Determined, kind, and generous, Dr. Liz Rhea is a person with many noble qualities. On Dec. 4, the Humanitarian of the Year Award was presented by the YMCA to Dr. Rhea at the Stones River Country Club. Many of Murfreesboro’s finest were present to honor Rhea for her years of charity work.
Since Rhea was a child, she has devoted herself to the service of others. After graduating as valedictorian from Eagleville High School in 1951, she went on to achieve her undergraduate degree at MTSU (then Middle Tennessee State College) and then her doctorate at University of Tennessee School of Medicine in Memphis. After traveling 12 years with her husband, Dr. Rhea returned to Murfreesboro and began volunteering for many public and nonprofit organizations. She served on countless boards, including the Murfreesboro Rotary Club, First Bank, Middle Tennessee Medical Foundation, the Rutherford County YMCA and Middle Tennessee Alumni.
Melanie Calvender, a breast cancer survivor, gave her YMCA testimonial at the breakfast, where she also thanked Dr. Rhea for her efforts with the American Cancer Society. Rhea is also a survivor of cancer.
Jean Moser, Rhea’s lifelong friend, said Thursday morning, “I don’t think there is a more community-minded person out there.”
During the YMCA Humanitarian of the Year Award breakfast, Dr. Rhea’s sister, Carolyn Dobbins, recited a poem she wrote for Rhea thanking her for all she had given to their family.
YMCA Executive Director Ken Strawbridge explained that Rhea continuously demonstrates respect, responsibility, caring, honesty and faith?the YMCA’s core values.
During the video presentation, friend and member of the Humanitarian of the Year committee, Ross Spielman said Rhea is the “best fundraiser Murfreesboro has had in a long time.”
The proceeds of the Humanitarian of the Year Award breakfast go to the YMCA’s We Build People campaign, which keeps the YMCA available to all by providing financial assistance to those who could not afford the full cost of a membership. We Build People dollars also fund a number of community outreach programs for youth and teens.
For more information on the local YMCA, visit ymcamidtn.org/rutherford_county.
