BEAUMONT, Texas — The Gift of Life presented the American Valve & Hydrant president with an award that pays tribute to late founder of Jason's Deli.
Tim Sudela was presented with the Joe Tortorice Servant Leadership Award. The Gift of Life gave him the award at a surprise gathering at its Dowlen Road facility.
The award pays tribute to Tortorice, who is the founder of Jason's Deli. It recognizes his legacy of compassionate, purpose-driven efforts to nurture others, including his friends, family , underserved Southeast Texans and those who are incarcerated.
Gift of Life Founder and Chair Regina Rogers believes lives were changed through Tortorice’s prison ministry.
“Joe lived a life measured by the blessings he bestowed on others,” Rogers said. “Genuine, humble, loyal, principled, and a man of deep integrity and strong faith, Joe believed in the power of believing in others. His heart was his greatest strength.”
Tortorice and Rogers met in 1976 when her father was looking for a tenant to open a delicatessen. At the time, Tortorice was a recent graduate of Texas A&M, was working for the state and had a small sandwich shop in his father’s grocery store.
It was Tortorice’s wife, Shelley Tortorice, who suggested the phrase “servant leadership” in Jason's Deli’s corporate culture.
That suggestion helped to propel the restaurant’s success. It also allowed the restaurant to provide support for a wide range of causes, including Gift of Life’s health and cancer prevention initiatives.
Beaumont Rotary Club President Joanne Brown feels Tim Sudela embodies Tortorice’s values due to his dedication to selfless service and community activism. Brown believes he governs American Valve & Hydrant by the “Golden Rule.”
“Tim is a diligent public servant involved in numerous organizations that provide aid to the neediest,” Brown said. “Whether teaching religion classes to the children at church, volunteering for carpentry projects, or sharing his photography skills, Tim is always eager to provide generous acts of charity.”
Brown feels the company has flourished under Sudela’s leadership and his employees have felt loved and cared for during major obstacles. These obstacles include natural disasters that directly impacted 60% of the staff.
Sudela also served as the former president of the Beaumont Rotary Club and the Symphony of Southeast Texas. Those who presented him with the award feel he did this while simultaneously giving his time, talents and resources to numerous non-profits organizations.
“Our organization has benefited immensely from Tim’s endorsement of our lifesaving initiatives, particularly the Men’s Health & Prostate Cancer Program,” Norma Sampson, Gift of Life executive cirector, said. “He has been a longtime advocate of the organization’s mission to offer prostate cancer screenings and other primary care services to local men who are unable to afford health insurance. This care is funded, in part, by Gift of Life’s Champagne & Ribs fundraiser, an event that has been enhanced by Sudela’s abiding support."
Sampson presented the honor to Sudela. She expressed her gratitude on behalf of the organization for his years of efforts and tireless commitment.
“Together, with his wife, Lisa, Tim has made a tremendous difference throughout the region,” Sampson said. “He is more than deserving of this meaningful distinction that bears the name of the exceptionally kind Joe Tortorice.”
Joe Tortorice's wife, their son Jay and other family members attended the ceremony.
"How touched I am by this award that was established in loving memory of my wonderful late husband, and how proud I am that you are the first recipient,” Shelley Tortorice said. “You are a walking, living example of Joe’s servant leadership, and a light for all to see.”
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