Spirit of America 2014 nominee: Viney Mosley

Nominated by Steve Mosley

Viney Mosley

Steve Mosley is proud to nominate Viney Mosley for the prestigious Spirit of America award.

Since her (our) 3-year-old grandson, Levi Collom, died suddenly more than two years ago, Viney has channeled much of her ongoing grief into keeping Levi's legacy alive.

Viney has worked closely with Discovery Playhouse and countless individuals and organizations to bring to fruition what is called Levi's Adventure Trail as an adjunct to the playhouse.

Levi loved Discovery Playhouse. Viney recognized that one way to keep Levi's spirit ever present would be to raise money so as to re-create a playground experience for children to enjoy, similar to the things Levi loved so much.

Just within the last week, Viney's application for the establishment of a nonprofit organization (Levi's Children's Charity) will allow her to raise awareness of Sudden Unexplained Death in Children (SUDC) so that this tragic phenomenon can be better understood and hopefully, someday, prevented.

Her refusal to crumble in the face of tragedy reflects the can-do spirit I strongly believe makes her worthy of this award.

Community involvement

* Volunteer for and then employee of the American Cancer Society for close to two decades.

* Member then president of P.E.O., part of whose goal is to raise money for student exchanges, scholarships, etc.

* Active in the Chamber of Commerce.

* Instrumental and worked hard to get the library tax passed, the casino approved, as well as other action designed primarily to benefit and improve Old Town Cape.

* Formerly very involved with and president of Cape Girardeau River Heritage Museum.

* Actively involved with her church (Catholic) in one fashion or another.