Virginia Cook Realtors Recognize Mark Pinkston For His Volunteer Service

Congratulations to Virginia Cook Realtor Mark Pinkston, who was recognized for his volunteer service as the 2015 Hearts at Work Award recipient. Pinkston was feted by the brokerage at the Park City Club on Sept. 25 for his work with For The Love of the Lake, which received a donation of $1,000 as part of Pinkston’s recognition.

“Volunteer service to the communities where we live and work has been integral to our company culture since we opened 16 years ago,” said Virginia Cook. “The Hearts at Work program takes this commitment a step further with formal recognition of sales associates like Mark who give so much of themselves to enrich the lives of individuals, families and neighborhoods.”

Mark was one of the three Hearts at Work honorees who were recognized by Virginia Cook, Realtors during the past 12 months for their volunteer service. He was then selected as the overall award winner for 2015 through a thorough and meticulous judging process. 

Mark is a longtime member of For The Love of The Lake, which has successfully partnered with the City of Dallas and funded significant improvements to the park. He has been involved in every aspect, from fundraising to spending Saturday mornings on park clean-up projects.

“I live near, cycle, and sail White Rock Lake, so it is an extension of my neighborhood,” Pinkston said. “I believe I have an obligation to help restore and maintain the balance of nature here.”

We have to agree, as much of the “Lake and Garden District” see White Rock Lake as the community’s backyard. For The Love of The Lake has worked tirelessly to keep Dallas’ Crown Jewel shimmering, too.

“Mark’s passionate commitment to storied White Rock Lake for more than a decade was particularly resounding with the judges,” said Sheila Rice, executive vice president of Virginia Cook, Realtors.

Honorees Arden Fitzgerald and Kathleen Schiele were also recognized at the Hearts at Work luncheon. An avid cyclist, Fitzgerald was an early enthusiast for Dallas’ Northaven Trail and has worked to build community activities along the expanding hike and bike artery.

Schiele was honored for her work through the Cuddles Program at Medical City Children’s Hospital, where volunteers hold and comfort ill, premature and drug-addicted infants in desperate need of loving arms to cradle and comfort them.