The Gem of the Hills Community Service Award honors residents or organizations that contribute to the South Lake community; lending their time, efforts, and talents outside any volunteer work done for their employer.
At the recent South Lake Chamber of Commerce Breakfast, Thom Kleft, Vice-Chair of the South Lake Chamber of Commerce, announced Otis Taylor as the recipient of the award.
Otis Taylor displays exceptional volunteerism in our community. His efforts allow the South Lake Chamber of Commerce to produce successful events year-round. This individual lends his time to the chamber where he facilitates the setup and breakdown of the monthly and yearly events.
As the Founder of Give a Day Foundation, his organization serves as the connector for local non-profits and businesses that need volunteers and individuals searching for volunteer opportunities. The Give a Day Foundation has successfully bridged the gap where these connections historically were arduous when searching for proficient volunteers.
Otis also leads the Champion Circle mentorship program, a program where young men lacking guidance and leadership have a safe place to go; young men participate in workshops that build skills and teach life lessons. He also spearheads the Think Tank, where local non-profit organizations gather to share ideas and discover ways to serve South Lake.
In 2020, Otis was voted by his peers as the South Lake Chamber of Commerce Ambassador of the Year. In 2021, he was recognized by the Community Foundation of South Lake as South Lake’s Outstanding Volunteer of the Year and was recently awarded the Volunteer Community Service Award during the 2022 Lake County Service Awards.
Otis provides support to various organizations throughout the community where they may need assistance and demonstrates supreme professionalism and reliability.
The South Lake Chamber of Commerce as well as the community cherishes Otis and value the dedication he displays.
(information furnished by the South Lake Chamber of Commerce)
