PPB January 2020

F ormer First Lady Barbara Bush once said, “Believe in something larger than yourself … get involved in the big ideas of your time.” As a prolific volunteer, Bush devoted herself to many causes during her lifetime including literacy, the homeless, AIDS and the elderly. People who truly care about a cause—including the future of an organization or an industry—give of their time and talents without expecting anything in return. Giving comes naturally and their reward is their own satisfaction for making a difference. This month, at The PPAI Expo in Las Vegas, PPAI presents its highest honors to five individuals who have generously given countless hours to their Association, industry and the global community through their volunteer leadership. This year’s Hall of Fame inductees are Carl Gerlach, MAS, and Roni Wright, MAS; Distinguished Service Award winners are Rick Brenner, MAS+ and Kippie Helzel, MAS; and the recipient of the H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award is Rod Brown, CAS. Read about Brown’s incredible humanitarian efforts and how you can help in PPB ’s December issue. Turn the page to read why Gerlach, Wright, Brenner and Helzel are also taking home the Association’s highest honors. PPAI’S HIGHEST HONORS RICK BRENNER , MAS+ KIPPIE HELZEL , MAS PPAI’s Top Awards | FEATURE | JANUARY 2020 | 29