MOUNT VERNON — While Patti Dice worked backstage at the Dan Emmett Music & Arts Festival on Saturday evening, she listened while Mount Vernon Mayor Richard Mavis praised the efforts of the unnamed winner of the 2010 Eleanor Wright Unsung Hero Award, never imagining she was this year’s award recipient.

“I’m floored,” Dice said putting her hand to her head in surprise as she walked on-stage. “I’m speechless!”

“When I was down there listening to some of the things Mayor Mavis was talking about, I thought, “‘Gosh — I do that,’” Dice said as she accepted the award. “It never even fazed me! I’m very honored.”

“Every year this is an opportunity to single one of the thousands of volunteers in this community,” Mavis told the crowd gathered to watch the award presentation.

“Every community needs volunteers,” the mayor explained. “Mount Vernon and Knox County are especially proud of the thousands that are all part in making the city and county a better place to live.”

melissa.raines@mountvernonnews.com