staff, volunteers, and supporters, without whom our mission would not be possible.”
Holy Angels Bestows “Emeritus” Title
Regina Moody and Dr. C. Ellis Fisher receive the honor
During its annual Grazie Mille weekend – a time for extending one-thousand thanks – Holy Angels awarded two lifelong stalwarts of the organization the title of Emeritus. The two honorees have a combined 85 years of service providing loving care and opportunities for the differently able.
“These are two of Holy Angels’ finest soldiers who fought the good fight for the people who we call our angels. ”
Regina Moody Named President Emeritus
Dr. C. Ellis Fisher Named Medical Director Emeritus
Regina Moody Named President Emeritus
After 40 years as president and CEO of Holy Angels, Regina Moody was named President Emeritus in recognition of her lifetime dedication to the residents and staff of Holy Angels.
Under Regina’s direction, Holy Angels thrived throughout the last 40 years. Our organization expanded, both in size and those served, and grew its operating budget from $500,000 to more than $19 million. Our nonprofit also became a national example for innovative leadership in establishing workforce opportunities for the differently able. Regina has worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma associated with people with disabilities; she has displayed and encouraged, by her example, dignity and respect for all of God’s children – able bodied or differently able.
Regina Moody alongside Bishop Curlin, of the Diocese of Charlotte, tending to the medical, educational, vocational, spiritual, and emotional needs of holy angels residents.
“You have heard the scripture, ‘To whom much is given, much will be required.’ Regina has truly been given much. She has been blessed with integrity, talents, wisdom, knowledge and compassion – and she has used those gifts to benefit others. Selfless and humble, Regina has tirelessly and passionately been the voice for the differently able at Holy Angels.”
In recognition of her heartfelt service to Holy Angels, Regina received the honor of President Emeritus among her peers, friends and supporters during Grazie Mille, hosted Nov. 19 at Grand Hall in Mount Holly. Although she formally retired from her post earlier this year, Regina continues to serve our nonprofit through continued leadership and service in a lighter capacity.
Dr. C. Ellis Fisher Named Medical Director Emeritus
Also receiving this lifelong honor at Grazie Mille – Dr. C. Ellis Fisher, Holy Angels’ medical director for 45 years.
Dr. Fisher and a nursing staff member, tending to the medical needs of a holy angels resident.
“God gave Ellis the medical knowledge and a huge heart to help care for our residents.”
During his lengthy tenure with Holy Angels, Dr. Fisher shared his medical expertise with nursing staff, creating a standard of excellence in caring for the residents of Holy Angels who are medically fragile. He is known for his caring and compassionate heart, unwavering devotion and consistent dependability. Even in retirement, Fisher continues to offer care at Holy Angels, supporting our medical practitioners as they provide the best care possible for our residents.
HOLY ANGELS' PRESIDENT REGINA MOODY AND SENATOR KATHY HARRINGTON HONORED WITH THEIR LEGACY OF LOVE AWARDS on November 19 at the annual Grazie Mille Starlight Gala. .
Regina Moody, President of
HOLY ANGELS
A Legacy of Leadership
For her 40-plus years of dedication and service to the differently able of Holy Angels – marked by immense growth, compassionate care and decades of dignified servitude – Regina is a recipient of our Legacy of Love award.
“Regina’s leadership, joy, faith and devotion will be forever remembered with heartfelt gratitude by those who she worked alongside, aided across 40 years of service and encountered through her many community commitments.
Regina has truly shared a lifetime with Holy Angels: a lifetime with a ripple effect across the lives of countless others. It’s an effect that will last many lifetimes. Her influence is forever cemented into the history of Holy Angels.”
Under her direction, Holy Angels became a national example for innovative leadership in establishing workforce opportunities for the differently able. She has worked tirelessly to reduce the stigma associated with people with disabilities and create dignity and respect for each and every one of God’s children.
Senator Kathy Harrington
HONORING A SERVANT LEADER
Senator Harrington is the North Carolina’s first female elected as majority leader in the North Carolina Senate. In her role, she has offered a voice to the voiceless, opened doors and created opportunities to effectively serve her constituents, including our residents at Holy Angels. Harrington is currently serving her sixth term in the Senate with plans to retire at the end of this term.
She is a devoted advocate for Holy Angels, helping to secure much-needed state funding to fulfill our mission of supporting the differently able.
“Saying Kathy is a servant leader is an understatement. She embodies a leader who earnestly listens and humbly strives to serve others. She leads by example lifting people up to reach common goals together. Her values are ones of faith, family, respect, hard work and helping others.
Kathy is not just a strong voice for Holy Angels, but she is a friend, she and her devoted husband, former N.C. Rep. Michael Harrington, support our residents through their time, talents and treasure. Kathy exemplifies servant leadership, and we wish her all the best in her retirement from politics.”
Holy Angels’ Sr. Nancy Nance Wins PRSA “Pegasus” Award for Lifetime Achievement
Holy Angels is thrilled to announce that Sr. Nancy Nance (a Sister of Mercy) received the “Pegasus Award” from the Public Relations Society of America Charlotte Chapter. This award is the highest honor given to individuals outside of the public relations profession. Since 1991, this award goes to a civic, nonprofit, education or business leader in the Charlotte region who demonstrates superior knowledge and use of public relations for the betterment of our community.
Sr. Nancy was responsible for all internal and external communications, community relations, crisis communications and fundraising. On top of her “day” job, Sr. Nancy also helped to open Cherubs Café in 1997 and also lived in a community group home offering additional support to those residents.
“Sr. Nancy is Holy Angels. She exemplified what it meant to serve others. Sr. Nancy did whatever was asked and always worked to improve the lives of our residents. Not only do I consider her a confidant, but she is a great friend. Sr. Nancy is so deserving of this award which recognizes her remarkable lifetime of supporting the differently able.”
“In her 37 years as the chief storyteller for Holy Angels, no one has been a bigger champion for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities who are medically fragile than Sr. Nancy Nance. She has helped to share the mission of Holy Angels with people around the world, through compassionate storytelling, strong relationships with the media and a persistence and determination seen by few others.”
Sr. Nancy Nance, RSM, current Board Member and Retired, Vice President of Community Relations at Holy Angels.
“It means a lot to be recognized for my lifetime of work sharing the story of this amazing organization. I didn’t choose Holy Angels. Holy Angels chose me. This has been my calling, and it was such a fulfilling mission.”
Holy Angels TAKES home PRSA’s best digital/social media award for its “Greenhouse of Hope” campaign
Shawn Flynn, Holy Angels’ Chief RESOURCE Development Officer
Holy Angels took home the best digital/social media award for its “Greenhouse of Hope” campaign promoting the Spring Plant Sale which benefits the Horticulture Therapy program.
This therapy program began more than a quarter century ago under the leadership of Regina Moody, and has proven to be very powerful in engaging the residents. This therapy has been proven to help physical functioning along with decreasing the levels of anxiety, depression and stress.
During the campaign, a social media post supporting the Spring Plant sale went viral and helped the plant sale see a 700% increase in year over year sales. Chief Program Director Elena Benedict and Creative Arts Director Gaye Dimmick oversee this program.
“Horticulture therapy is working with the plants and having a true relationship with plants,” said Director of Horticulture Ed Brogdon. “The residents get to touch the dirt, plant the seeds, water the soil and experience the plant grow and bloom. There’s a connection there. There is something magical about growing plants and Holy Angels.”
“It’s an honor to receive this award amidst a highly competitive field of hallmark brands and advertising agencies.”
Holy Angels presented with the Montcross Area Chamber of Commerce Public Service Award
Regina Moody, HOLY ANGELS’ President (pictured far left) and Kerri Massey, HOLY ANGELs’ CEO (pictured 2nd from the right) among award recipients of Gaston County’s Front Line Heroes public service award.
The Harley B. Gaston Jr. Public Service Award, named for a founder of the Chamber who served many years as an attorney and judge in Gaston County, this year was presented to all local health care workers who are fighting on the front lines to save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic. Accepting the award were representatives of Kintegra Health, CaroMont Health, Atrium Health and Holy Angels.
“We’re pleased to present this award in recognition of all who tirelessly and courageously serve our healthcare needs as front-line heroes. Never was their heroic service been more critically needed than during the COVID pandemic.”
Long Leaf Pine Award,
Regina Moody
North Carolina Senator Kathy Harrington presented the Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award to Holy Angels current President and past CEO, Regina Moody.
In her remarks Senator Harrington noted, “Mrs. Moody’s service to the community as a special education teacher, elementary school principal and most notably as the President and Chief Executive Officer of Holy Angels, has been impressive and resulted in a lasting impact in North Carolina. She has been a strong advocate for persons with disabilities for over 47 years as she has carried out her vision of inclusion for all of North Carolina’s most vulnerable citizens.”
As a servant leader, she has focused on the needs of others and provided the support needed to help them succeed. Ms. Moody has mentored and invested her time supporting many young leaders – at Holy Angels as well as within the North Carolina IDD community. She has served in leadership roles through the NC Providers Council, NORCARR (NC Association of Residential Resources) and The Ability Experience (fund raising arm for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity).
For Regina it has always been about service and making a difference in the lives of the children and adults served at Holy Angels; in the organizations and projects she has supported – be it higher education, accessible recreational parks and play grounds, or encouraging young leaders.
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine is one of the most prestigious awards conferred by the Governor of North Carolina.
