Last Tuesday evening, after the Y’s quarterly board meeting, we got down to the business of celebrating some of the Y’s many incredible volunteers (and several associate leaders) at the annual Y Volunteer Appreciation Awards. Whether it’s helping with Y governance, raising funds to ensure that we can serve all, evaluating the impact of the Y’s work on youth, rolling up one’s sleeves at a food pantry or camp clean-up, determining ways for the Y to be an even more equitable force for good, or ensuring that the Y is financially sustainable, the Y’s volunteers are the fuel that drives our mission forward.
Given the depth and breadth of commitment from our wonderful volunteers and partners, it's nearly impossible to pick out just a few to recognize, but each year we do our best to recognize those "go-to" people or organizations who always answer the call and deliver, no matter how many times they are asked or how difficult the task.
Last week, we had the pleasure of celebrating the following folks, many of whom were completely surprised, which is always even more fun!
The 2021 Y Volunteer Appreciation Award Winners Are:
Outstanding Y Community Board Leadership Award - Two winners
Awarded to a volunteer exhibiting outstanding service and leadership in the local community on one of the Y’s community leadership boards.
Edmund O'Meally: Y Community Leadership Board Chair in Carroll County (Member, PK Law)
Chuck Yocum: Y Community Leadership Board Member in Anne Arundel County (Sr. Mgr., Business and Community Partnerships, Anne Arundel County Public Schools)
Outstanding Y Partnership Award - Three winners
Awarded to organizations, companies or entities that have been a valued partner to the Y in serving the community.
Amerigroup: Represented by Lori Hammond, Director of Marketing
MedStar Health: Represented by Dr. Lucas Carlson, Regional Medical Director, Care Transformation for Baltimore City and Tricia Isennock, Regional Dir., Population and Community Health
Walter P. Carter Elementary and Middle School: Represented by Brandon Pinkney, School Principal
Richard Rapuano Outstanding Y Program Volunteer Award - Two winners
Named in honor of board member Rich Rapuano, who passed away suddenly a little over a year ago. Rich cared deeply about ensuring that the Y’s programs actively engaged those we serve. This award goes to the Y volunteer(s) who exhibit commitment and excellence in carrying out one or more critically important Y program(s).
Sarah Jennings: Y Community Leadership Board Member in Baltimore City (Dir. Product Management, AlefEdge)
Annette Danek: Y Association Board Member (EVP, Supply Chain, Penguin Random House)
Bruce Cleland Y Mission Support Award - Two winners
This award is named for one of the most generous, unique and caring individuals any of us have ever had the privilege of knowing. Bruce passed away recently and will long be remembered for his quiet but fierce commitment to the Y’s focus on “being for all.”
Chef Edward Evans: Y Community Leadership Board Member in Anne Arundel County (Dir., Culinary Operations, Maryland Live! Casino & Hotel)
Thomas Mooney: Y Association and Community Leadership Board Member in Towson (Partner, O'Conor, Mooney & Fitzgerald Realtors)
Mitch Halbrich Y Board Fellowship Award - Two winners
A former Y Board member and friend to absolutely everyone he ever met, this award goes to a Y volunteer who exhibits a commitment to engendering trust and fellowship amongst her or his fellow volunteers.
Mary Jean Herron: Y Association Board Member; Chair of Y Social Responsibility Committee (Partner, Wilmax Advisory)
David Vahos: Y Association Board Member; Chair of Y Investment Sub-Committee (CFO & Treasurer, BGE)
Geraldine Young Y Service to Youth Award - Two winners
Named in honor of the incomparable Geraldine Young, a long-time Y advocate, community volunteer and board member, this award goes to a Y volunteer who exhibits an extraordinary commitment to and support of the Y’s youth development work.
Antonio Dismel: Senior at Reginald F. Lewis School of Business, Law & Agriculture; Youth leader at Y Camp Puh'Tok
David DiPietro: Y Association Board Member (Head of Private Equity, T. Rowe Price)
Bob Brosmer Y Leadership Award - Three winners
Awarded to Y associates who exhibit cause-driven leadership qualities that exemplify the qualities promoted and exhibited by the Y’s former Chief Operating Officer.
Charmayne Turner: Vice President, Youth Development (School Partnerships & Mentoring)
Amy Taylor: Vice President, Head Start Operations
Dana Ashley: Vice President, Youth Development (Preschool, Camp and Before & After School Enrichment)
No amount of thanks or fancy plaques can ever be sufficient to recognize these extraordinary individuals and partners. They lead with their hearts and through their actions, in service to the Y and their community. They represent the best in all of us and we owe them and all our wonderful volunteers, partners and associates a great debt of gratitude.
All the best,
John
John K. Hoey
President & CEO
The Y in Central Maryland