PRESS RELEASE
Simpson honored with Book of Golden Deeds Award FORT SMITH, AR, (March 12, 2024)
Described as an individual who “operates under the radar” and “helps scores of others have a better life,” First Presbyterian Church Missions Facilitator Keley Simpson was presented with Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club’s highest honor, the Book of Golden Deeds Award.
The announcement was made at the organization’s 81st annual Book of Golden Deeds Banquet held Friday evening (March 8) at Hardscrabble Country Club in Fort Smith.
Recognizing a worthy person or group that continuously donates time, talent, and energy to help those in need, the prestigious award honors local citizens for their good deeds and contributions to the community. FSNE Club names an honoree each year, based on nominations sent in by its membership and from the community. The Book of Golden Deeds is the longest running National Exchange Club program, having begun in Indiana in 1919. The Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club presented its first award in 1942.
Simpson truly embodies the spirit of the award. Through her role at First Presbyterian Church of Fort Smith, she has successfully developed and led innovative mission programs that have positively impacted the community. She routinely coordinates services for individuals seeking assistance of all kinds, including through the church’s “Changing Lane” program. The fair car loan offers low-income clients the opportunity to purchase reliable transportation at a reasonable interest rate from a reputable, local car dealer. Simpson also works with agencies to give families access to housing, healthy foods, and various services they need. She also helps oversee many of the church’s outreach and mission programs that span the community and beyond.
“Keley Simpson is one of the most outstanding servant hearted people on the face of the planet,” said longtime Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club member Harry Robinson. He and Philip Merry, an Exchange Club Board member and past Book of Golden Deeds Award recipient, nominated Simpson for the accolade. Merry stated that Simpson “moves about in search of those who need help. Then she helps them, trains them, educates them toward immediate relief and long-term solutions.”
Prior to her current role, Simpson was Program Director for sexual assault and domestic violence services at the Donald W. Reynolds Crisis Intervention Center and Investigator for Crime Victims Reparation at the Office of the Attorney General. She also serves on the Comprehensive Plan Implementation Committee with the City of Fort Smith and is a board member for three area non-profits.
As per tradition, the recipient’s name was kept secret until the event. Both Robinson and Merry had the honor of making the surprise announcement. The two referred to Simpson as a “hero extraordinaire” and noted that she is “simply consumed in helping others.” Simpson received a standing ovation upon receiving the award.
In addition to the awards announcement, the banquet included a look back on past winners. Details about the recipients from 25, 50 and 75 years ago were read aloud during the program by FSNE Past President Scott Monroe. Past honorees that were in attendance were recognized, as were family and friends who attended on behalf of previous recipients.
Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club is a civic organization comprised of men and women working together to make the community a better place to live. This is accomplished through programs of service including Americanism, community service, youth programs, and the organization’s national project, the prevention of child abuse. Fort Smith Noon Exchange Club has supported the region for 99 years and is a proud affiliate of the National Exchange Club. The group meets every Friday at noon at Golden Corral in Fort Smith.
For more information, visit www.FortSmithNoonExchange.com.
