BY DOUG ROUSE
Catholic Charities held its annual Volunteer Appreciation event on April 20 at First Lutheran’s Peel House. One hundred and twenty volunteers gathered for pizza, salad, and cake allowing us to celebrate their dedication to volunteerism during National Volunteer Week.
We thank our volunteers for working with us and walking with our neighbors in need, providing hope, help, and love. Our volunteers bring so many gifts and unique contributions to the work of helping people through some of the worst times of their lives. You lift our staff, support the people we serve, and you make a difference in this community. Thank you for your service, friendship, and compassion.
Some special recognitions were presented at the event. However, we are mindful that we could recognize every volunteer every year for the incredible gifts they give to the agency.
Matthew 25 Award
The Mathew 25 Award honors those who have given of themselves in an extraordinary measure for the good of others through volunteering. A majority of the recipients presented with this award have 20+ years of service to the agency. This year the award was presented to Marian House Kitchen’s Wednesday Peace Team.
The date when the Peace Team got its name is lost to history, but it happened in the old Victorian Marian House, a former convent home. Other days of the week had names associated with a specific church or origination, but the Peace Team was a mix of different church members and individuals, and they dubbed themselves the Peace Team. Member Elizabeth Petty has been volunteering at Marian House since 1994, and Steve and Debbie Reed have been members since 2006. Including the amazing Chef Jeff, who has volunteered for 19 years, Rose Valdez, Tom Perkins, soup man Tony Patalano, and many others, the Peace Team has provided an excellent meal and a welcoming team spirit that has been sustained for a very long time. Congratulations, Peace Team. Thank you for being part of our agency!
Spirit of Service Award
The Spirit of Service Award honors those who have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment and spirit of care for our guests. This year’s awardees are:
- Janet Condon, Family Connections
- Roni Cook, Marian House Kitchen
- Tom Ferris, Client Services
- Ivonne Galvan Dolorier, Family Immigration Services
- Jo Ann Golden, Volunteer Servies
- Catherine Greek, Castle Rock Office
- Linda Hackman, Family Connections
- Charlie and Linda Helmstetler, Marian House Kitchen
- Rich Horton, Marian House Kitchen Logistics
- Mary Schmitt, Marian House Kitchen
- Dan Selman, Marketing & Communications
- Barb Siebert, Marian House Kitchen and Marketplace
- Tracey Smith, the Housing team
- JoAnn Ward, Marian House Kitchen
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