COEUR d'ALENE - One of TESH's staunchest supporters was honored Wednesday by the people who have benefited most from his giving.

Members of TESH's Aktion Club, a branch of Kiwanis International, awarded Dick Jurvelin a special photo collage during their business meeting.

"He has not only been a significant financial contributor but has given unselfishly of his time in many volunteer activities," said TESH CEO Russ Doumas. "One of his enduring gifts is the establishment of our Aktion Club."

Aktion Club is a service club for adults with disabilities. There are more than 450 clubs with more than 9,000 members worldwide. The Kiwanis Club of Coeur d'Alene sponsors the club at TESH.

"The Aktion Club has been instrumental in the development of leadership skills and an awareness of civic responsibility for many of our clients," Doumas said.

TESH is a nonprofit that has been serving the Coeur d'Alene region for more than 30 years. The organization provides vocational rehabilitation, independent living skills training, and residential support for people with disabilities. TESH's goal is to help its clients become as independent and involved in the community as possible.

Jurvelin joined the TESH Board of Directors in October 2004. He held various board positions, and served as board chair from October 2009 to October 2010.

MaryBeth Ranum, TESH's operations director, said they were also honoring Jurvelin for a recent donation in which he gave TESH the commission for his work as Realtor on a property the nonprofit sold.

Part of the donation, $5,000, will be used for an adult reading program created as part of an activity center at TESH.

Jurvelin's contributions to TESH range from parking cars during the group's annual Hangover Handicap New Year's Day fundraiser to recruiting volunteers and raising funds for TESH's recent building remodel.

"Dick always has a ready smile and listening ear for anyone and everyone at TESH. It always makes our day better if we hear him in the front lobby," Ranum said. "His tireless humility and service to TESH, individuals with disabilities that we serve, and the TESH staff is very humbling."