BELMONT — During the recent Annual “Grazie Mille ... A Weekend of 1000 Thanks,” Holy Angels presented its Legacy of Love Award – established in 2016 to honor those individuals who have made a lasting impact on Holy Angels and the residents they serve, leaving a legacy to be long remembered.
The award was bestowed posthumously on Richard Penegar Nov. 18 during the Grazie Mille Gala at the Mt. Holly Grand Hall. Penegar’s wife Lucy, son Mark and the entire Penegar family were on hand to accept the award.
Penegar retired from Holy Angels Board of Directors in 2003, after serving for 45 years. According to Regina Moody, Holy Angels’ president and CEO, “Richard was making room for new ideas and younger members and ideas. He left us in good hands – he recruited his son-in-law Mike Deely (who continues to serve as a board member).”
Throughout his life and in his quiet way Penegar made a difference – not only at Holy Angels, but throughout Gaston County. He served as an advocate and was a voice for those who couldn’t speak for themselves. In a period of growth at Holy Angels, he shared his special brand of wisdom. And always he would say – “it’s for the children.” He left a lasting impact on Holy Angels and the residents who are served – leaving a legacy to be long remembered.
Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy. The private, nonprofit corporation located in Belmont provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities with delicate medical conditions.
The CARF accredited programs include Holy Angels Morrow Center, the McAuley Residences (Fox Run ICF/MR group homes (three six-bed), Belhaven ICF/MR group home (15-bed), Moody Place ICF/MR group home (15-bed), four community group homes, Great Adventures, Camp Hope, and four businesses – Cherubs Café, Cotton Candy Factory and, soon to open, Bliss Gallery in downtown Belmont and Cherubs Market, Cramerton (providing meaningful job opportunities with adults with intellectual developmental disabilities) along with LifeChoices, an adult day activities program offering living and learning opportunities.
To learn more about Holy Angels or to volunteer, call 704-825-4161 or go to www.holyangelsnc.org.