The Westie Awards ceremony was held Wednesday, Feb. 17, 2010 at Home Team BBQ in West Ashley, honoring 25 individuals who went above and beyond to make West Ashley a better place over the last decade. Dr. Schlesinger was recognized for his volunteer hours and charitable giving, improving the health and well-being of hundreds of West Ashley residents. Dr. Schlesinger would like to thank West Of newspaper for this honor and will continue to give back to the local community.
"Congratulations on receiving the President's Volunteer Service Award, and thank you for helping to address the most pressing needs in your community and our country.
In my Inaugural Address, I stated that we need a new era of responsibility -- a recognition on the part of every American that we have duties to ourselves, our Nation, and the world. These are duties that we do not grudgingly accept, but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit than giving our all to a difficult task. Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise.
Our Nation faces the most challenging economic crisis in a lifetime. We will only renew America if we all work together. Individuals, the private sector, and government must combine efforts to make real and lasting change so that each person has the opportunity to fulfill his or her potential.
While government can open more opportunities for us to serve our communities, it is up to each of us to seize those opportunities. Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation.
(signed) Barack Obama"
Dr. Todd E. Schlesinger received the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Innovator Award.
Dr. Schlesinger was elected to serve as President of the South Carolina Dermatological Association in 2007-2008.
