Volunteers Spotlight
Carla Patton - Volunteer
Then, at the event, she and her team handle the onsite registrations and help with the scoring. She also takes leading roles in other OHH activities, such as the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch and Homes for our Troops clay shoot tournament.
When OHH first sponsored the Bluebonnet Youth Ranch children to participate in the Saltwater Fishing Tournament, she coordinated with the Ranch's administrator for pick-up and drop-off of the children, chaperones, boat assignments, snacks and games.
Her involvement with organizing the first clay shoot to support Homes for our Troops was began five months before the event, and included many of the same activities as for the OHH events. But she also worked to get participation by some of the honored special guests, such as Gold Star Mothers, and other groups.
This, of course, is in addition to her "regular" job at ECA Holdings, L.P., part of Energy Corporation of America. She's been employed there for five years, first as a receptionist and now as a geophysicist technician.
"Organization of the OHH events actually starts a couple of months before the event, and Carla is involved from day one," says Clark Clement, OHH Vice President (and Carla's supervisor at ECA). "The most significant credit to Carla about all of these events is that she does not shoot, fish or golf, as most members do. She does it to help people."
Her volunteer activities with OHH aren't enough for this super volunteer. She also is actively involved with the Sugar Land Oaks Assisted Living Center, where she helps raise money and volunteers for the center's Christmas party (decorating, dinner and gifts) and Bingo Thursdays. Other organizations that benefit from Carla's participation are Fin, Fur and Feather and the Rotary Club.
A native of Abilene, Texas, she moved to Houston in 1973. She is married to another OHH member (and preferred vendor), Frank Panettiere, with 123-ABC, Inc. Carla also is mom to OHH committee chair/volunteer Kristine Patton and son Cary. She also has artistic talents that she puts to work
for various volunteer efforts and, with her mother, a small business.
"Carla is an amazing person," said OHH President Richard Saxon. "No matter what event you go to, she is there. She is religious about attending meetings, functions and helping people. We don't know where OHH would be without her. On behalf of OHH, a heart-felt THANK YOU for all her efforts through the years."