Awards & Recognition
Things of My Very Own, Inc. and its founder Rayn Boncie have received local, state, national, and global recognition for excellence in serving the needs of children in crisis. The awards and honors listed here are a testament to the effective and meaningful work being done by this important charity and the dedicated volunteers behind it.
Excellence in Business Development: Capital Region Chamber of Commerce (May 2018)
The President’s Volunteer Service Gold Medal: President Donald J. Trump (April 2018)
The President’s Volunteer Service Silver Medal: President Donald J. Trump (April 2018)
The President’s Volunteer Service Bronze Medal: President Donald J. Trump (April 2018)
New York State Senate Citation: Senator James N. Tedisco (June 2018)
Official Proclamation: Mayor Gary McCarthy (June 2018)
Woman of the Year: Business and Professional Women of Schenectady (November 2016)
Effective Altruism Global Grantee: Center for Effective Altruism (August 2016)
Certificate of Merit: Senator Hugh Farley (April 2015)
James Stamper Community Service Award: Interfaith Community of Schenectady (April 2015)
New York State Assembly Citation: Assemblyman Angelo SantaBarbara (April 2015)
New York State Assembly Citation: Assemblyman Tedisco (April 2015)
Official Proclamation: Mayor Gary McCarthy (April 2015)
Capital Region Hometown Heroes Award: Townsquare Media & County Waste (2014)
Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition: Congressman Michael Grimm (Jun 2013) – For outstanding dedication and commitment to the needs of children and families in crisis.
City of Schenectady Congratulatory Certificate: Mayor Gary McCarthy (June 2013)
Order of Police Appreciation Certificate: Fraternal Order of Police Court Officers Memorial Lodge #35 of New York State. Dedication and service to children throughout New York State.
New York State Assembly Citation: Assemblyman Tedisco (June 2013) “Bringing success and prosperity to our communities, while providing a valuable service to our citizens.”
Service Above Self Award: The Rotary Club of Albany (April 2013)
Soroptimist International Excellence Award: Soroptimist International (April 2013)
2012 Top Rated Non-Profit: Great Non-Profits (October 2012)
Fraternal Order of Police Community Service Award: Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 (2012)
Soroptimist International Excellence Award: Soroptimist International (2012)
Excellence in Community Service Award: Soroptimist International (2011)
Fraternal Order of Police Community Service Award: Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 8 (2011)
Hometown Heroes Wall of Fame Inductee: Trustco Bank (2011). Awarded for exemplary contributions to New York State. Rayn’s name and a description of her accomplishments were carved into a plaque, then placed on the Wall of Fame in Schenectady.
Non-Profit of the Month Award: The Schenectady Today Show (2011)
Children and Families Opportunity Volunteer of the Year Award: Senator Hugh Farley and Cornell Cooperative Extension. (October 2010) Soroptimist International Excellence Award: Soroptimist International (2010)
The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award: President Barack Obama (2010)
The President’s Gold Medal in Volunteer Service: President Barack Obama (2010)
The President’s Silver Medal in Volunteer Service: President Barack Obama (2010)
The President’s Bronze Medal in Volunteer Service: President Barack Obama (2010)
Named “One of the Top 300 Innovative Social Welfare Organizations” globally: Echoing Green (2008)