AboutOur2024Nominees
Joan Barber (Senior)
NC State Extension Master Gardener
Volunteers of Durham County
Joan Barber has been an NC Extension Master Gardener Volunteer since 2017. Under her leadership, a reinvigoration of the Demonstration Garden began in 2019. In 2023, she worked with the New Hope Audubon Society to have the garden registered as a Bird Friendly Habitat. She also guided volunteers in the installation of informative plant ID tags and new pollinator beds. As co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, Joan has been an advocate for how the program can reach new volunteers and new audiences. As a member of the Durham Garden Forum Advisory Committee, she has been a voice for inclusion of speakers from diverse backgrounds. Joan is a prime example of what a Master Gardener can be—dedicated to the environment, her community, and her fellow volunteers.
David Berry (Individual) Meals on Wheels Durham
Since March 2023, Dave Berry has taken on a weekly route assignment for Meals on Wheels Durham (MOWD). He goes above and beyond in his service, especially when faced with challenges such as a client who is hard of hearing. Despite the communication barrier, he employs various methods to ensure that the client is aware of his presence during meal deliveries. Dave's initiative to bring friends and coworkers to join him in volunteering has significantly benefited MOWD. His collaborative efforts helped to cover multiple routes during a big group delivery day in December, contributed to the recruitment of new volunteers, and established connections with different organizations. Dave's commitment, compassionate service, collaborative spirit, and leadership qualities make him a standout MOWD volunteer.
Jacquelyn Blackwell (Senior)
End Hunger Durham
Jacquelyn Blackwell has enhanced the well-being older adults in Durham County in several practical ways. As part of her work with End Hunger Durham, she coordinated monthly meetings across food pantries in Durham County. She played a key role in ensuring the success of GoDurham's Senior Shuttle. In addition, Jacquelyn led a
bereavement group for the Golden Life Partnership. This initiative celebrates the lives of departed older adults and provides crucial emotional support to those in senior housing complexes. Jacquelyn's positive attitude and warm demeanor, even in the face of personal challenges, create a welcoming atmosphere for those she interacts with.
Craig Brown (Senior)
The Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham
Judge Craig Brown has been an integral part of the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham (RCND). Over the last decade, he provided assistance to individuals regaining their driver privileges. He served as TROSA’s first Board Chair and as a Board member, playing a pivotal role in the growth and success of TROSA. He co-founded the Durham County Drug Treatment Court, which offers support to individuals battling substance abuse. He served as the Truancy Court Judge from 2002 to 2019, significantly contributing to the expansion of the truancy court system throughout Durham Public Schools. Under his guidance, the Durham County Criminal Justice Resource Center (CJRC) expanded its services to include first appearances and mental health issues in the county jail. Judge Craig Brown's tireless efforts and innovative initiatives have left an indelible mark on our community.
Tom Cavender (Individual)
Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Triangle
Tom Cavender has served on the board of the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) of Durham & Wake for several years. As Board President, he led the merging of two very large Ronald McDonald House organizations: RMH of Durham & Wake and RMH of Chapel Hill. Tom was masterful in developing trust, personal transparency and a setting aside all allegiances to either existing organization for the greater good. Despite numerous hurdles, he led the alignment and unification of Board leadership, conducted a national search for and subsequently hired a CEO in September 2022, and completed the merger six months ahead of the given deadline. Tom worked nights and weekends (and some lunch periods!) throughout the merger and integration process to ensure this success.
Marsha Coplon (Senior) Museum of Life and Science
On Saturday mornings, Marsha Coplon helps elevate the Museum of Life and
Science’s Insectarium by putting on programming encounters for guests. She is always mindful of the animal ambassadors and makes sure that they are always comfortable and safe. At the same time, she delivers unforgettable encounters that leave guests with joyful memories. In particular, Marsha does a fantastic job at inspiring the younger generation. There is always wonder and excitement in the eyes of the kids that visit and experience her programming. She also helps maintain museum exhibits and animals living space. She assists in the feeding of exhibit animals and helps maintain program animals that are behind the scenes. Her enthusiasm and personality are infectious and always brighten up the day.
Jennifer Critchlow (Individual)
Durham Ballet Theatre
Throughout the past year, Jennifer Critchlow has played an instrumental role in guiding the Durham Ballet Theatre (DBT) by sharing her knowledge of nearly every aspect of DBT's work. As the Budget Manager and Advisor, Jennifer educated and supported new leadership, offered insights into ballet and theatre production, established connections for fundraising, and contributed to grant development. Her leadership, tenacity, and efficiency have been indispensable for DBT, particularly during the challenges posed by the pandemic. Jennifer’s efforts, determined approach, and focused contributions have sustained DBT and contributed to its growth and resilience.
Susan Dakin (Senior)
General Davie Chapter, NSDAR
Susie Dakin serves as the Chapter Registrar for the General Davie Chapter of the NSDAR. She is in charge of registering each member, which includes a great deal of assistance proving the member’s lineage to a patriot of the American Revolutionary War. Susie completes her tasks quickly and efficiently, contacting all prospective members (PMs) to ensure that they understand the nature of DAR as a service organization. She makes them aware of chapter activities, volunteer opportunities, and the costs involved. She also works with PMs to conduct genealogical research as needed to establish direct lineal descent to a Revolutionary War patriot. Thanks to Susie, the General Davie Chapter has seen its membership grow consistently since she became Chapter Registrar.
Ruth
Dzau
(Senior) Museum of Durham History
Ruth Dzau serves on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Durham History (MoDH). Through her innovative ideas, strategic planning, and effective execution, the MoDH has witnessed unprecedented growth in its financial resources. Ruth’s ability to inspire and engage donors, as well as cultivate meaningful relationships within the community, has been instrumental in securing vital support for the MoDH’s mission. Her visionary approach to fundraising not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term financial stability. In addition to her financial contributions, Ruth’s strategic insight as a Board member has played a crucial role in shaping the overall direction of the MoDH.
Joyce Perry Edwards (Senior)
Lawrence and Artelia Perry Scholarship Fund
The Lawrence and Artelia Perry Scholarship Fund (L&APSF) was established in 2011 to provide scholarships for Durham County public school students who plan to enroll at Bennett College, Livingstone College, or N.C. Central University. From the beginning, Dr. Joyce Perry Edwards, one of 16 siblings of the fund’s namesakes, has actively fostered the growth and stability of this organization. Joyce drafted a resolution of agreement to solidify the cooperation of her 15 siblings. As a result of this agreement, by-laws were drafted, a board was selected and organized, the organization was authorized by the state of North Carolina as a charitable foundation, federal 501(C)(3) status was acquired, and a logo and motto were designed and adopted. Since its inception, the Fund has awarded $133,808 in scholarships to 74 students.
Nicola Elwood (Senior)
Special Olympics NC
Nicola Elwood supports Special Olympics NC both in the field and behind the scenes. Their dedication and active participation in various events throughout the year includes consistent contribution of their time and effort to ensure the successful execution of Special Olympics NC events. Whether it's supporting athletes during competitions or handling administrative tasks, their reliability and hard work have significantly contributed to the smooth operation of these events. Nicola also takes on administrative responsibilities, including managing volunteer emails and responding to inquiries.
Jay Ethridge (Individual)
Digital Durham
Jay Ethridge joined Digital Durham Collaborative in July of 2019. Barely a year later, he
volunteered to chair the Digital Equity Plan Development Committee. Jay worked with the North Carolina Division of Broadband & Digital Equity, piloting their framework for digital equity plans. He convened meetings with public officials, community advocates, community members, and other volunteers. Jay was able to run those meetings smoothly, ensuring that all voices were heard. He led the conversation but didn’t dictate the direction, and through this approach was able to build consensus and a stronger Digital Durham and Digital Equity Plan. Jay is a natural-born leader with the character and strength to build strong teams that want to do their best and achieve organizational goals.
Lilton Evans (Senior)
Urban Community AgriNomics (UCAN)
Nearly every Saturday, you will see Lilton Evans in the community garden or somewhere on the grounds of the Catawba Trail Farm. He's teaching the experienced and inexperienced agricultural enthusiast how to grow their own vegetables. Mr. Evans has the ability to engage with diverse populations and finds a way to put people at ease. He engages the teens and youth in how they would address a problem or agricultural issue and challenges them to think about it and research other methods. He also engages with youth in life skills, always emphasizing the opportunities and options they have today. Mr. Evans has participated in communitywide food distributions, helped with eleven youth groups, teaching planting techniques, ten college groups, four corporate groups and six faith-based or social groups.
William Mike Everleigh (Senior) Museum of Life and Science
Mike Everleigh started volunteering for the Museum of Life and Science at the end of the pandemic when the Museum had lost most of its volunteers. Mike greets guests to the Magic Wings Butterfly House at least twice per week with a butterfly to share, which he attracts with his own special juice concoction. He makes visiting the Museum extra special by facilitating hands-on interactions with live butterflies, disseminating extra science information, inviting curiosity, and instilling trust in and the conservation of nature. With equal enthusiasm, he takes every opportunity to help out at the evening events that the Museum orchestrates for adults. Mike’s smile (even in Covid days from behind a mask) is always bright and inviting, and his passion to serve everyone indiscriminately is just phenomenal!
Peter Falciani (Individual)
The Bull City Woodshop
Peter Falciani's multifaceted contributions highlight his dedication to the Bull City Woodshop. As the "Lead Volunteer" for the Tuesday afternoon group of students, he manages volunteers during his shift, maintains effective communication with parents, and fosters positive mentor relationships with the students. With a career as a sawyer and extensive experience in woodworking, he brings valuable skills that significantly contribute to the students' learning experience. Peter leads the Curriculum Committee, helping develop the leveled curriculum utilized across all youth programming. He serves on the Board, where he provides valuable business leadership. Peter’s role as a mentor and leader has enhanced the students' skills and fostered a sense of community and learning.
Tim Fields (Individual)
Reality Ministries
Tim Fields is a regular participant in Reality Ministries’ "Monday morning mingle". Beyond regular attendance, last season he took the initiative to lead a Drama Interest Group. Under Tim's guidance, the group successfully produced their rendition of the Three Little Pigs and performed at two community gatherings. His leadership continues this season as he leads approximately 12 enthusiastic participants. Tim also choreographed and led a dance group that performed at DPAC in Reality Ministries' Talent Show. He helped organize the annual picnic for the NC Fragile X Foundation, actively connecting and inviting families and participants from the Reality community with Fragile X. Tim’s energetic and innovative approach has had a profound impact on the organization and the broader community it serves.
Courtney Graham (Individual)
Reality Ministries
Reality Ministries places an emphasis on measuring achievement and impact in terms of fostering friendship and belonging. Courtney Graham contributes to this mission, striving to bring people with and without disabilities together to create a deep, thick community where everyone is both a giver and a receiver. In her role as an occupational therapist, Courtney's professional expertise has been invaluable in identifying and responding to the unique needs of the neurodiverse community served by the organization. She goes above and beyond by providing rides and spending additional time with community members. Courtney shows up each week, offering her full self to the community and contributing to the deep sense of kinship Reality Ministries strives
to achieve.
Donna Gray (Individual)
Welcome Baby Resource Center
Donna Gray began volunteering with the Welcome Baby program in January 2023. Her attention to detail while sorting clothing donations ensures that items are correctly placed in appropriate gender, season, and size bins to be packaged for distribution. Ms. Gray's volunteer support in the Giving Closet allows staff to spend time working with families in other Welcome Baby program areas. Additionally, she has taken the initiative on several office tasks related to the Giving Closet, applying the same level of detail to the work. Despite working full-time, Ms. Gray arrives with a helpful attitude and jumps right in where needed, should it be sorting donations or clerical support for the Giving Closet.
Brent Heiser (Senior)
Durham Community Food Pantry
Brent Heiser joined as a Durham Community Food Pantry volunteer in the fall of 2022 and swiftly rose to the position of “lead volunteer”. He took the initiative to singlehandedly reorganize the volunteer food pick-up and delivery protocols, significantly increasing the warehouse's capacity to collect extra meals for its three weekly distributions. In addition to his leadership role, Brent participates in distribution by driving forklifts, commanding pickups, and overseeing deliveries. His role as a liaison between staff and volunteers contributes to a seamless and collaborative work environment. Without a doubt, Brent Heiser has contributed to the success of the Durham Community Food Pantry.
Donald (Steve) Hodges (Senior)
Duke HomeCare and Hospice
Donald (Steve) Hodges serves Duke HomeCare and Hospice in several ways, providing care and support for patients, their families, and staff. He volunteers to play music for the inpatient unit, providing a vigil presence to patients who are approaching death. His music is so very impactful; when Steve plays the piano, he always seems to play just what everyone needs. He is able to read the atmosphere and plays accordingly. He also serves as member of the patient experience committee. Steve is constantly looking for ways in which he can support, whether that is playing music, working towards diversity and inclusion for Duke HomeCare and Hospice, or just being a listening ear.
Kathy Hohneker (Individual)
Diaper Bank of North Carolina
As a long-time Core Volunteer at the Diaper Bank's Durham location, Kathy Hohneker has consistently gone above and beyond by packaging items for distribution and packing orders for partner agencies. She’s packaged thousands of diapers, adult incontinence products, and period products for distribution to families across the state. Kathy willingly goes the extra mile, picking up orders for PORCH Chapel Hill from the Diaper Bank's warehouse and delivering them directly to the PORCH team. Her faithful efforts have been vital to the success of the Diaper Bank of NC and its mission to provide essential products to families in need.
Tanya Horning (Individual)
Duke Cancer Support Program
The Pets at Duke Program relies on meaningful pet therapy visits provided by volunteers. Among these outstanding volunteers is Tanya Horning, along with her dogs, Ginger and Luci. Tanya and her dogs stand out for their ability to tailor each encounter to the specific needs of the patients and their families. She is composed and empathetic while interacting with both patients and their medical teams. You can see that with each visit, it was not only the dog providing compassion and care to the patients. This year, she has taken a pre-med student volunteer under her wing and is guiding the student to see the value of listening and showing compassion when talking to patients. The Pets at Duke Program is better for having Tanya as a part of the team.
Leslie Jewell (Individual)
Triangle Ultimate
Leslie Jewell embodies the spirit of dedication and support within Triangle Ultimate. As a dedicated team admin, her behind-the-scenes contributions are the backbone of successful team operations. Her meticulous attention to detail and organizational skills ensure smooth logistics and contribute to the seamless functioning of the teams. Leslie's commitment to providing parental support stands out. Her engagement and feedback have been instrumental in shaping the programs and initiatives within Triangle Ultimate. Her insights offer a unique perspective that help create an environment conducive to the growth and development of young athletes. Leslie's impact extends beyond her defined roles; she serves as a pillar of support for both the teams and the broader Triangle Ultimate community.
Vangie Lunn (Senior)
Bull City Fair Trade
Vangie Lunn has been volunteering with Bull City Fair Trade since 2005. When volunteering, she is always eager to start a task no matter how monotonous or meticulous it may be. She is thoughtful in the way she goes about her work, always asking questions about new inventory as she’s processing orders. Vangie’s attention to detail is remarkable; everything she does—whether it’s unpacking and tagging orders, greeting customers, or merchandising around the store—has a purpose and a sense of care. When volunteer shifts are scheduled, she is one of the first people to sign up and often signs up for several 2-hour shifts. Vangie is a giving, selfless, and humble person who cares deeply about others and their well-being.
William "Bill" Moore (Senior)
Legal Aid of North Carolina, & North Carolina Central
William C. "Bill" Moore has been the longtime volunteer supervising attorney of the Elder Law Project, a partnership between Legal Aid of North Carolina (LANC)’s Durham office and NCCU Law’s Pro Bono Clinic. Over the past 20 years, LANC records show that Mr. Moore has provided pro bono legal services to 314 clients. This level of service ranks him among the most prolific pro bono volunteers in LANC history. During the academic year, he works with the project’s NCCU faculty, staff and law student volunteers to provide free wills and advanced directives to primarily lowincome senior citizens of Durham County. Mr. Moore’s advocacy for seniors is second to none; he is always attentive and brings his best to every client he serves. Through his multifaceted service, Mr. Moore embodies the true spirit of pro bono.
Alexis Mosu (Youth)
Root Causes' Fresh Produce Program
Alexis Mosu, a Duke University sophomore, has held numerous volunteer roles for Root Causes’ Fresh Produce Program including: confirmation calling to participants, packing produce, and delivering bags of produce. Alexis quickly transitioned into the role of Volunteer Coordinator in which she is directly responsible for recruiting and maintaining a volunteer base of between 50-60 volunteers per week. She also took on a second leadership role with the Fresh Produce Program as a Distribution Day Manager. However, what really distinguishes Alexis is her initiative and creativity. In a little under six months, she has launched several new initiatives to enrich the Fresh Produce
Program’s volunteer and participant experiences. Alexis is a committed leader, innovator, and change-maker with the Root Causes’ Fresh Produce Program.
Lisa Nadler (Senior)
Senior PharmAssist
Lisa Nadler has volunteered with Senor PharmAssist (SPA) for over 25 years. She has helped in many roles including Board member, Formulary Committee chair, and Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteer. As Formulary Committee chair, she helps lead discussions with community pharmacists and local healthcare prescribers about medications that SPA might cover with its secondary insurance card. Lisa stepped up to help with database maintenance, reports, and other projects when SPA’s Development staff position was open, and has remained a critical support for the current Development Director. She is always cheerful and ready to help with any task. Lisa is the kind of volunteer leader who can run a committee or work on administrative tasks in the background—she’s always right where SPA needs her most!
Mark & Anne Paulson (Group)
Families Moving Forward
Mark and Anne Paulson are referred to as the power couple for Families Moving Forward (FMF)! They serve on committees, recruit volunteers from their church, and help with fundraising events. Mark has served on the Board of Directors since 2017 and served as Board President this past year. Every week, groups provide and serve dinners to the families staying at FMF. Anne is the rotational coordinator for their church. She also assists the development team with their annual Chefs for Change fundraising events and has saved FMF hundreds of dollars in event planning expenses. Both Mark and Anne go out of their way to volunteer whenever they can, like volunteering for FMF’s Rock the Block Day of Service. This power couple is truly a blessing to Families Moving Forward.
Betty Rodes (Senior)
Slice 325
Slice 325 is a socially responsible initiative that provides culinary education classes to individuals and families. Betty Rodes provided the guidance Slice 325 needed to successfully launch several community outreach programs. She is a strategic thinker who always looks for innovative solutions to complex problems, and her
communication skills have been instrumental in rallying support and fostering collaborations. Mrs. Rodes leads by example; always the first to arrive and the last to leave, and her passion and dedication are contagious. She has mentored numerous volunteers, instilling in them the values of service and community engagement. Slice 325 is deeply grateful to Mrs. Rodes for her unwavering commitment, exceptional skills, and compassionate leadership.
Elizabeth Sager (Individual)
Girls on the Run of the Triangle
Over the past year, Elizabeth (Lizzie) Sager has played a vital role in meeting critical needs within the Girls on the Run (GOTR) community. A standout accomplishment for Lizzie is her role in the revision of GOTR’s strategic plan. Not only did she collect and analyze data, she also took the lead in meetings and rewrote the plan. Her leadership in this endeavor has significantly influenced the direction of programs and initiatives, enhancing their impact. Despite holding a demanding full-time job and a part-time commitment outside GOTR, Lizzie dedicates her time to volunteer at local races and the season 5k. In addition to her volunteer efforts, she fundraised $1,000 which will help provide scholarships for girls to participate in GOTR programs.
Kyle Salinas (Individual)
Piedmont Wildlife Center
Kyle Salinas joined Piedmont Wildlife Center (PWC) in May 2022 and quickly proved to be an asset to the organization’s mission of caring for the raptor ambassadors. Kyle also willingly volunteered his time for public events and construction projects. He actively volunteered at multiple events, sharing his knowledge and passion with others. When PWC secured funding to rebuild an outdoor raptor enclosure, his background in construction proved invaluable. He provided helpful feedback, brainstormed costsaving strategies, and identified alternatives during a trip to Home Depot. Kyle's outstanding commitment, versatility, and leadership have significantly contributed to meeting the needs of PWC over the past year.
JC Swansey & Shirley Garrett (Group)
Kids Voting Durham
JC Swansey and Shirley Garrett are a strong intergenerational team who work together as they serve Kids Voting Durham (KVD). JC has inspired dozens of families, schools, candidates, and community organizations to take part in elections and other civic
learning and service opportunities. Shirley has been a part of KVD since her freshman year in high school. Upon returning to Durham to attend Duke Law School, she became co-chair of the board with JC. Both have been instrumental in obtaining funding, recruitment, and partnerships for an expanded Youth Civic Leaders program that more than doubled the number of participating youth. They’ve helped develop Kids Voting Election Guides and host Kids Voting candidate forums and other events. They recently led a development effort which resulted in a 40% increase in volunteer hours contributed by Advisory Board members. Also, several new business partners were recruited to support KVD work. JC and Shirley embody the engaged, informed citizenship KVD hopes to foster in our youth.
Barbara Smith (Senior)
Reality Ministries
Over the past two years, Dr. Barbara Smith has dedicated four hours every Tuesday to Reality Ministries. However, the impact of her service transcends mere volunteer hours. Her remarkable relational talents allow her to foster connections and build trust within the community. Her curiosity and attentive listening further enhance her ability to understand and meet the unique needs of those she serves. In times of uncertainty or challenge, Dr. Barbara's presence becomes a source of comfort, laughter, and genuine companionship. She illuminates every room she enters, demonstrating an amazing ability to remember names, listen with deep compassion, and greet individuals with contagious joy. Dr. Barbara embodies the values of compassion, kindness, and a Christlike spirit, leaving an indelible impact on staff and the broader community.
Amber Sniff (Individual) Triangle Ultimate
As a Board member, Amber Sniff has helped shape the direction and vision of Triangle Ultimate. As the youth chair, she works to improve the youth programs, infusing them with positivity and encouraging coaches to explore new strategies or techniques. Amber works to make the Youth programs better each season by enriching the curriculum to engage and educate the next generation of ultimate frisbee enthusiasts. She also contributes to clinics and leagues to teach the fundamentals of the sport and instill values of teamwork, sportsmanship, and inclusivity among all participants. Beyond her official capacities, Amber serves as mentor, fostering a culture of support and camaraderie within Triangle Ultimate.
Randall Tobias (Individual)
Duke HomeCare and Hospice
Randy Tobias assists at the Hock Family Pavilion, where terminal patients come for end of life care. He plays guitar and performs with the Threshold Singers and still finds time to be an ambassador at the reception desk. In the past year, his dedication has led to numerous visitors and staff to comment on his kindness, caring, and giving nature. As an example, Randy took the time to sit with and play guitar for a patient’s eight-year-old son. Playing the guitar was more than just a kindness; it was a way to help the young man who was grieving the loss of his father. This is just one example of the many times when Randy has used his musical talent in his volunteer role. He’s sat beside many patients, providing support through music and compassion.
Akeeya Umstead (Individual)
Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation/ Durham Mayor’s Council for Women
The mission of the Misstakenid Gives Back Foundation is to cultivate a culture of compassion and community engagement by facilitating pop-up community service initiatives and promoting volunteerism. Its founder, Akeeya Umstead, has led various projects to combat food insecurity with Urban Ministries of Durham and provided professional skill-building and resume workshops with Families Moving Forward. She has also been an engaged mentor to students at North Carolina Central University, reviewing resumes, conducting mock interviews, and instilling confidence in the next generation of leaders. Akeeya has also served as a volunteer consultant to several nonprofits to expand and enhance their reach and ability to service their community patrons. Her leadership in these initiatives demonstrates an outstanding ability to mobilize and engage the community.
Neil Upreti (Individual) Duke University
Neil Upreti has demonstrated a multifaceted approach to volunteerism at Duke University and the wider Durham community. As president of the Duke Gay Straight Alliance, Neil has been instrumental in organizing speaker panels, which bring awareness and education to the community. To help improve mental health on campus, he organizes weekly mental health clinics that provide a safe and supportive space for students to discuss and manage their mental well-being. Through his work with the Food Recovery Network, Neil has been a driving force in the organization's efforts to collect leftover food from campus eateries and donate it to local homeless shelters. Neil’s extraordinary commitment to volunteerism at Duke University is evident in his leadership, empathy, and tireless dedication.
Laura Weidemann (Youth)
Church World Service
Laura Weidemann helps Church World Service (CWS) clients increase their English proficiency. She has exhibited an extraordinary level of dedication in her willingness to be paired with multiple clients. Her patience, empathy, and creative teaching methods have not only empowered the clients linguistically, but also instilled confidence within them. Beyond the teaching aspect of these pairings, Laura has demonstrated a genuine passion for helping clients assimilate into the Durham community by learning about and embracing the client’s background. Her commitment to the CWS mission is exemplary and continues to make an impact in the individual lives of the clients she is paired with, and in the greater resettlement community.
Legal Aid of North Carolina, Durham (Group)
Families Moving Forward
Families Moving Forward (FMF) works in partnership with Legal Aid of NC’s Durham Office. Under the guidance of Peter Gilbert, Legal Aid attorney, work began to develop a training curriculum educating families of their rights as a tenant, informing families of what they can expect from landlords. This workshop became part of FMF's Renting Smart series. Peter and other Legal Aid attorneys have facilitated nearly 100 Landlord & Tenant Rights workshops and educated more than 280 families with valuable skills. Thanks to volunteers from the Durham Office, they’ve also hosted more than five expungement clinics and provided countless hours of legal guidance to individual families served at the shelter. Legal Aid of NC plays a vital role in helping families to be more successful when they move out of FMF and break the cycle of homelessness.
Matt Aaronson (Senior)
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Throughout the past year, Matt Aaronson has been a driving force behind Durham Habitat's mission to build safe and affordable housing for the community. One of Matt's distinctive qualities is his continual pursuit of knowledge and skill development. His commitment to self-improvement benefits him personally and contributes to the overall capability and effectiveness of the volunteer team. Matt actively collaborates with other volunteers and groups, fostering a sense of teamwork that enhances the overall efficiency of Habitat projects. His versatility and eagerness to learn showcase a humble attitude that has made him an invaluable asset to the organization.
George and Emilie Beglane (Senior)
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
George and Emilie Beglane have been a part of Durham Habitat's siding "geezer" crew for nearly twenty years. George, originally part of the siding crew, expanded his impact by contributing to the framing crew and playing an instrumental role in launching Durham Habitat's Playhouse Program in January 2013. Both George and Emilie have emerged as strong advocates for Durham Habitat's mission within the community. Their advocacy for affordable housing initiatives and their consistent presence in various volunteer capacities exemplify leadership within the organization.
Mary Dow (Senior)
Independent Animal Rescue (IAR)
Mary Dow has been the heart and soul of Independent Animal Rescue (IAR)’s feral cat program and cat foster program for more than a decade. Under her direction, IAR’s cat program spays and neuters more than 1500 cats and rescues and adopts out over 300 cats per year. Mary has opened her home to hundreds of foster animals. She’s graciously hosted board meetings, volunteer meetings, and working sessions to build feral cat shelters that help cats stay warm in the winter. Mary is also a vital part of IAR’s fundraising team. In all situations, she has a calm, approachable demeanor and a smile on her face. Mary is a voice for the voiceless and the face and hands of hope, healing, safety, and love to those who may have never known it.
Lakisha Dzilah (Individual)
Durham Cooperative Extension-Durham County 4-H
Lakisha Dzilah has been a faithful Durham 4-H volunteer club leader since 2013.
Thanks to Lakisha, the 15 young people in her Kids Being Kids 4-H club have taken full advantage of what the program has to offer. They meet formally at least once a month, but often spend time learning, serving, and doing homework together. The group has volunteered at local food pantries, community gardens, and nonprofits. They’ve also participated annually in District Activity Day, a 4-H event that encourages members to present a topic of interest to their peers and judges. Through this program, Lakisha has developed passionate presenters and had kids take home gold, silver, or bronze nearly every year they’ve participated. This year, one of her club members received a NC 4-H scholarship to support their collegiate career. None of this would have been possible without Lakisha’s support and leadership!
Michael Hall (Senior)
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Michael (Mike) Hall has actively served Durham Habitat for many years with a group of volunteers from Mt. Sylvan United Methodist Church in Durham. The group constructed ramps, mobility aids, and new homes for residents in the county. In the past year, Mike handcrafted more than 280 bowls from leftover construction lumber for Durham Habitat homebuyers. This thoughtful gesture goes beyond the physical structure of a house, creating a sense of warmth and welcome for those moving into their new residences.
Elaine Hart-Brothers (Senior)
Community Health Coalition
In 1989, Dr. Elaine Hart-Brothers and the late Mr. John Mickle founded the Community Health Coalition. This visionary move aimed at reaching a broader audience and educating the public about health, with a focus on reducing health disparities related to conditions like hypertension and diabetes. A testament to her commitment is the development of a comprehensive community education program focused on diabetes. The six-week program, "Each One Teach One," covers crucial aspects of living with diabetes. Dr. Hart-Brothers actively engaged in a joint study with UNC healthcare, examining the journey of breast cancer survivors living with diabetes. Her quote, "the more people I reach, the more lives I help save," encapsulates her mission.
Jack Hicks (Senior)
Habitat for Humanity of Durham
Jack Hicks's volunteer journey with Durham Habitat began in 2016, with a heightened level of consistency since 2018 when he joined the Framing Crew. His steadfast presence was particularly crucial during the post-Covid shutdown period, when his commitment helped the organization regain its footing. In the past year, Jack took on the responsibilities of a Crew Leader, guiding on-site volunteer groups through the intricacies of the building process. As a Crew Leader, Jack has played a crucial role in fostering a positive environment for volunteers, especially those new to the building process. His reliability, patience, and kindness have made a lasting impact on both the organization and the volunteers he has worked with.
John Scott (Youth)
Durham VA Medical Center
John Scott works with the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System as a dedicated advocate for homeless veterans. He recognized that many homeless veterans lack basic necessities. This led him to start his own organization, Students Supporting Soldiers, to help veterans in his community by organizing food, clothing, and toiletry drives. Through his efforts in November of 2022, John collected over 200 pounds of food and $600 in clothing items. In May of 2023, he collected over 175 Hormel meals and donations from his community. Small acts of kindness like this gave veterans much needed resources. John is a great advocate for those who have served.
Geoffrey Yuen (Senior)
Duke Lemur Center
Dr. Geoff Yuen serves as a Technician Assistant volunteer at the Duke Lemur Center (DLC). Geoff cleans animal enclosures, prepares specialized diets for the lemurs, assists with behavioral observations, creates enrichment, and supports the Primate Technician staff wherever needed. He doesn’t shy away from dirty or difficult tasks, of which there are a lot of when working with animals. Beyond his regular animal care tasks, you’ll find him on any given week weeding enclosures with a propane torch, building PVC ramps for the elderly lemurs, drilling wood insect feeders for the aye ayes, weatherizing kennels, branching mouse lemur towers, coding video of animal behaviors, and entering data. He is also a welcoming and helpful presence when DLC onboards new volunteers. Geoff has a great work ethic and is consistently DLC’s top serving volunteer, averaging 400-700 hours each year.
Sandwich Brigade at St. Philip's Episcopal Church (Group)
Urban Ministries of Durham
Like most organizations, Urban Ministries of Durham (UMD) had to be creative during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is where The Sandwich Brigade begins. The Brigade initially set out to provide sandwiches, fresh fruit, desserts, and beverages for community members during the pandemic. Receiving a weekly delivery of these items allowed UMD staff to assemble nearly 200 bag lunches each day. After providing approximately 10,000 sandwiches, The Sandwich Brigade ended in June of 2021. However, Brigade members found that they missed the connectedness and a ministry that they enjoyed. The weekly deliveries resumed and continue each week despite the
world’s return to life as usual. The Sandwich Brigade’s mission to help nourish their neighbors continues to be as critical as ever.
Zakat Foundation of America Interns (Group, Youth)
Zakat Foundation of America
The current batch of Zakat Foundation of America interns—Radeyah Maryam, Adam Qaimari, Haleema Sadiya, Zeba Hussaini, and Majid Azzam—took the lead on a great number of projects. They arranged, organized, and led tutoring sessions for refugees who were struggling with school. They packed and distributed school supplies and backpacks to foster kids in Durham. They planned and participated in distributions of groceries, fresh produce, and hot food to underserved communities in various locations. They collaborated with the Family Promise and Middle Eastern Refugee Association to organize a free health clinic for refugees at the Zakat Foundation community center. These interns all stand out as go-getters and confident individuals who are committed to helping those in need.
Laura and Sandy Gabel (Group, Senior)
Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM)
As volunteers for Area Congregations in Ministry (ACIM), Laura and Sandy Gabel help alleviate hunger in Granville County. Sandy's expertise in insurance led to improved coverage for all volunteers. Laura's contributions include stocking shelves, packing boxes, recruiting volunteers, and writing thank-you cards to donors. Fluent in Spanish, Laura serves as an interpreter and assists with form-filling. She has helped break down language barriers and spread the word about ACIM, positioning it as a safe and supportive place for those seeking assistance. Both have served on the Board of Directors for years. They played an instrumental role in fundraising to acquire new freezers, lease a refrigerated truck, and augment the budget to purchase food.
April
Shaeffer (Individual)
Granville County Schools
Known as a "mover and shaker”, April Schaefer is recognized for her persistence and ability to form meaningful relationships with school and community stakeholders. She supported the resurfacing of the softball and baseball field at GC Hawley Middle School and actively participated in enhancing facilities at South Granville High School. She played a pivotal role in renovating the South Granville softball facility, addressing Title IX issues and securing donations from local businesses. She organized the 1st Annual Granville County 4-H/FFA Livestock Show and the Strikeout Hunger softball
game. Her grant-writing efforts secured a zero-turn lawnmower for the athletic program. Ms. Schaefer's volunteerism extends beyond facility improvements, generously donating her time to work concessions at school events.
Judy Anderson (Senior) Meals on Wheels Orange County
Since March 2022, Judy Anderson has volunteered at the Hillsborough Meals on Wheels (MOW) location. Every Thursday, she delivers meals to Route #2 recipients in rural Orange County. She ensures that everyone on her route receives not only a meal but also a friendly check-in. Judy possesses unique skills as a creative card maker. Her inclusion of handmade cards in the deliveries adds a personal touch and brings smiles to the recipients. Her beautifully crafted holiday cards have become a delightful addition for all recipients served from the Hillsborough office. In addition, she donates at least 100 shelf-stable meals each month. Judy's thoughtful and generous contributions are truly appreciated.
David Bright (Senior)
EMPOWERment, Inc.
EMPOWERment is dedicated to the mission of empowering people and communities to determine their own destinies through affordable housing, community organizing and grassroots economic development. David Bright serves as Treasurer of EMPOWERment’s Board of Directors. He participates in the Good Neighbor Initiative, which bridges the gap between long-term residents of the Chapel Hill community and the student population. David served on the EMPOWERment Capital Campaign Committee, which raised 3.5 million dollars to build its first affordable apartment building. In addition to his work with EMPOWERment, he makes weekly food deliveries to low income families in the Chapel Hill Carrboro school system. David is always patient and supportive, and always willing to give of himself.
Phillip Buchanan, PhD (Senior)
Voices Together
Voices Together empowers individuals to find their voice and create their own path in life through specialized music therapy. Dr. Buchanan’s work as a cytogeneticist gave him unique insight into the autism community (the primary community served) that enabled Voices Together to become a leader in the field. His leadership helped secure
a research partnership with Duke University, major funding from the William R. Kenan, Jr. Charitable Trust, and a major contract with the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. He led Voices Together through the pandemic, providing guidance as a virtual delivery model was developed. Under Dr. Buchanan’s leadership, Voices Together has grown from a $250,000 budget to a $7 million budget and increased from serving 100 students to serving over 1,600 children, teens, and adults.
Sheila Evans (Senior)
Orange County Department on Aging
Sheila Evans actively engages in various Orange County Department on Aging programs. One notable contribution is her passionate involvement with the Solo Agers group. This social group, focused on supporting older adults navigating aging alone, has witnessed continuous growth under her leadership. Monthly meetings and events have become a vital platform for those experiencing aging with little or no family support. Sheila is also involved with the End-of-Life Senior Resource Team and the Mental Wellness Senior Resource Team, both of which have regular meetings and events. Sheila consistently attends, actively engages in program planning, and seeks opportunities to give back.
Tom Gibson (Senior)
Orange Literacy
Tom Gibson started as a volunteer ESOL instructor for Orange Literacy in 2016, teaching two small groups of adult learners at varying levels. The following year, he helped build a computer lab at Orange Correctional Center (OCC). Duke University donated computers and Tom supplied monitors and other equipment. He continued to support the lab for two years and taught many at OCC the basics of technology. In 2019, Tom started tutoring for the Adult Basic Education (ABE) program. Since then, he has tutored four ABE learners with varying levels and different goals. Tom takes the time to learn about each student’s interests and regularly creates binders full of reading materials tailored for the individual. He is always willing to take on new students and encourage them to do their best.
Hussain Hassan (Individual)
The Disability Awareness Council
A sharp mind, academic prowess, curiosity, and adept communication skills make Hussain Hassan a standout contributor to The Disability Awareness Council (TDAC).
His fellow volunteers trust him implicitly with key responsibilities and projects. Hussain was recently elected to lead the organization during the upcoming academic year. He helped set up a tech lab for seniors and veterans. He provided computer support and education to individuals with disabilities and dedicated time to writing web content and researching articles for TDAC's website. Hussain believes in the transformative power of volunteering and its potential to inspire others to be their best selves.
Rosemarie Hunter (Senior)
Orange County Department on Aging
The Orange County Department on Aging (OCDOA) emphasizes models that promote peer-to-peer support with older adults acting as volunteers for programs focused on older adults. One of these programs is Telephone Reassurance, where volunteers place calls to participants to check on their comfort, safety, and general wellbeing. Rosemarie Hunter supported this program before, throughout, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to her dedication to Telephone Reassurance, she took part in OCDOA’s monthly Commodity Supplemental Food program along with many other programs that support older adults aging in their communities. Rosemarie’s warm presence has been comforting to both OCDOA participants and staff.
Michael Reach (Senior)
Hope Renovations
Hope Renovations prepares underemployed women and gender expansive individuals for construction careers and helps older adults age in place. Michael Reach has saved the organization thousands of dollars by utilizing his decades of experience in finance, construction, and HR. He also worked alongside the construction crew, helping make repairs for individuals who would otherwise struggle to afford such work. Michael taught almost 80 trainees math and professional development skills. He actively fundraises by helping Andrew's Automotive in Hillsborough, then requesting donations for Hope Renovations in lieu of payment. Michael’s kindness and empathy enhance the organization’s environment, creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for all involved.
Nicole Romack (Youth)
Orange County Disability Awareness Council
Nicole Romack works approximately 15 hours a week in the Orange County Disability
Awareness Council (OCDAC) office, assisting in the set up of complex computer software for the disabled. She also follows up with phone call inquiries on topics such as accessible transportation and adaptive computer learning. Her willingness to take on challenging projects and see them to successful completion is impressive. Nicole projects a warm, cheerful attitude towards OCDAC clients. Whether she is taking meeting minutes, assisting with sales at outside summits, or resolving conflicts with patience and tact, she handles difficult situations with grace. Nicole loves people, works hard, and always tries to lift the spirits of those around her.
Lydia Sigmund (Senior)
Orange County Department on Aging
Lydia has been volunteering with the Orange County Department on Aging since 1999. She has volunteered in a variety of different ways, most recently as front desk support at the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill. She volunteers Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. when the building opens until the early afternoon. Lydia is a constant at the center and the senior participants have gotten to know her over the years and depend on her presence.
Tyler Stopa (Youth)
Meals on Wheels Orange County
Tyler Stopa has been a dedicated volunteer with the Meals on Wheels Orange County (MOWOCNC) program for nearly 10 years. He delivers hot meals, fresh produce, milk and desserts to meal recipients two days per week with some help from family members or care providers. Each Wednesday, Tyler picks up bagel donations from Brandwein's Bagels, re-bags hundreds of bagels into smaller bags, and then drops them off at MOWOCNC’s office for delivery to meal recipients on Thursday mornings. Tyler is caring and thoughtful; he always has a friendly greeting for MOWOCNC staff members and other volunteers.
Telling the Full Story Committee (Senior)
The Alliance for Historic Hillsborough
The “Telling the Full Story” Platform focuses on illuminating the history and experiences of local Black and Indigenous communities. Spearheaded by the Alliance and supported by the National Trust, the initiative has evolved into an interactive map chronicling the history of significant locations and capturing oral narratives from individuals who have witnessed societal changes. The committee members invested
countless hours in shaping the platform's direction, conducting interviews, and editing content. Their contributions are invaluable for both preserving untold history and creating a legacy for future generations. The committee's special skills, qualities, and leadership have been evident in their collaborative efforts, meticulous attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to inclusivity.
Pamela Tudryn (Senior)
SECU Family House
Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when needs were high and volunteers were scarce, Pamela stepped forward to volunteer at SECU Family House. Everyone… guests, staff, and volunteers alike look for her each day. She has folded thousands of linens, made hundreds of cups of coffee, organized donations for the kitchen and pantry, sorted toiletries, and motivated other volunteers to join her in improving areas of the house. She often uses her baking skills to provide treats for guests and staff. Pamela's radiant spirit and compassionate nature shine as beacons of hope, bringing warmth and comfort to the guests at SECU Family House.
Norma White (Senior)
Meals on Wheels Orange County
Norma White participated in the Project EngAGE program established by the Orange County Department on Aging. At the conclusion of the class, program students adopted Norma’s proposal to address the nutritional and social needs of seniors living in Northern Orange County. She planned and led efforts to establish a new program, Orange County Rural Alliance (OCRA). After several years of operation, it was determined that the needs of northern Orange County exceeded the capacity of OCRA, both in terms of finances and volunteers. Norma and her team dissolved OCRA and merged with Chapel Hill Carrboro MOW to form Meals on Wheels Orange County North Carolina. Norma served on the new Board of Directors for three years. She continues to deliver meals at least once per week.
Brandon Young (Youth)
Orange County Disability Awareness Council
As an Orange County Disability Awareness Council (TDAC) volunteer, Brandon Young goes the extra mile to support the team, customers, and overarching mission of TDAC. One of his accomplishments has been the successful management of best
practice learning sessions. Leading a three-hour accessible web course for volunteers each week, he also takes charge of the website's accessibility, Brandon organizes team meetings and offsite team-building exercises. He meticulously maintains a list of student volunteers who are safe, well-trained, and ready to visit shut-ins. He coordinated the painting of the TDAC office’s dull walls into vibrant, uplifting colors, transforming the physical workspace.
Raymond Block (Senior)
Person County Animal Services
Mr. Ray, as he is affectionately called, is the star volunteer at Person County Animal Services. He comes every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday like clockwork to walk the dogs and talk to visitors and potential adopters. He shows up in the rain, the heat of summer, and the cold of winter. He attends every adoption event and donates monetarily to the shelter. Mr. Ray shares the shelter’s social media posts on his own social media pages and is always ready to talk to anyone about an available dog, with the hopes of finding them a forever home. He takes new volunteers under his wing, training and developing relationships with them. Ray Block has been a lifesaver; he’s provided needed assistance when the shelter was understaffed and facilitated many dog adoptions, potentially saving some from euthanasia.
PCMH Volunteers (Group)
Person County Museum of History
The Person County Museum of History embarked on a variety of new exhibits and programs, none of which would have been possible without the help of this dedicated group of ten volunteers. The culmination was the opening of its General Store—a free standing building that operated as a store from 1893 into the 1940s. It is stocked with the major departments associated with a pre-war American general store and also includes a post office. These volunteers offered their expertise in history, engineering, carpentry, sewing, the creation of period reproductions, and the sourcing of artifacts to fill an entire building. They also staffed events and field trips, sharing the knowledge they learned through the process. This amazing group of people truly believes in the museum’s motto of “Making History Personal.”
Bruce Anderson (Senior)
Wheels4Hope
Bruce Anderson, a volunteer mechanic and key member of the Wheels4Hope team,
has assessed and repaired many cars. He will take on any mechanical assignment, doing the research and planning required to determine the best way to perform the repair. Bruce will then work on the repair until it is completed no matter how difficult it becomes or how long it takes. Wheels4Hope recently acquired tire mounting and balancing equipment. This equipment is very intimidating to the typical volunteer mechanic, with its heavy weight and high-speed operation. Bruce studied this machinery and learned how to operate it safely. Repairing donated cars quickly, safely, and completely is the heartbeat of Wheels4Hope. Bruce keeps that heartbeat strong every day he volunteers at Wheels4Hope.
Lupe Boyle (Senior)
Assistance League of the Triangle Area
Lupe Boyle has been a volunteer with the Assistance League of the Triangle Area since November 2019. She accepted a Board member position as First Vice President, chairs the Finance Committee, is a liaison for the Advisory Council, and is an active member of the Bylaws Committee. She is also Vice Chair of the Operation School Bell program, which provides new clothing, shoes, school and health supplies to children in need. Lupe was instrumental in expanding the program by contacting several police departments to work with them through their Shop with a Cop Program. She was involved in implementing alternative delivery methods for students not attending school in person. She attended thirteen in-store shopping nights and acted as a Spanish translator in addition to performing her volunteer tasks for the evening. Lupe quietly works to help thousands of children in the Triangle Area.
Sharon (Sam) Cullinan (Senior)
Urban Ministries of Wake County
In 2010, Sharon (Sam) Cullinan began her journey with Urban Ministries of Wake County as a provider in the free and charitable clinic. She dedicated countless hours to serving the community's medical needs, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. As time progressed, Sam gracefully transitioned to volunteering in the food pantry. Coming from a medical background, she brought valuable insights to the food pantry, advocating for healthier food options to better serve the community. Her advocacy for holistic care and her caring attitude has not only enriched the quality of services provided but have also contributed significantly to meeting the critical needs of the community.
Sarah Ensing (Individual)
NC Victim Assistance Network
As a volunteer for the NC Victim Assistance Network, Sarah Ensing provides support to the surviving loved ones of homicide and victims of other violent crimes during judicial proceedings. Her service is remarkable, especially during homicide trials, where she regularly commutes from Edgecombe County to the Wake County Courthouse. Sarah's outstanding accomplishments extend beyond her physical presence; she ensures that she is well-equipped with necessary supplies, often covering the costs out of her own pocket. Her commitment to supporting survivors during the emotionally challenging process of judicial proceedings speaks volumes about her compassion, empathy, and dedication to the well-being of others.
Anna Smith Felts (Individual)
The International Festival
Beyond her legal practice, Anna Smith Felts actively engages in civic causes and community service. She serves as President of the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers. She is Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Foundation for Good Business. She is involved in the support of underprivileged children through the Super Kids Scholarship Program's special committee. Anna served as a Board member for Beginnings, supporting hearing-impaired children, and the State Capitol Foundation. Her involvement as legal faculty for the Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism at Campbell Law School's Intercession Program demonstrates her commitment to legal education. Anna’s welcoming demeanor and commitment to inclusivity shine through in her volunteer work with cultural events.
Harshil Garg (Youth)
Cary Police Department-Project Phoenix
As a junior at Green Level High School in Cary, Harshil Garg recognized the pressing issue of preventable drowning in children under 15 years old. In response, he established Project Aqua-Survivors, a water safety education program that would provide "Hope for Life in Water." Over the past year, he planned and executed the program, making it an annual summer initiative under the guidance of Project Phoenix, run by the Cary Police Department. Instead of relying on charitable donations, Harshil utilized his swimming skills, coaching 10 kids over the summer and earning $1200. He then conducted three one-hour sessions at each of several Cary apartment communities. In total, 18 children attended the program, receiving the "gift of life" from Harshil.
Lynda Harris (Senior)
Safe Haven for Cats
Lynda Harris volunteers at least two days per week at Safe Haven for Cats, cleaning the shelter and providing feline enrichment. Her extraordinary knowledge of cats, particularly shy and older felines, earned her the endearing title of "Cat Whisperer." She goes above and beyond by sharing insightful videos on the organization's private Facebook community, Accentuate the Pawsitive. Lynda's innovative use of videos not only benefits the staff and volunteers but also enhances the adoption process by offering potential adopters a deeper understanding of each cat's behavior. In pioneering the use of social media at the shelter, Lynda has bridged the gap between volunteers, fostering a positive and collaborative online space. Her videos serve as a powerful tool for Adoption Services, aiding in their mission to find loving homes for cats by providing comprehensive insights into their behavior.
Mandie & Bill Hershberger (Senior, Group)
Note in the Pocket
Note in the Pocket volunteers Mandie and Bill Hershberger process essential clothing items. As designated Underwear and Sock Volunteers, their dedicated service has helped meet the needs of homeless and impoverished students and families in our community. Mandie and Bill's special skills and qualities are evident in their meticulous approach to processing donations. Their attention to detail, organizational skills, and collaborative teamwork have set a high standard for efficiency and dedication in creating bundles for the individuals Note in the Pocket clothe. Their hard work stood out as they processed an impressive 50,000 pairs of socks and 50,000 pairs of underwear, a testament to the magnitude of their contributions in supporting those in need.
Dana Hinn (Individual)
Pretty In Pink Foundation
Pretty In Pink Foundation of North Carolina provides uninsured and under-insured breast cancer patients in North Carolina with financial assistance for quality, life-saving medical treatment. Dana Hinn stands as a pillar of support and dedication in the heart of its small team. With reliability and accuracy, she handles the weekly influx of client applications. Her support has allowed the organization to increase its program capacity without having to add a paid employee to the team, despite a 25% increase in the demand for services over the past year. To put this in perspective, Dana helps manage the entire data entry process for those Pretty In Pink serves. She has entered applicant information and provided follow-up correspondence for more than 350 applications in
the past year. Dana’s versatility and commitment make her an invaluable asset.
Rachel Lamm (Individual)
Girls on the Run of the Triangle
Rachel Lamm has served as a guiding light for girls participating in Girls on the Run of the Triangle, coaching for 14 seasons. She goes above and beyond, coaching at two different sites in a single season. Rachel’s commitment extends beyond the youth she coaches to her fellow coaches, exemplified by her inclusive approach when working with a coach who has Down syndrome. She also participates in various races and support events throughout the season, including 5Ks and marathons. One of Rachel's remarkable qualities is her ability to connect with girls season after season. Her service has impacted the lives of young girls, transcending beyond the realm of running to instill essential values of confidence, resilience, and kindness.
Saba Mokry (Senior)
Wake Smiles
Dr. Saba Mokry volunteers eight hours each week for Wake Smiles, a dental clinic that serves uninsured adults who have little to no access to quality dental care. Her devotion goes beyond the clinic's regular hours, as she serves as an on-call doctor 24/7. In her adjunct clinical position with UNC Adam’s School of Dentistry, Dr. Mokry supervises dental students in a volunteer capacity. This allows the students to contribute to serving refugees at Wake Smiles one Saturday a month. Dr. Mokry initiated a groundbreaking digital denture program that has been instrumental in offering tooth replacement options to individuals who would otherwise lack access to dentures. As a member of the Board of Directors, she plays a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability and focus of the organization on its core mission.
Anita Punj (Individual)
Dedicated to Our Community of North Carolina (DOCNC)
Anita Punj is the founder and guiding force of Dedicated to Our Community of North Carolina (DOCNC), a nonprofit that cultivates strong and motivated young leaders equipped to serve both local communities and broader horizons. Under Anita’s leadership, DOCNC has grown exponentially from its initial group of about 5 high schoolers to now include about 150 K-12 students. She created and oversaw opportunities for middle school and high school students, helping them design and execute projects that benefited the community while simultaneously developing their
life skills. In all of these activities, she created a supportive environment for youths to openly share creative ideas and collaborate and work with each other with a common goal to serve the community. Anita’s efforts have touched a spectrum of lives across various age, racial, and socioeconomic groups.
Landy Townsend (Senior)
The Miracle League of The Triangle
Landy Townsend is not one to sit in the bleachers. As a head coach, occasional announcer, fundraiser, Parent Advisory Committee member, Vice-Chair on the Board of Directors, and a player’s dad, the bleachers are the last place you will find Landy at the Miracle League of the Triangle. He coaches each of his teams with enthusiasm, patience, and gracious leadership. He mentors new coaches, encourages volunteer engagement with the players, and jumps on the field to lend other teams a helping hand. He brings fresh ideas for how the organization approaches its marketing plans and is always available to serve as a sounding board for the staff. Landy’s passion for the Miracle League is inspired in part by how it changes the way people think about individuals with special needs.
NAMI
North Carolina Helpline Responder Team (Group)
NAMI North Carolina
Serving as a compassionate "warmline," the NAMI North Carolina Helpline team provides mental health information, support, and referrals. They respond to Helpline emails and calls, assisting individuals and families navigating the complexities of the mental health system. The team continually vets and updates their resources to ensure that they provide the best options for callers. One of the team members authored a resource manual. This manual serves as a comprehensive tool, enhancing the team's ability to provide accurate and helpful information to callers. The outstanding accomplishments of the NAMI Helpline team are reflected in their responsiveness to over 2,000 contacts per year.
Victims Advocate Support Services Team (Group)
Victims Advocate Support Services (VASS)
These wonderful people dedicate their time and resources to support families of homicide victims without any grants or community funding. They fund retreats, community dinners, and events out of their own pockets, providing invaluable support and solace to those who have experienced such profound loss. Their selfless dedication
and commitment to helping others in their darkest times are truly admirable and inspiring.
Warehouse Change Team (Group)
Western Wake Crisis Ministry
As new volunteers for the Western Wake Crisis Ministry (WWCM), Stephen Rotondo and Mark Kerr led a team to improve processes and operations. Some of their improvements included documenting storage capacity and layouts, storage and handling strategy enhancements, new operating procedures and volunteer training materials, and a new inventory management application. Some of the resulting benefits include better product organization and more efficient use of space, improved cleanliness and workplace safety, fewer errors, greater visibility to inventory, and easy-to-access data. Stephen and Mark did this while also performing their normal volunteer duties in WWCM’s warehouses. The improvements they implemented have been vital to meeting a 15% year-to-year growth in requests for food assistance from WWCM’s food pantry.
Selena Brown (Individual)
Pretty In Pink Foundation
Selena Brown began volunteering with Pretty In Pink Foundation after the foundation was able to help her! A professional hairdresser, Selena had to close her shop due to her breast cancer diagnosis. Finding herself without an income, she became a Pretty In Pink Champion and received its services to get access to medical treatment. Now, she’s a breast cancer survivor and a volunteer who shares her experience with various groups across the state. Selena delivers a powerful testimonial with vulnerability and a contagious smile, inspiring everyone she speaks with. In addition, she emceed the foundation’s signature fundraising event—the Pink Pumps and Bow Ties Gala. By talking about her healthcare journey in a genuine, authentic way, Selena is truly paying it back and making a huge difference for Pretty In Pink Foundation.
Carol and Alexander Lawrence (Senior, Group)
JC Raulston Arboretum
Both Alexander and Carol Lawrence played pivotal roles in creating and producing the JC Raulston Arboretum’s weekly garden education program. Alexander spearheaded the technical production aspects, helped research, acquire, and test equipment, and trained staff and volunteers. Carol offered innovative ideas and fresh perspectives that helped shape the content of the sessions, making them both informative and visually
captivating. These efforts resulted in the creation and production of over 90 live content videos. Carol also updated tour guide training materials and created a successful tour guide training curriculum. Together, Alexander and Carol form a dynamic duo whose collaborative efforts contribute to the success of the Arboretum's educational initiatives.
Jay and Allana Minnick (Senior, Group)
The Miracle League of the Triangle
Jay and Allana Minnick have served as coaches for the Miracle League of the Triangle. They’ve put in nearly 1,000 hours on the baseball diamond while raising 4 children (two with special needs) and working full-time jobs. In addition to coaching, Jay has been a featured speaker and presenter at the Miracle League’s annual fundraiser. Their impact on the Miracle League community is evident—parents of players request to be on the teams they lead; others say that Allana encouraged them to sign up; and many volunteers became coaches “because Jay said it would be great!” Beyond countless hours of service, their best contribution has been friendship, gratitude, and acceptance to every single person who steps on a Miracle League field.
Meredith Robinson (Youth)
The Miracle League of the Triangle
Meredith Robinson’s role as a dedicated volunteer for The Miracle League of the Triangle stretches back seven years. She devoted over 50 hours each year supporting individuals with special needs as a coach. In addition, Meredith played a pivotal role in recruiting new coaches to the program. Her enthusiastic recommendations have led at least six new coaches who joined Miracle League in the past three seasons. Meredith’s compassion, care, and understanding for each player create an inclusive and empowering environment that resonates with our volunteers and players alike.
Andi Seger (Senior)
Assistance League Triangle Area
Andi Seger volunteered in several of the Assistance League Triangle Area’s programs until she became the Chairman of the Kids Place program. This program, which began in 1997, was a single room created as an oasis for kids being treated at Raleigh’s WakeMed Emergency Center. When Andi took over the program, it was in need of a creative revamp. Under her guidance, the Kids Place program expanded to include 11 locations throughout the Triangle. The committee supplies comfort items at each
location including teddy bears, children’s books (in English and Spanish), Play-Doh, toys, and a treasure chest filled with a variety of children’s items. Through her efforts, Andi has helped provide comfort to countless children and their families during a very stressful time within emergency department facilities.
Kevin Sommers (Individual)
Habitat for Humanity of Wake County
Kevin Sommers has been a volunteer for Habitat Wake for 13 years. He is a volunteer leader in the Force of Habitat program and helps Habitat Wake staff lead hundreds of unskilled volunteers on a weekly basis. He leads builds with confidence, humility and patience. Kevin has led in large 100+ home build communities, special event blitz builds, and large groups of people. He recently joined Habitat Wake’s Force of Habitat Advisory Council. In this role, he collaborates with staff and fellow volunteer leaders to help improve processes, provide skill trainings, and create best practices. Kevin is an outstanding leader who has played a major role in the growth of Habitat Wake and has physically built affordable homes for at least 40 families in Wake County.
Rajeev Thalla (Individual)
Hindu Society Of North Carolina (HSNC)
Rajeev Thalla lost his young son in the parking lot due to heart failure. Recognizing the need to have more community members trained in bystander CPR, Rajeev approached the Hindu Society of North Carolina (HSNC) to secure facilities to host CPR classes. He then teamed up with Wake EMS and the Morrisville Fire Department to educate and train the community in bystander CPR. Rajeev coordinated with the instructor and provided the required administrative support including announcements, registration/enrollment, class scheduling, and overall logistics. In 2023, 26 bi-weekly sessions were conducted from February through December, and approximately 800 participants received CPR training. Rajeev’s efforts helped add 800+ people to the community who are trained to provide life-saving assistance.
Frank Yarborough (Senior)
The Miracle League of the Triangle
Frank Yarborough began volunteering for the Miracle League of the Triangle in 2006. The joy, love, and sense of fulfillment the experience gave him then and every year since has brought him back to the ball field for 17 years. He’s coached two teams and served on the Board of Directors. With the assistance of another coach, Frank began a
Wednesday night clinic where players received individualized instruction to improve their game. This clinic laid the foundation for a new program, the Advanced Player Academy, a competitive league for Miracle League participants. Frank’s audio/visual company is a team sponsor. His company has assisted with sound systems and scoreboards at all three League ball fields. Frank embodies Miracle League’s mission to create positive life experiences for children and adults with special needs and their families through baseball.
Librado Mendoza Sosa (Individual) Student Action with Farmworkers
Librado Mendoza Sosa is the co-director and a coach for the Siler City FC Recreational Soccer Club, a club that serves boys and girls aged 4 to 13. Librado, a first-generation, bilingual professional, is a mentor for young children who often don't feel represented in the schools that they attend. He serves as an example of what is possible for them if they continue with their education. His tireless efforts have contributed to the growth of the program from 60 participants in 2021 to over 220 participants in 2024. He has also served on a Board of Director's executive team committee for almost 3 years. Patient, kind, and dedicated, Librado is a vital member of the Siler City Futbol Club Board and an essential part of the success of the recreation soccer program.
Barbara (Babs) Easley (Individual) CORA Food Pantry
One of Barbara Easley's primary roles is sorting and stocking food, helping to keep the Chatham Outreach Alliance (CORA) food pantry well-organized and well-stocked. In addition to her regular responsibilities, Babs actively participates in the Retail Recovery program, ensuring that that surplus food from local retailers is recovered and distributed to those in need. She also packs boxes of food for the CORApacks and SNACK! programs. Her involvement extends to CORA’s signature event, Empty Bowls, where her enthusiasm and dedication shine through at the registration table. Living nearby, Babs is available at a moment's notice to assist with any urgent needs or coverage gaps. Her willingness to go the extra mile speaks volumes about her character and the sincerity with which she approaches her volunteer work.