TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. — Billy McCullough was presented with the 2013 Spirit of Giving Award at a ceremony on Sunday, Aug. 25, 2013. The event, hosted by the Tahoe Forest Health System Foundation, took place at the Upper Pavilion at Northstar Village in Truckee.

The Spirit of Giving Award is given to an individual, family or organization that has made a positive difference which caused transformational change within the Tahoe Forest Health System (TFHS) and has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to the health of the community. The nominees included Lawrence Heifetz, MD; Margo Lalchandani; Billy McCullough; Northstar California Resort; The Ritz-Carlton, Lake Tahoe; George and Ellen Robertson (posthumous); Terri Upshaw; and Trinkie Watson.

The Spirit of Giving Award is the namesake of Tom and Pam Hobday, who were honored with special recognition in 2007 for their efforts toward the betterment of TFHS. Past Spirit of Giving Award recipients include: Tom and Pam Hobday, 2007; Randy Hill, 2009; and Patti and Gary Boxeth, 2010.

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This award is not given annually, but only when the situation presents itself to honor an individual, family or organization that has gone above and beyond to contribute to TFHS in a transformational way.

“Billy McCullough’s service to Tahoe Forest Health System has made a huge impact on our community,” said Martha Simon, director of Fund Development for TFHS Foundation. “His efforts have transformed the Best of Tahoe Chefs fundraiser into the huge success it is today. These funds support vital programs offered free to patients and families at the Gene Upshaw Memorial Tahoe Forest Cancer Center.”

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“It is truly amazing what a small community can achieve,” said McCullough, upon accepting the award from past recipient Pam Hobday. “It makes me feel great knowing that a single idea can snowball into a positive impact for so many.”

McCullough is the chef/owner of Dragonfly Restaurant in Truckee and also serves on the board of Tahoe Food Hub, which works to advance community health and nutrition.

Tahoe Forest Health System is a not-for-profit rural health care facility located in Truckee and was named one of the nation’s Top 100 Critical Access Hospitals and Top 20 for Patient Satisfaction. For more information visit http://www.tfhd.com.