2020 Mayors' Volunteer Award Nominees
Volunteer Award: Open to nominees age 19 or older (any adult, regardless of years of service)
Tom Blanford
Tom Blanford was nominated by an individual. Tom is dedicated to making the Cedar Valley a better place to live by serving on a variety of different committees. Those include the Cedar Falls Lions Club, treasurer of the United Way of Cedar Valley, Director of the Cedar Falls Schools Foundation, Grow Cedar Valley, and Iowa Credit Unions League to name a few. Tom is always the first one to jump in whenever help is needed. He is dedicated to making his hometown better and improving the lives of others with his work. Thank you for your service, Tom!
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Moria Brown
Moria Brown was nominated by World’s Window for the Volunteer Award. Moria began volunteering at World's Window in 1999! She excels at helping customers find the perfect item for themselves or to give as a gift. Since Moria is a retired art teacher she generously gives her creative input to displays and helps with children's art projects that World's Window hosts during Art-a-pa-looza. Moria also dedicates her time with her church, Hearst Center for the Arts, Community Main Street, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. What a caring and generous member of our community!
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Ruth Buck
Ruth Buck was nominated by MercyOne for the Volunteer Award. Ruth is described as compassionate, sensitive to client needs, knowledgeable, professional, and energized. Ruth is heavily involved in many areas of the community through the Rotary Club, Cedar Valley Arboretum, Hartman Nature Reserve, and more! Ruth also provides one-on-one assistance with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). In 2019 Ruth gave 202 hours of service, assisted 423 clients and saved those clients over $174,000 in prescription coverage! Thank you for sharing your time and skills to the Cedar Valley, Ruth!
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Shay Caley |
Yvonne Duggan |
Mike Geisler |
Shay Caley was nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley for the Volunteer Award. Shay has led the Clubs’ Harley Party fundraiser for the past several years. She has led the Finance Committee, been instrumental in securing capital campaign pledges, and a valued member of the Board of Directors. In most cases, Shay is the quiet force behind the successful event.Thank you, Shay, for your countless hours of volunteerism, dedication, and commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley!
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Yvonne Duggan was nominated by the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Garden for the Volunteer Award. Yvonne is one of their volunteers who undertakes many logistical and operational tasks of their events and activities. She assists with the Moonlight & Roses fundraiser and Fall Harvest Festival. Yvonne’s creative thinking has helped immensely when brainstorming or problem solving. Yvonne spends many hours at the Arboretum during the season helping to share their mission and make the gardens looking beautiful for all visitors. Thank you, Yvonne, for sharing your time and skills to better our community!
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Mike Geisler was nominated by the Iowa State University Black Hawk County Extension and Outreach for the Volunteer Award. Not only has Mike contributed his time, but he has given his expertise and resources as a professional builder. Mike devoted many hours to construction projects, one of which was constructing a new building on the fairgrounds to provide more storage space to the Black Hawk County 4-H and FFA Fair. Mike also assists with the Hudson FAA and Hudson Schools. Thank you, Mike, for your service-minded generosity to your community!
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Vaughn Griffith
Vaughn Griffith was nominated by the Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Garden for the Volunteer Award. Vaughn’s expanse of knowledge and ability has contributed to the success of the Gardens. One of his most recent feats was assisting with 4 other volunteers as they worked to install a stone sculpture with over 308 specially shaped pieces. You can also catch Vaughn on the Arboretum grounds assisting with maintenance jobs, building new structures and updating their older ones. Thank you, Vaughn, for your assistance in both little and big tasks to help improve the visitors’ experience at the Arboretum!
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Mike Hewitt
Mike Hewitt was nominated by Alternatives Pregnancy Center for the Volunteer Award. Mike has been an exceptional volunteer in the Fatherhood program at Alternatives since 2018. Mike mentors, teaches, and motivates each father that is a part of the program! Throughout his nine hours of volunteering each week, Mike personally invests in each client and is extremely dedicated to making the Fatherhood program a success. Thank you, Mike, for your empowerment to others.
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Karen Johnson
Karen Johnson was nominated by MercyOne for the Volunteer Award. Karen has dedicated the past four years as a Driver for their Care-A-Van service, providing transportation from the patient’s home to medical related appointments. Karen is a very active individual who is always willing to help others in need. She is consistently busy because she loves to serve others. In addition to volunteering as a driver, she volunteers with the MercyOne Senior Health Insurance Information Program office, the 40 Days for Life organization, and at her church. Your humble attitude towards serving others is recognizable, Karen!
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Andy Kettman |
Julie Kliegl |
Sandy Lawry |
Andy Kettman was nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley for the Volunteer Award. Andy has volunteered with the Club as a Harley Party Committee Member, mentor, and a Board Member. Andy is dedicated to ensure that all kids thrive in a fun and safe environment. He always finds ways to connect with the kids he mentors. Andy continues to pour himself into the success of the Club by being a top fundraiser, committed board member, and a valued mentor!
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Julie Kliegl was nominated by Waypoint Services for the Volunteer Award. Julie volunteers in many capacities with Waypoint. Julie assists in emergency transportation needs for clients who need immediate assistance. She has gone above and beyond her role as an advocate, ensuring the clients’ feel safe and have access to resources to move forward. As a medical advocate, Julie supports and empowers survivors who arrive at the emergency room due to domestic violence. Not only has Julie contributed 225 hours, but she provides hope, comfort, safety, and non judgemental support to all she works with!
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Sandy Lawry was nominated by UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital. Sandy serves in many roles throughout Allen Hospital. She serves in the gift shop and Allen Hospital Auxiliary where she serves on the Board of Directors as the secretary. When she’s not at Allen Hospital, she is serving meals at her church or sending encouraging cards to others. Thank you Sandy, for your humility and kindness that makes a difference for so many!
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Jeff Mastin
Jeff Mastin was nominated by the Boy Scouts of Winnebago Council for the Volunteer Award. Jeff has served the youth of the Cedar Valley for over nine years in various positions in Scouting. He serves as a Scoutmaster for Troop 29 and has yet to shy away from a challenge or community need. He believes that the youth of the Cedar Valley and of our nation, deserve the opportunity to grow and learn, to become strong adult leaders in their communities. Thank you, Jeff, for not only leading by example but encouraging youth to lead.
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Kellie Nash
Kellie Nash was nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Cedar Valley for the Volunteer Award. Kellie has given numerous hours helping at events, organizing fundraisers at her children’s schools, and helping around the office. Kellie truly believes in their mission to serve the kids that need them the most. She is also active in her church and always looks for ways to give back to the community. Thank you, Kellie, for your endeavors to make the community a better place through service!
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Donna Petersen
Donna Peterson was nominated by Love INC for the Volunteer Award. Donna wears many hats at Love INC of the Cedar Valley! When she’s not in the Clearinghouse making intake phone calls, she’s investing in the lives of others with their Begin Now program. Donna also finds joy in research and writing, and provides her expertise regarding grant applications and deadlines. Since 2017, Donna has given over 700 hours to Love INC! Donna enjoys giving her time and skills to an organization that gives so much to others. Thank you, Donna!
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Orchard Hill Quilters
The Orchard Hill Church Quilters were nominated by Cedar Valley Hospice for the Volunteer Award. The group comprises these seven ladies; Sally Baker, Barb Fluent, Norma Peters, Dee Harp, Joan Rozendaal, Nancy Foss and Hazel Messer. They have made over 100 patriotic quilts to present to the Cedar Valley Hospice veteran patients. Their generosity of a blanket and their time (over 728 hours) help honor veterans one final time for their service. Thank you, Orchard Hill Church Quilters for your humbling and thoughtful giving!
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Cammie Scully
Cammie Scully was nominated by World’s Window for the Volunteer Award. Since Cammie's retirement as director of the Waterloo Center for the Arts, she has been volunteering with World's Window. She has been on the board for five years and has contributed valuable time and skills to helping the success of this organization. With her leadership their Marketing committee was developed and she now chairs the Offsite Sales committee. Cammie’s also dedicates time to serve as a customer assistant in the store and recently donated her time in its renovation. Thank you, Cammie, for generously sharing your talents to make the community a better place to live!
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Ben Snyder
Ben Snyder was nominated by Iowa Heartland Habitat for Humanity for the Volunteer Award. Ben is always at the ready with a smile at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. Ben helps out with everything that goes on in the ReStore, from greeting customers to cleaning tables. Not only does Ben go above and beyond his daily responsibilities, Ben is also a great ambassador for Habitat as he shares with customers about the mission of the organization. Thank you, Ben, for your commitment to helping this wonderful organization succeed!
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Vesta Sobczyk
Vesta Sobczyk was nominated by Trinkets & Togs for the Volunteer Award. As a retired nurse, Vesta has spent her life caring for others, which flowed into volunteer efforts. She oversees daily tasks for volunteers and coordinates donations made to other nonprofit organizations. Through her exceptional networking skills, she has developed relationships with a wide variety of nonprofits in the Cedar Valley to provide them with items such as blankets, bedding, pillows, and more. Vesta’s character and compassion for helping others has made such a difference in our community, thank you!
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Cathy Upham
Cathy Upham was nominated by Love INC for the Volunteer Award. Cathy has faithfully served Love INC of the Cedar Valley since 2010! She serves in the Clearinghouse each week making intake phone calls to under-resourced individuals. In every phone call she approaches others with love and compassion ensuring that each person has the opportunity to share their story and their circumstances. Last year alone, Cathy gave 265 hours to Love INC! The Cedar Valley is thankful for your generosity of time and love, Cathy.
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Ann Vogel
Ann Vogel was nominated by MercyOne for the Volunteer Award. Ann’s volunteer journey began after she retired. She has been an outstanding volunteer for MercyOne, previously Sartori, since 2005! She started out volunteering in Surgical Waiting, then worked in the Gift Shop and now fills the Ambassador position at Cedar Falls Medical Center’s main entrance. Ann’s positivity and kindness are much appreciated by patients and staff. Ann’s desire to help all individuals with dignity and care are what make her a shining example of a volunteer! Thank you for your service to MercyOne, Ann.
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Randy Walker
Randy Walker was nominated by the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for the Volunteer Award. Randy started volunteering at the Food Bank in May of 2018 and has volunteered over 1,800 hours! He mainly helps out in the pantry through stocking shelves, checking out clients, running back and forth between the pantry and the freezer and cooler for product, and even cleaning. Randy has saved the Food Bank close to $46,000 which translates to 183,000+ meals the Food Bank is now able to serve to food insecure clients. Thank you Randy, for your passion and devotion to serving our community!
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Lois Wishmeyer
Lois Wishmeyer was nominated by the Cedar Falls Tourism & Visitors Center for the Volunteer Award. Lois began her volunteer efforts in 1998 where she spent countless volunteer hours at Sartori Memorial Hospital. She is an active volunteer with the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center, Western Home Community, Nazareth Lutheran Church, Cedar Falls Community Center, and the Oster Regent Theater. Since 2004, Lois has been volunteering at the Cedar Falls Visitor Center. During the week, she assembles welcome bags and visitor and relocation packets; and greets and assists visitors who stop in at the visitor center. Thank you for your enthusiasm and dedication to the community you love, Lois!
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Karen Wittfoth
Karen Wittfoth was nominated by Love INC for the Volunteer Award. Karen plays a critical role in her service at Love INC. Karen works diligently every week as she manages files, enters data, and organizes their systems. Karen’s organizational skills ensures that each client is treated fairly and receives the support they need from Love INC. Thank you for the hard work you perform every week, Karen!
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Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award - Open to nominees ages 19-35 (young adult)
Piper Fox
Piper Fox was nominated by the Northeast Iowa Food Bank for the Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award. Over a year ago, Piper began volunteering in various areas of the Food Bank but found her niche in assisting with office work. Now as a Research Intern, she has worked closely with the Food Bank’s Director of Operations developing ways to effectively gather data on the population they serve. Not only has Piper written several grants that totaled over $65,000 of potential funds, but she has completed over 350 hours in less than one year - saving the Food Bank close to $9,000! Piper, your hard work and contribution to the Food Bank has not gone unnoticed!
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Danielle Franck
Danielle Franck was nominated by MercyOne for the Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award. Danielle’s heartfelt contribution to MercyOne has been supporting families suffering pregnancy and infant loss. After the loss of her own son in 2016, Danielle sought a way to turn a loss into a positive by starting a nonprofit organization called Loving Tanner. Through this, Danielle helped raise money for two CuddleCots for MercyOne and Allen hospital. Danielle currently organizes a monthly support group for bereavement at MercyOne called Hope and Healing. Thank you, Danielle, for your compassion and thoughtfulness in all you do!
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Caleb Gipple
Caleb Gipple was nominated by the Sigma Phi Epsilon for the Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award. Caleb is a passionate and driven leader who dedicates more than just his time serving others. Launching a student organization called Readers Today Leaders Tomorrow, was just a small part of Caleb’s impact in our community. Through this organization, Caleb has ensured that underprivileged children in the community can develop a love for reading by providing them with books to take home and keep. Thank you for your devotion to the youth in our community, Caleb!
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Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award - Open to nominees with 20+ years of service in the CV
Peggy Drinovsky
Peggy Drinovsky was nominated by UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. Peggy’s volunteer career began before her 30 year career as a teacher! She was active in her church ministries and even organized her community’s Farmer’s Market each year. Peggy has been a volunteer for Allen Hospital for 22 years! Peggy currently helps customers in the gift shop, but she previously served as a Mended Hearts Volunteer providing encouragement and information to heart patients during their procedures. Allen Hospital is so lucky to have a kind and valuable volunteer like you, Peggy!
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Phil Jamieson
Phil Jamieson was nominated by Operation Threshold for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. Phil has dedicated thousands of hours helping the Department of Human Services staff serve the community. A rock upon which the staff can count on to provide the crucial help they need to serve the community. Thank you, Phil, for your dedication to Operation Threshold!
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Chuck Lane
Deacon Chuck Lane was nominated by Catholic Charities Jail & Prison Ministry for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. Chuck serves as a Jail and Prison ministry mentor and circle of support member with Catholic Charities. Chuck also volunteers for the Iowa Justice Action Network and the NAACP. When he is not volunteering in those capacities, he is helping run Camp Hope which is a summer camp for children of incarcerated parents. Thank you, Chuck, for 20 years of service to this community!
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Kathy Payne
Kathy Payne was nominated by Cedar Valley Arboretum & Botanic Gardens for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. Kathy has been a critical and active volunteer at the Cedar Valley Arboretum and Botanic Gardens since the very start of the garden in the late 90’s. She is involved in the planning and execution of many events such as their Moonlight & Roses fundraiser and annual Fall Harvest Festival. No matter if it’s taking on leadership in event planning, committee and team work, or spending hours playing in the dirt (i.e weeding), Kathy is always able to step in at a moment’s notice and help, no matter how big or small the project. Thank you, Kathy, for your generosity to help support their mission!
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Carm Quirk
Carm Quirk was nominated by MercyOne for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. Carm began volunteering at St. Francis Hospital, now known as MercyOne Medical Center, in 1965 in the gift shop. Currently, she volunteers in the Surgical Waiting area where she keeps family members updated on the patient’s status of surgery and takes them to meet with the physician when the surgery is complete. Carm also played a vital role in the startup of the Catholic Worker House in Waterloo. Thank you, Carm, for 55 years of service to MercyOne!
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Bill Snyder
Bill Snyder was nominated by UnityPoint Health Allen Hospital for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. Bill was personally impacted by the kind and caring hospital volunteers during his wife’s surgery in 1979. This sparked Bill’s desire to serve as a hospital volunteer and he’s been serving for the last 23 years! Bill has served in many capacities, but currently you can find him at the information desk greeting and assisting visitors that arrive. Thank you for your MANY years of volunteering with Allen Hospital, your service has not gone unnoticed!
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Rose Wilson
Rose Wilson was nominated by Care Initiatives Hospice for the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award. During Rose’s years of helping people, she has given perms to the elderly, shopped for them, and took them to their appointments. Since 2017, Rose has volunteered an average of 18 hours a week for Care Initiatives Hospice. Not only is she quick to take on a new task, but she provides valuable care to end of life patients during her weekly visits. Thank you Rose, for being a light to so many people!
Mayors' Top Teen & Mother Moon Service Scholarship Awards
Presented by the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and Community Foundation of Northeast Iowa.
Our annual awards program, typically held in person, acknowledge the exceptional youth volunteers in our community. Teens ages 13-18 are eligible for the award and demonstrate distinction in volunteerism in the Cedar Valley! The Mother Moon Service Scholarships will be announced and awarded to one junior from each of the Black Hawk County High Schools.
View the virtual reception below!
Our annual awards program, typically held in person, acknowledge the exceptional youth volunteers in our community. Teens ages 13-18 are eligible for the award and demonstrate distinction in volunteerism in the Cedar Valley! The Mother Moon Service Scholarships will be announced and awarded to one junior from each of the Black Hawk County High Schools.
View the virtual reception below!
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Nominations are CLOSED for 2020
Know a VOLUNTEER who should be recognized? Nominate them today!
AWARD CATEGORIES
Top Teen Award Open to nominees ages 13-18 in Black Hawk County
Volunteer Award Open to nominees age 19 or older (any adult, regardless of years of service)
Outstanding Emerging Volunteer Award Open to nominees ages 19-35 (young adult)
Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award Open to nominees with 20+ years of service in the CV
NOMINEE REQUIREMENTS
Nominees must have participated in or contributed to a significant volunteer effort(s), past or present, in the Cedar Valley. They must demonstrate a willingness to serve, contribute time to an organization, exhibit quality in their work, set a good example, and be an exceptional role model.
Nominees must be individuals Businesses and organizations are NOT eligible for nomination
Media recognition Volunteers must NOT be frequently recognized by the media for their efforts
Previous recipients Nominees who have received an award in the past ten (10) years are NOT eligible
NOMINATION PROCESS
Nomination form Includes nominee and nominator contact information, a typed narrative, and a photo
Typed narrative Describing nominee's volunteer activities, accomplishments, and special contributions
(minimum 500 characters - this will serve as the primary selection tool for the committee)
Photo Of nominee participating in service
SELECTION & RECOGNITION
All Top Teen Award nominees will receive award recognition. A minimum of one winner will be selected from the other three Volunteer award categories (above) with a total of 8 award winners among all adult nominees.