Volunteers – Growing Our Community

(Left to right) Barbara Pfeifer representing Altrusa of Door County, MaryCaroline Georges, George Husby, Karren Northrop and Imelda Delchambre accept Golden Heart Awards at last year’s Golden Heart Volunteer Celebration. Photo courtesy of Matt Normann Photography.

We all know them – the people who always seem to be busy organizing meals for a family that’s going through a rough patch, or the retired neighbor who seems to be anything but retired because they’re busy driving someone to an appointment or reading to a child at school. These are the individuals who literally “grow our community” and make it the place we all want to be.

Each year, the Golden Heart Volunteer Celebration honors individuals and groups who are doing ordinary things that make an extraordinary difference in the lives of those they touch. These are not individuals who volunteer for the recognition. They volunteer because they are committed to improving the lives of those around them.

The Volunteer Center is now accepting nominations for the 10th Annual Golden Heart Volunteer Celebration sponsored by Ministry Door County Medical Center.

Last year, 31 individuals and groups were nominated for the Golden Heart Award in five categories – Adult, Arts & Culture, Group, Youth and Lifetime of Service. The work that these volunteers do is nothing short of incredible and one is hard pressed not to be motivated to get out there and help as well!

Imelda Delchambre, winner of the Adult Golden Heart, was honored for her work with the hundreds of Hispanic residents in Door County and referred to as a “guardian angel” as she helps the needy. Kaaren Northrop, winner of the Arts & Culture category, was honored for her work leading the Door Community Auditorium as a volunteer Interim Director. The group award winner was Altrusa of Door County for their efforts in promoting literacy through numerous projects including “Read to Me” and their annual “Back to School” Fair. MaryCaroline Georges was honored as the Youth winner for her ongoing volunteer efforts with numerous non-profits, emphasizing that everyone can do something. Lastly, George Husby was awarded the prestigious “Lifetime of Service” award for the thousands of hours given to youth baseball in Door County.

We all know these caring, devoted individuals in our communities, so please take the time to nominate someone you feel should be celebrated for the difference they make “growing our community.”

Please join us at the Golden Heart Volunteer Celebration on April 26 at Stone Harbor Resort as we celebrate these everyday heroes. Nomination and sponsorship forms are available at http://www.VolunteerDoorCounty.com and then by clicking on the Golden Heart Awards link. You can also request forms by calling or emailing the Volunteer Center at 920.746.7704 or [email protected].