PATRICIA DUNKUM

Patricia Dunkum is an amazing individual. Patricia is a volunteer at the Missoula Art Museum and an inspiring volunteer, mother, wife, and friend. While she has volunteered in nearly every capacity at MAM since it opened in 1975. Patricia’s undeniable support for the organization is truly outstanding. It is no exaggeration to say that she attends every single MAM function—whether a social reception or educational program. Enthusiasm, dedication, sincerity, and grace all make Patricia Dunkum one of MAM’s most valuable assets.

Patricia lived and traveled abroad for 30 years before returning to Missoula. She served on the boards of the American Women’s Club of Madrid and the American Women’s Group of Paris. In the 1950’s in Uruguay, Patricia served on a women’s group within the American Embassy called Friends to Uruguay.

Since her return to Missoula 30 years ago, Patricia has volunteered at the Missoula Art Museum, the Mansfield Library, RSVP Meals on Wheels, the University of Montana Lodge, the UM Fine Art Department as assistant to the Chair and the Art Associates as a founding board member. In 1995, Patricia began her service on the Historical District Committee in the University area. She worked ardently with the group until their goal was achieved years later: the University neighborhood obtained status as a historic neighborhood.

At the Missoula Art Museum, Patricia volunteered in the 70s as secretary on the Board of Directors. Over the next two decades, she has worked in the gift shop, as a special event assistant, and as a docent. In 2003, she began monthly service on the MAM Collection Committee where she assists the Museum in important decision-making regarding the permanent collection and has volunteered additional hours to consult with artists personally to strengthen some of MAM’s most valued donor relations. Additionally, she continues to work a bi-weekly shift as a Gallery Attendant.

She does it all and with a contagious smile and a keenness that encourages the rest of us to work harder. The Missoula Art Museum and the Missoula community simply wouldn’t be the same with Patricia Dunkum on our side.

JEANNIE KIPP

Jeannie Kipp wears many hats, and some say she should have an “S” on her chest because she is Super Woman, Super Mom and Super Volunteer. Kipp is active in her community and spends much of her time serving with the United Way of the Brazos Valley.

Kipp served in the capacity as member of the Board of Directors for quite a while, and now works as Marketing Chair with the United Way. Her background in advertising has helped to get exposure and coverage that well exceeded anyone’s expectations. Kipp’s work has also enabled the organization to establish long lasting relationships that will aid in continuing to publicize the services that the United Way provides. Her ability to jump in and take control of a situation is unmatched in any way. She can be seen planning a marketing strategy or being in charge of clean up after a large event. Kipp is an example of grace under pressure and is very dependable and consistent.

In addition to donating a large amount of her time to volunteering with the United Way movement, Kipp also serves with other groups. She is active in her church primarily through its music ministries. Kipp sings in various choir groups with the church, performs in a hand bell choir and is often featured in a key role during the church’s annual Christmas musical.

Kipp also serves groups that her children are affiliated with. She helps out with her son’s Little League team and her daughter’s dance group. Kipp also believes it is important to be a strong example to her children and teaches them to respect others in the way they speak, carry themselves and in all their actions. She hopes that her community service is an example to her children so they can follow in her footsteps and continue to leave a lasting legacy for the College Station community and beyond.

MICHELLE WEIMER

Michelle Weimer is a woman of conviction. Her passion for children’s safety has benefited the Nebraska Panhandle incredibly. Trained in 2000 as a car seat safety technician she saw a need for greater community involvement in inspecting car seats and educating caregivers to keep children safer. Michelle coordinated a group of volunteers to form a SAFE KIDS Chapter in the Scottsbluff/Gering area and has worked diligently, against the odds, to make it successful. State Trooper, Mark Van Horn says, “There are literally hundreds of Panhandle children traveling safer today because of her efforts.”

Michelle, a Gering Kiwanian, has organized and conducted three annual SAFE KIDS Days in Gering, one of two yearly child passenger safety seat check-up events she coordinates in the panhandle of Nebraska. By attending child care and development classes and giving weekend car seat safety training classes to Key Club and FCCLA members she has gained the assistance of local high school students for the Gering event.

In addition to the car seat checks Michelle solicited involvement from over a dozen community groups to provide safety events, secured funding to replace defective car-seats and worked closely with all local media. SAFE KIDS DAY continues to grow each year. This year she added the SAFETY QUIZ BOWL, in which children and parents could answer questions related to safety awareness and win donated prizes.

Michelle, the mother of three young children, also works as a physical therapist. One of her children has special needs and was often hospitalized before her recent death. Her commitment to the SAFE KIDS organization did not waver. Described by another volunteer as an “incredibly generous, kind, community minded person who never hesitates to volunteer her services for a worthy cause despite huge challenges in her personal life”, Michelle truly is a Point of Light.

ZACH BONNER

Zachary Bonner started volunteering when he was 6 years old. He started by collecting food and water for hurricane victims and has continued over the past 2 years to involve himself in many different activities. Zachary started his own charity this year, calling it the Little Red Wagon Foundation . He was tagged the little red wagon boy after using his wagon to collect goods for hurricane victims in 2004.

In 2005 he collected $3870 for the kids of three families affected by the Radio Shack shooting in Tampa. As a result of this, two fathers were killed and one was left blind. A fund was set up for the kids and the $3870 was matched by Gold Bank. The money was placed in a special account for all the kids and will be used for their needs in the years ahead.

After hearing about the number of homeless kids, living on the streets with nothing to call there own, Zach started a backpack collection. He and his brother Matt and sister Kelley have raised money, used their own money and collected items in order to provide 155 backpacks to date. Each backpack contains a food pack, personal hygiene pack, sewing kit, 1st aid kid, and some sort of toy. He donates the packs all across the country to Stand Up For Kids offices that have trained counselors, who, in turn, distribute them to the kids. Zach is in the process now of putting together another hundred or so with a goal of 1000.

Zachary has also helped several local families by making gift bags for the kids or donating new toys. Using money out of his own pocket to pay for toys and contacting several local business asking for their help as well.

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans Zach wanted to do something to help so he went and collected money over several days to donate to the Red Cross. He collected just over $600. When he heard of all the kids without anything in the Red Cross shelters after Katrina he felt like he needed to do something more. He knew lots of people were giving food and money. He also knew that all the money was needed to fulfill basic needs. He felt bad the kids had lost all of their toys and thought they would be really bored with nothing to do. Zach went into action again. He rounded up his friends, Cub Scout troop, brother and sister, and they handed out flyers to several subdivisions. He also placed a collection box in Lexington Home’s main office. For about a month he collected new toys, games, arts and crafts, school supplies and other items just for the kids. Zach’s family rented a U-haul trailer and delivered it to the Katrina kids in Baton Rouge.

Zach loves helping at Southeastern Guide Dog school by volunteering his time. He also took up a collection of money and gave it to the school. Zach is now starting a new project for 2006 collecting games and such for Children’s hospitals. He has encouraged others to join in.

He spent more than 400 hours in 2005 volunteering his time, doing community service projects. He sees no big deal about what he does, he enjoys a pat on the back but never goes looking for one. He does what he does because he likes helping kids just like himself.

GOOD BEGINNINGS IN FRANKLIN COUNTY

Good Beginnings in Franklin County believes that healthy development of all individuals and families is essential for continued personal and community growth and prosperity. This team works toward county-wide collaborative representation striving to offer several supportive networks. Currently there are approximately 50 collaborating agencies and individuals guided by a county assessment and a five-year comprehensive plan.

One program, TeamMates, was initiated in the fall of 2000 by Good Beginnings. The program pairs teacher-identified at-risk 5th – 12th grade students with adults who mentor them at least one hour per week. The program emphasizes building character and self-concept, reinforces basic skills and attitudes, and helps mentees set goals. When the program began, 45%of at-risk youth were on the middle/high school academic down list. Presently less than 5% of those youth are. Graduation rate has increased to 99 – 100%. Today TeamMates is board-driven with volunteers from all walks of like. Through fundraisers the program offers graduating students, successful in the program, scholarships to post-secondary institutions.

A family enrichment or parenting workshop is sponsored by the group. The elementary principal saw a need to lend support to families with young children. The workshops include a variety of skill and subject matter and are designed to make good parents even better.

A large county-wide event sponsored annually by Good Beginnings is the Health Fair. With attendance consistently 350-425, the goal is to promote healthy lifestyle choices and nutrition programs, and to increase knowledge of available services. Laboratory services and flu shots are available at reduced prices each year. Although many are referred to primary health providers for a number of reasons, this year two individuals were screened and referred with potentially life-threatening conditions.

In 2005, the team expanded the health fair concept to high school students focusing on teens’ health concerns and needs. Blood was drawn for cholesterol and blood sugar level screening. Educational stations included SAFE Center, focusing on date rape and family violence; UNK Human Performance Lab, highlighting body fat and continued fitness; UNL Extension discussing dietary guidelines and healthy snacking; Health surveys; Tobacco-Free Nebraska, and Personal Health Screening. Middle school and elementary health fairs are being planned as well.

A pilot project to offer an organized after-school program was such a success that in the 2005-06 school year, grant money was received to hire a program coordinator, furnish a meeting place, and offer a structured program to 3rd -6th grade students. Volunteers offer programs and activities, as well as tutoring and mentoring. Activities include healthy snacking, homework time and tutoring, physical activity/fitness and educational projects.

Other programs the group sponsors include: providing area high schools with “Baby, Think it Over”, Baby-sitting Clinics, “I’m in Charge” for latch-key children, Wellness 2003 – a health initiative to keep people moving and healthy, and bringing a mental health clinician to Franklin on a weekly basis.

In the future this volunteer group will be looking at intervention programs for youth and other community programs. If there is a concern or need, this group of volunteers is there to conquer it.

RENEE STOWE

There are so many seniors who do so much for the Seeley Lake community. Renee Stowe is an example of a volunteer with compassion and empathy for numerous causes. She has not only people but has also helped countless pets.

Six years ago, Stowe opened not only her home but also her heart when Paws UP Safe Home began. In those six years Stowe has helped saved 400 plus dogs and 150 cats. The shelter is for lost, found and abused pets. Had Stowe’s home not been open, countless people would have suffered the terrible pain of losing a beloved pet and countless dogs and cats would have died terrible deaths.

The first four years Stowe took these dogs and cats in with no financial aid except for the donations that the community provided, which was most of the time barely enough to pay the animal’s medical expenses and for their food. Her care and devotion to comfort the lost and abused during those years also included money out of her own pocket.

Stowe helps in the education of people who adopt the pets which are relinquished. She also helps with the spay and neuter clinic, which is held in Seeley Lake. Her work is ensuring unwanted puppies and kittens are not born to enter a world where they are abused or thrown away.

One time each year, Stowe parks her old pickup on the main street in Seeley Lake and applies I.D. tags on dogs. She also records each dog and takes its picture should it turn up at the shelter. Not only are the pets helped but the many people who cannot afford pet care are assisted also.

Due to Stowe’s undying love and devotion, her community is known as a pet friendly, caring community. The abuse of pets, the ignorance of people as to the care of pets has declined 85%, as to what it was twenty years ago.

Stowe’s home is a humble log home with great fences. Inside the home are pillows, as each abused dog has a pillow stuffed with love and caring. Lost pets are recovered, thus helping so many people. Paws Up Safe Home received a letter of thanks from the county commissioners for all its work for people and pets.

Stowe has also been very instrumental in helping her daughter relocate, get reacclimated into the workplace and helping guide her grandson who is attending highschool.

MARIA SMITH

Maria Smith lives with a disease that leaves her unable to work and might cause your average person to become isolated from the community. However, volunteering is what uplifts her and gives her the energy to continue on each day. She believes serving also keeps her focused, and Smith gives thanks that she has enough physical strength to do so. It encourages her that there are opportunities to give of herself, her time, and her knowledge. Regardless of how she may feel as a result of her illness, Smith retains her dynamic, loving spirit and is devoted to contributing to the community of Providence that has supported her throughout her life.

At age twenty-three, Smith, a successful college graduate and retail manager, was diagnosed with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease. Lupus has affected her hearing, liver, kidneys, lungs, and hips. She sometimes needs the aid of a cane to walk, tires easily, and has undergone several surgeries, but she does not let these things hold her back.

Over the years since her diagnosis, Smith has held volunteer positions with the Brown University Swearer Center for Public Service, Elmhurst Extended Care Center, Brown Fox Point Early Child Care Center, and the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island.

For five years as an office volunteer at the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island (VCRI), Smith has helped build connections with community agencies and volunteers across the state. Her dedication and sparkling personality have made a huge impact on the small office at the VCRI. Smith faithfully comes in each week and volunteers as a publicity support assistant. She contributes by tracking weekly and monthly newspaper columns which let the community know about volunteer needs with nonprofit agencies throughout the entire state of Rhode Island. Smith’s main function is to connect with the agencies to let them know about their additional publicity and maintains a record of all past columns and volunteers connected by them. A strong believer in the value of community involvement, Smith enjoys doing her part to inform others about the many ways that they too can become a part of something bigger in their community through volunteering.

Lynne Harper, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Volunteer Center of Rhode Island believes that Smith has been instrumental in their community outreach efforts. When Harper took over her position in early 2004, Smith’s efforts were much appreciated as she worked with the former Communications Coordinator for the previous 3 years. This was a case of the volunteer training the staff person. Smith is not only one of Harper’s volunteers, she has become her friend. She is a joy to work with and whatever limitations her disability causes, certainly have not gotten in the way of her being their most dependable office volunteer and a welcome member of their team at the Volunteer Center.

In addition to her work with VCRI, Smith is also an active volunteer with her church, Congdon Street Baptist Church in Providence. Determined to do all that she can to serve VCRI and her church, Smith has begun a 300 hour part time AmeriCorps position, which will allow her to take on more projects at both sites.

OSWALD P. BRONSON, SR.

Bethune-Cookman College

Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr. provided exemplary leadership and service to Bethune-Cookman College, where he served as president from 1975-2004. Though he was working as president, Dr. Bronson did many things in his free time that would change the face of Bethune-Cookman College. He came to the College with bold ideas, initiatives, and strong vision. This visionary leader was able to bring Bethune-Cookman College to a level where it is respected nationally and internationally for its academic excellence. Students come from almost every part of the world to attend Bethune-Cookman College.

The benefits of Dr. Bronson’s efforts as president are seen in many areas. Early in his tenure Dr. Bronson took on the difficult fiscal challenges of putting the College on a sound financial footing by developing a strategy for fund raising and fiscal discipline. Dr. Bronson made a significant contribution to the College through an increased endowment.

Through his unwavering and tireless efforts, he was able to raise the College endowment from $1 million when he took office, to $28 million before his retirement. Under his leadership the operating budget grew from $1 million to over $45 million. During his presidency, Bethune-Cookman College became one of the leading institutions generating a huge economic impact of over $250 million annually in the Daytona Beach community and the state of Florida.

Edward Waters College

After retirement, Dr. Oswald P. Bronson, Sr. was appointed as the 27th President of Edward Waters College on June 23, 2005 after serving as Interim President since February 2005.

Dr. Bronson’s administration is guided by “The Double E Principle: Excellence and Ethics”. The Principle envisions graduates who think critically and humanely, whose grammar and expressions represent college-level education. Further still, the Principle calls for conduct and attire nurtured by those moral and spiritual values that characterize a mature, responsible, and well-rounded individual who practices honesty and reverence. The Principle also focuses on ‘right’ behavior and on conduct that is honest, accurate and dependable. In this context, Dr. Bronson believes that ethics critique the extent to which integrity flows through one’s character and performance.

His vibrant personality, genuine concern for the growth of the institution, and commitment to the founder’s vision, has enabled him to bring unprecedented private, corporate, and governmental support to the institution. Under his leadership, EWC has received the R&R Grant (Access Retention and Graduation Grant) at $3.1 million, the Student Support Services (TRIO Grant) at $1.4 million, the Jessie Ball duPont Fund Grant at $132,000, and the Dual Engineering Degree Program Grant from the Department of Defense (Army) at $1.8 million.

Labeled a “key power broker for the nation’s black colleges” by Black Issues in Higher Education, Dr. Bronson’s leadership and achievements have become a benchmark in higher education.

FAMILY SERVICES & LEARNING CENTER – SANDUSKY FORD/VISTEON

Under the leadership of Charlene Stierhoff, the Family Service and Learning Center of Sandusky, Ohio organizes monthly volunteer opportunities for the employees and families of the Sandusky Visteon Plant. The number of families participating varies monthly.

Some families volunteer on a regular bases while for some it is an opportunity to try volunteering for the first time. Activities range from making greeting cards for shut-ins, doing minor repairs and yard work for group homes, working on a Habitat home, Martin Luther King Day bingo game at a nursing home, clearing a trail for a local park, sponsoring a team for Relay for Life, participating in Walk America; Heart walk and Diabetes Walk and much more.

The Family Service and Leaning Center has been in existence for at least six years. The staff and employees have made a commitment to annually do a number of volunteer activities such as participate in Make A Difference Day, Relay for Life and the other walks. Some type of family volunteer opportunity is offered monthly.

Charlene Stierhoff, coordinator of the Center, regularly meets with members of the nonprofit community to find out what the needs of the community are. She then schedules the monthly volunteer events to coincide with those needs.

In addition, the Center is a member of the Business Volunteer Council sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Erie County. As a member, Charlene, attends monthly meetings to hear presentations given by different agencies talking about their need for volunteers.

DANA BLANTON COLLINS

Dana Collins left a promising career in which she was making a much large salary because she was not being fulfilled. Jones then entered into the field of Education and became a mentor and hero not only to the students at Bell High School, but also to the entire Gilchrist community.

A young woman in Florida had terminal brain cancer -Catlin Huggins. Catlin had passed the FCAT in spite of brain operations, the return of a tumor, and the news that she had only a few months to live. If the doctor’s diagnosis of Catlin’s life was to be correct, that meant that even after Catlin passed the FCAT, she probably would not live long enough to march with her class on graduation day. Although this child had very little energy and physical strength, she studied for the FCAT and passed. This story is amazing, but what stood out more was the dedication of Catlin’s guidance counselor, Dana Collins.

Collins was not only a mentor and friend to Catlin, but she served as a role model for all as to how we should love, treat and respect our fellow human being. She went well beyond her call of duty as a guidance counselor and allowed Catlin to rest on a mat in her office while she studied for the FCAT. She even went as far as to change Catlin’s diapers when her illness progressed to the point that Catlin lost control of her bodily functions. Jones also was involved in Catlin’s treatment.

When Catlin learned that she had passed the FCAT, Collins helped organize a special graduation ceremony so that Catlin would have the experience of wearing a much-earned cap and gown, and know the thrill of achieving her long-time dream of graduating from high school. Both the Governor and First Lady of Florida attended this special graduation service, and organizations such as Dollywood in East Tennessee became involved to help this young student and her family cope with the devastating news that Catlin had only a short time to live.

The story of Catlin is enough in itself to suggest that Collins is an exemplary volunteer because she has taken a new career as a guidance counselor and also become a community servant. Volunteering to help others is now her mission and calling. She is an example of charity, commitment and love that we all could only aspire to achieve.

Catlin was only one of many, many, many stories in which Collins had reached out and gone way beyond the call of duty. Time and time again she has been the mentor with a healing set of hands, a compassionate heart, listening ears, and willing personality to help the community cope with the aftermath of deadly drunk driving wrecks, students coping with abuse at home, poverty, and daily life stressors. Collins’ actions are an example how an average life can be transformed to greatness with a determined spirit and a willing attitude. Student after student after student has been given permission to succeed against great odds because Collins made it her calling to inspire those whom perhaps society might not have thought could succeed do so.