Volunteer Times

A Listing of short-term volunteer opportunities

2008 Volunteer Guide

Events

Wisconsin Public Service Volunteer Awards Breakfast

Recipients and runners-up (ranging in age from 10 to 92) were recognized at the 20th Annual Wisconsin Public Service Volunteer Awards on Tuesday, April 15h.  The event was attended by 650+ guests that were gathered to celebrate the contributions of nearly 150 individuals and groups nominated for one of the awards. Orchestrated by the Volunteer Center of Brown County and sponsored by Wisconsin Public Service, it is one of the community’s most inspirational events.  

Download the program (PDF)

Thank you Sponsors! 

Title Sponsor
Breakfast Sponsors
Media Sponsors
In-Kind Support
Corporate Table Sponsors	Advantage Office Solutions Davis & Kuelthau, S.C. Hager, Dewick & Zuengler, S.C. JP Morgan Chase Seismic Interactive & Design Smet Construction Services The Vincent Group

Each of the seven awards was sponsored by a local company or foundation.  Below is a summary of the accomplishments of each of the recipients.

Green Bay Packaging Volunteer in Education Award
Seniasor Rodriguez impacts the education of children by creating a more positive foundation for their parents, the Hispanic culture, and the community as a whole. She provides hands-on assistance for families and children that need services such as translation, information and referral, and connecting with others inside and outside the Hispanic community. Seniasor also works to create events that celebrate the richness and diversity within the Hispanic culture, while educating people in the larger community about the positive contributions that these individuals are making.

Schreiber Foods, Inc. Volunteer Youth Award
Paige Schaefer is a 10 year-old student from West De Pere. When she learned of two young people in her community that had cancer, she set about finding a way to help them. Paige became involved in benefits that helped raise funds for both of these young people, and even co-chaired the most recent event. These benefits have raised $87,000!

Prevea Adult Volunteer Award
La Von Rader was recognized for the volunteer work that she does through “Wellspring…A Place of Peace for Women.” An active volunteer since she worked to start a Head Start program in Mississippi during the Civil Rights Movement, the hallmark of La Von’s calling is the way she connects with individuals. She has assisted women at Wellspring achieve personal goals, get an education, secure employment, strengthen their self-esteem, and more.

Bellin Health Small Group Award
Dan and Laura Robinson were honored for “putting their faith into action” at St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter. Amidst controversy and political tensions, the Robinsons have provided leadership and diplomacy to meet the needs of homeless people in the greatest need. As president of the shelter’s board of trustees, Dan has provided faithful guidance and vision. Laura acts as the shelter’s volunteer coordinator- managing and motivating the 100+ volunteers that enable the shelter to operate.

Green Bay Packers Large Group Award
The motto of Preble High School’s STING Cancer group is, “Cancer bites, but we bit back.” The group was initiated by Nick Nesvacil, who is the survivor of a brain tumor. Now, over 200 members strong, STING Cancer members work to provide assistance to families affected by cancer. They host fundraising events to raise money to provide items such as gas cards, gift certificates to restaurants, or other items that will give practical assistance and comfort to families impacted by the disease. Members are also getting their hands dirty- literally- by doing yard work and other tasks that will lighten the load for people with cancer. Members are currently making plans to replicate STING Cancer in other local schools and across the nation.

Schneider National Foundation Volunteer Leadership Award
Paul Liegeois has created a “field of dreams” for children with disabilities through the “Miracle League of Green Bay.” More than 100 children with disabilities participate in the baseball league, giving them a rare opportunity to participate in a team sport. Liegeois raised funds for the construction of a handicapped accessible diamond, adaptive equipment, uniforms, and other necessities. He has also coordinated a volunteer “buddy” to stand beside each of the children that take part. Nominators Brad and Janet Champion wrote, “There is no better feeling for a parent than seeing a child’s face when they hit the ball, or when they make it around the bases to home plate.”

Associated Bank Heart of Gold Lifetime Achievement Award
At the tender age of 92, Blanche Baudhuin volunteers at the American Red Cross Lakeland Chapter about 20 hours each week. She began volunteering more than 30 years ago for blood drives at St. Peter and Paul Parish. Her work has expanded to assistance in the blood center at the Red Cross facilities, participating in bulk mailing projects, and filling in as a receptionist. Nominator Jody Weyers of the Red Cross wrote, “Blanche is a shining example that volunteerism has no age limit. She is an inspiration to others on the positive effects volunteering can have on ones physical and mental well-being.”

A runner-up was also announced in each category.  They were:

Green Bay Packaging Volunteer in Education Award: Mike Blecha, Annie Jackson Elementary School

Schreiber Foods, Inc. Youth Volunteer Award: Anna Fink, Holy Family Memorial Hospice

Bellin Health Small Group Award: Tutor Trainer Team of Literacy Green Bay

Green Bay Packers Large Group Award: Brown County Transportation Volunteers

Prevea Health Adult Volunteer Award: Denese Eagle, the Salvation Army

Schneider National Foundation Volunteer: Mark Skogen, Boys & Girls Club

Associated Bank Heart of Gold Lifetime Achievement Award: Jean Tremel, active in several community organizations

Click here to see pictures of the fun at this year’s event!