National Society Daughters of the American Revolution has awarded the Community Service Award to Mrs. Laura Hollingsworth and Mrs. Melissa Brown for all their work, time, sacrifice and devotion to the Minden St. Jude Auction for so many years.  The qualifications for this award state that the recipient show, “A contribution to the community in an outstanding manner through voluntary heroic, civic, benevolent service, or by organizing or participating in community activities.  The activities must have taken place within the past five years with no compensation.  The award may not be presented to the recipient more than one time for the same achievement and may not be initiated or approved posthumously.” The application for this award must be verified by published articles in local or state newspapers or online magazines.  It must be accompanied by recommendations from writers who are acquainted personally with the recipient/s.

Dorcheat-Bistineau Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution with Regent Cindy Madden prepared the paperwork and submitted their recommendation to the state official in charge of this award.  It was approved within 24 hours and forwarded to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  On March 11, 2025, Dorcheat-Bistineau presented these awards to Laura Hollingsworth and Melissa Brown and are pictured at the home of Mrs. Cindy Madden.

An excerpt from one of the letters of recommendation stated, “Melissa and Laura’s dedication to the children of St. Jude, as well as their dedication and generosity to other charitable organizations in our community is rivaled by non other.  I believe that Melissa Brown and Laura Hollingsworth truly represent the values behind the Community Service Award.  I can say with certainty that if they are presented with the award, they will honor the title.  I can’t think of a more worthy recipient that Melissa and Laura.”