At the annual philanthropy dinner, local nonprofit People Attempting to Help (PATH) gave its highest honor, the Gertrude Windsor Award, to Tyler mayor Barbara Bass.

“When I was asked to present this award, and I was told who it was, I was really pleased,” said C.C. Baker, board member emeritus and the award winner two years ago. “When you get this award, it’s a tremendous responsibility to carry on Mrs. Windsor’s work. We present this award to someone who helps those in need find their own way. Barbara Bass does that.”

PATH assists low-income Smith County residents with a variety of needs, from housing, to food, to prescription assistance, mentoring and several other needs. The goal is to get clients on a path to self-sufficiency.

“We exist to meet the needs of people here in this community,” said Greg Grubb, executive director.

PATH came from small beginnings. Mrs. Windsor was 90 years old when she called a handful of clergy together 29 years ago in her home and asked them to join her in helping those in need.

Now PATH sees about 26,000 people a year.

“When I came to Tyler in 1977, it didn’t take me long to know who Gertrude Windsor was,” Mrs. Bass said. “She was living water.”

When Mrs. Bass heard of PATH’s idea to join other churches and nonprofits to more efficiently in 1985, it was “a Godsend” she said.

“I knew that God would multiply our gifts,” she said. “PATH started as a mustard seed idea and has changed lives. The programs at PATH are a path to dignity.”