Betty Kell Yates was surprised with the Bell Ringer Award on Thursday night, conferred for her nearly half-century of service to the mental health community.“The Bell Ringer is given annually to a person who goes above and beyond in service,” said Janell Hawkins who presented the award. “Betty Kell Yates certainly is that person.”Yates has been with CHEER Mental Health in some capacity since its doors opened here 44 years ago.“She was there when CHEER first started,” Hawkins told the crowd on hand at Central Church of Christ. “She was with Dan Smith back when CHEER was located over at the Magness House.”Yates worked as an employee for CHEER and now serves as a volunteer.