Cheryl Wilson honored for 'service above self'

Black Mountain Rotary Club presents former SVCM director with John K. Abernathy Community Service Award

Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
January 13, 2024

Black Mountain Rotary Club President Darrell Johnson presents the 2024 John K. Abernathy Community Service Award to Cheryl Wilson on Jan. 9. Photo by Fred McCormick

A lengthy career caring for local residents was commended, Jan. 9, as the Black Mountain Rotary Club honored retired Swannanoa Valley Christian Ministry Executive Director Cheryl Wilson for decades of “service above self.”

The 2024 John K. Abernathy Community Service Award recipient exemplifies the civic organization’s founding philosophy, Rotary Club President Darrell Johnson said while hosting the presentation in the Monte Vista Hotel.

Wilson led the nonprofit SVCM for six years before retiring in December of 2022, following 18 years with the Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry. She was the first community member since 2021 to earn the distinction, named after the late Rotarian.

“John K. Abernathy was a Presbyterian pastor who worked in local churches, and in the Montreat Conference Center,” Johnson said. “He was a member of our club and was the first district governor to represent Black Mountain. After his passing, the club began giving the award to someone we feel distinguished themselves through service.”

Wilson’s leadership at the SVCM, one of several local nonprofits supported by the Rotary Club, was vital in the success of projects like Hope for Tomorrow, which offers housing for young homeless mothers, and Deck the Trees, an annual fundraiser for the ministry’s fuel fund.

“This is a well-deserved honor,” Johnson said, as he presented the award on behalf of the club.

Wilson, who left her position at the Ministry to care for her father. was humbled to be recognized for her work in her hometown.

“This is a huge honor,” she said. “I, like most people doing nonprofit work, do it to serve, not to be recognized. Helping others in their time of need is an honor in itself, so to receive this from another organization that does important work in the community is truly appreciated.”

An active member of the Kiwanis Club of Black Mountain Swannanoa, Wilson continues to serve in retirement, volunteering to assist with the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church’s weekly Recreation Art and Drama program.

“You really get your joy working with kids,” she said.

Wilson was inspired to seek a career helping neighbors at a young age.

“It’s something I witnessed my entire life, through my parents and grandparents,” she said. “They believed in being helpful however they could, and that’s something I’ve always felt led to do. Being there for others is my way of doing what I can for this community.”