The Shawano Area Community Foundation honored community volunteers at its fifth annual Celebration of Giving gala Tuesday at The Gathering in Shawano.
“As of this evening we will have recognized 34 individuals or groups for their volunteer service and have distributed $34,000 to area nonprofit agencies,” said Wendy Crawford, gala co-chair. “Though recognition is not what our award winners are asking for, the Celebration of Giving is a platform that promotes, encourages and recognizes our community volunteers.”
Todd Raether, SACF board chairman, said 2013 was a great year for the foundation.
“We were able to give back to the community over $260,000,” he said.
The foundation, in its 23rd year, has more than 70 funds totaling nearly $5 million.
Awards were handed out Tuesday in six categories:
• The Bonduel Community Service Award went to Cathy La Shua for her efforts with the Bonduel Community Archive and SOS K9 Inc., which will share the $1,000 prize from the Shawano Area Community Foundation
• The Bill Mielke Volunteer Educator Award and $1,000 prize, sponsored by the Mielke Family Foundation, went to the Shawano County Literacy Council.
• Youth Volunteer Award went to Erika Dunnam for her work with Red River Riders, Sacred Heart Catholic Church and other groups. The award is sponsored by the Shawano Rotary and Shawano Optimist clubs.
• The Wittenberg Community Service Award was given to Miriam Nelson for volunteer work with the Walls of Wittenberg, Homme Foundation, Shawano Arts Council and other organizations. Nelson’s award of $1,000 will be split between Box in the Wood Theatre Guild and Walls Of Wittenberg. The award is sponsored by Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Meats
• The Health Care Volunteer Award, sponsored by ThedaCare Physicians, went to Barbara Erickson for her work with Birch Hill Health Care and Oakhaven Assisted Living. She will give her SACF $1,000 award to The Salvation Army.
• The Shawano Community Service Award was given to Mary Jo Brunner for her 42 years of work with the Shawano All-Stars Special Olympics Team. The award is sponsored by a fund holder within the foundation.
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