Editor’s note: This is the fourth in a series of articles profiling winners of the Celebration of Giving awards presented by Shawano Area Community Foundation Inc. for outstanding volunteerism. The winners will be honored at a gala Tuesday.
Erika Dunnam is constantly on the move.
The Shawano Community High School sophomore has a full schedule of classes, plays three sports and still has time to worth with the Red River Riders’ therapeutic horseback riding program — a real achievement considering she was initially afraid of horses.
Dunnam’s mantra of paying it forward has gained the attention of the Shawano Area Community Foundation, which is giving its Youth Volunteer Award to her Tuesday as part of its annual Celebration of Giving. The Youth Volunteer Award is sponsored by the Shawano Rotary and Shawano Optimist clubs.
Cathy Baldwin, who nominated Dunnam for the award, said she was impressed with how Dunnam managed to fit time into her busy schedule to work with the Red River Riders. The organization works with more than 60 people who have hearing impairment, autism, cerebral palsy and cognitive disabilities, as well as many other disabilities.
“She has been a superb sidewalker, supporting the riders as needed, giving encouragement and praise easily,” Baldwin said. “She is a fun and outgoing person who truly likes people and likes getting to know them better. She is a very responsible person; she always jumps in to help whenever needed.”
Dunnam is very modest about her achievements.
“I was very surprised about the award,” Dunnam said. “(Volunteering) is just something natural for me.”
Dunnam started working the Red River Riders last year, and she has found that helping the group has been just as therapeutic for her as it is for the people she works with. Prior to working with the Red River Riders, she had never been around a horse.
“I was a little nervous about horses at first, maybe a little afraid,” Dunnam said.
Besides her work with the Red River Riders, Dunnam is active at her church, St. James Lutheran. She decorates the church for major holidays, and she has helped with the church’s Easter Eggstravaganza.
Dunnam has also been a volunteer coach for the church school’s girls basketball team.
“It was important for me to able to give a little something back,” Dunnam said. “I play basketball in high school, so it’s good to help younger students learn how to play.”
Through it all, Dunnam’s mother has been a source of strength for her. Since her mother was diagnosed with a brain tumor several years ago, Dunnam also has been a big help at home, according to Baldwin.
“She has become a very strong person who helps and supports her mother through every step of her treatments and her daily struggles with this illness,” Baldwin said.
Dunnam said her ability to help others comes from a supportive environment at home, especially from her mother.
“She always has been supportive of me in whatever I do,” Dunnam said.
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