Cherokee Casino Ramona officials honor two employees for exceptional volunteer efforts
Keith Franklin of Owasso (left) and Dezirae Godsey of Claremore (right) are recognized by Rusty Stamps as Cherokee Casino Ramona’s 2012 Community Impact Team Outstanding Volunteers.
RAMONA, Okla. – Undertaking more than their fair share while on the job is something two Cherokee Casino Ramona employees have come accustomed to during their careers. The catch is that they do it willingly.
Dezirae Godsey, an administrative assistant, and Keith Franklin, who is a lead inventory and data entry associate, were recently recognized for their outstanding volunteerism by being named the casino’s 2012 Community Impact Team Outstanding Volunteers.
The awards are given to Cherokee Nation Businesses or Cherokee Nation Entertainment employees who meet certain criteria.
“I feel like it is important for us to get involved and help out,” said Godsey, who resides in Claremore. “Volunteering on projects that directly impact the communities of Ramona, Caney Valley and Bartlesville are the most important to me, because a majority of our guests and employees are from those areas. I plan to do even more next year and hope to get more people involved.”
Franklin agreed that the time spent in the community is crucial.
“It’s amazing. I’ve been with CNE almost 11 years,” said Franklin, who lives in Owasso. “Since I’ve joined the Community Impact Team, I can be much more involved. The past two years with CIT have been the most rewarding of my entire life.”
The pair went above and beyond their daily workload by volunteering on numerous projects that benefited local communities and organizations. The Oklahoma Department of Transportation, Big Brothers Big Sisters, American Diabetes Association, Cherokee Heritage Center, American Heart Association, Valentine’s for Vets and Cherokee Nation Angel Tree are just a small number of the local organizations affected by the goodwill of Godsey and Franklin.
“Our employees are not only great participants, but also wonderful at executing volunteer opportunities,” said Rusty Stamps, general manager of Cherokee Casino Ramona. “We do our best to work closely with local chambers and organizations to give back to the communities where we live, work and play. We are proud of Dezirae and Keith for the extra effort they always eagerly provide for that purpose.”
Cherokee Casino Ramona is located off of U.S. Highway 75, north of the Ramona exit.
