LANSING – April was National Volunteer Month, and United Way of South Central Michigan, in partnership with Fox 47 News, celebrated with the 2023 Capital Area Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Nominees, nominators and community members gathered April 19 at the Marshall Street Armory in Lansing to watch a previously recorded video celebrating volunteers in Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham counties and announcing the winners.
Fox 47 news hosts/anchors Bob Hoffman and Sheri Jones served as emcees, presenting 10 different volunteer awards to those who exemplified volunteerism within their community. The recipients of these awards were:
2022 Americorps College Access Champion
Island Ewart
2022 College Access Champion
Senator Sarah Anthony
Corporate Partner of the Year
Meijer
Adult Volunteer of the Year (19 years or older)
Nominees:
Sue Karr
Dean Kimmith
Patsy King
Andrea Ryan
Winner: Andrea Ryan
Young Adult Volunteer of the Year (16-21 years old)
Nominees:
Aya Abu-Zama
Krystal King
Raymundo Lopez
Hady Omar
Arianna Pittenger
Winner: Arianna Pittenger
Youth Volunteer (under 16 years old)
Nominees:
Namoi Johnson
Alexandra “Alex” Wooster
Winner: Naomi Johnson
Lifetime Volunteer (more than 25 years of volunteer service)
Winner: Ronald George
Marion Marshall Award
Winner: Theresa Schafsnitz
Walter A. Campbell Award
Winner: Dean Poggiali
Campaign Co-Chairs of the Year
Winners: Bob Hoffman and Sheri Jones
Attendees enjoyed snacks and refreshments along with family, friends and United Way staff. Several spoke on the importance of volunteerism in their communities.
“When I was out of work, and I saw what the community had, I thought when I get back on my feet, I’m going to make sure I give back,” said Walter A. Campbell Award recipient Dean Poggiali. “It was a blessing to get the appointment at United Way which allowed the opportunity to connect with the community.”
“I think every human has a duty to lend their skills and abilities to help out one another,” added Island Ewart (2022 Americorps College Access Champion).
Congratulations to all our award recipients and thank you for your service to the Capital Area Region!
