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“Working together to build a strong, caring community”
34 West Jackson Street, Suite 4A, Battle Creek, MI 49017 Phone: 269.966.4189 Fax: 269.966.4194 |
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2008 Community Volunteer Award Winners Announced
This year, 38 nominees were honored at the HandsOn Battle Creek 2008 Community Volunteer Awards held on May 2, 2008 at Burnham Brook. This year’s luncheon honored volunteers who not only inspire the people they help, but they also inspire others to serve!
The task of reading all the nominations and deciding upon the winners was completed by a panel of four volunteer judges: Tim Shaw – Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance; Stacy Hanna – Battle Creek Enquirer; Teresa Osborne – United Way of Greater Battle Creek; and Karissa Lee – Pennfied High School. When the judges had finished their task, they decided upon a group of winners who truly make Calhoun County a more inspiring place to live. The following is a summary of award winners from this year’s luncheon.
Doris Laimbeer Group Award (sponsored by Nancy Betts) – HandsOn Battle Creek recognizes that groups are a powerful tool in volunteering. They can tackle large tasks that may be daunting for just one person. This award, recognizing an outstanding volunteer group, was given to the Ironworkers Local 340, for their work with the Art Center of Battle Creek.
Volunteer for Health Care Award (sponsored by Regional Health Alliance) – This award, which is designed to honor those volunteering in health care who may not be direct providers, was given to Linda Hooper for her work with the Calhoun Health Plan.
Distinguished Provider Award (sponsored by Calhoun Health Plan) – This award, which recognizes and honors providers that volunteer their time in their clinics, private offices, etc. to help the uninsured receive important medical care, was given to Dr. Charles Palumbo for his work with the Fountain Clinic and the Community Dental Access Initiative. Continuing Service Award (sponsored by Mass Mutual & Volunteer Center of Battle Creek) – In each organization, there is typically one person who has been volunteering their time and energy year after year. This award, honoring those “long-term” volunteers, was given to Robert Spencer, for his long-time commitment to Battle Creek Area Habitat for Humanity.
Mentor of the Year (sponsored by United Way of Greater Battle Creek) - Mentors truly make a difference. They are heroes to their mentees and they make a difference in the lives of people in their communities. This award was given to Dawn Johnston, for her work with Big Brothers Big Sisters. Youth Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Volunteer Center of Battle Creek) - Volunteers who begin volunteering at an early age tend to continue volunteering throughout their life. The Volunteer Center realizes the impact that youth have on our community, and this award serves to recognize a youth under 18 years old who have gone the extra mile to make a difference. This year’s winner is Amalia Miralrio, who volunteered with Planned Parenthood of South Central Michigan.
Volunteer of the Year (sponsored by Jim & Susan Baldwin) - This award recognizes any outstanding volunteer 18 years old or older from the community who has demonstrated the power of giving back to their community. 2008’s Volunteer of the Year is Patricia Millsaps, who volunteered at Summit Pointe. |
