Dawn and John Word

John and Dawn Word of Newport Beach have donated time and money over

the past 28 years to helping people.

The two were recently honored with the 2003 “Spirit of

Volunteerism” award from the Volunteer Center Orange County in Santa

Ana.

They are dedicated to helping the Orange-based Providence Speech

and Hearing Center, which works with identification, diagnosis,

treatment and prevention of speech and hearing disorders.

John Word’s reasons for involvement go back to his college years.

“I had roomed in college with a man who couldn’t hear. He was able

to communicate with guttural noises, but couldn’t hear.

“I started to realize how difficult it would be for me if I didn’t

have that ability. I rely on that for my business. I think the

ability to communicate is one of the most important things,” he said.

John said he likes to make a difference. He said the area is a

great place to live and a great place to raise kids, but that we

can’t forget those less fortunate.

“We certainly have our areas of needy folks,” he said. “The

government can’t and shouldn’t do everything for everybody.”

The Words have chaired fund-raising benefits for the center, most

recently the 2003 Costume Ball.

“Dawn was instrumental in getting that done,” John said. “She

co-chaired the annual event. We raised a netted $300,000 for the

organization. She worked tirelessly staying up until midnight.”

The center was started 37 years ago by Margaret Anne Inman in a

room at the Children’s Hospital of Orange County, or CHOC.

“She is 4-foot 10, terrific and full of energy. She started from

scratch with a need,” John said. “She still comes to the meetings.”

John said he will volunteer more as he gets older. He wants to

give back to the community that has done well for him.

“I came out from Louisiana, Missouri and didn’t have a lot. I came

out with a degree and a dream. I like helping people and getting them

off to a good start, especially kids. I fell in love with this

organization and the mission statement,” he said.

“It is the epitome of what I believe in.”

-- Story by Cassady Jeremias,

Photo by Kent Treptow