United Way of Larimer County

Volunteers fuel non-profit agencies’ efforts
Fort Collins Coloradoan
April 4, 2003
Columns

During these difficult economic times, many organizations in the non-profit sector are seeing less funding and more people needing assistance. One of the keys to a non-profit’s survival is the crucial efforts of volunteers.

At United Way, for example, the majority of our work is carried out by volunteers who donate their time and expertise, free of charge. The Board of Directors, the Vision Council, Community Impact/Funds Allocation Committee, and countless others who contribute to the finance, marketing, community impact and administration departments, volunteer their services. This is one of the ways we can successfully operate at extremely low overhead so that the maximum amount of donated dollars go to community members who need it. Other non-profits in our community utilize volunteers in a similar fashion. In many cases, services would not be available to those who need them without the dedication and commitment of volunteers.

United Way in partnership with FirstCall and Volunteers of America would like to honor local volunteers for their contribution to our community at the premier annual event for those interested in the well-being of our community. The State of the Community, presented by the United Ways of Larimer County, is a luncheon program featuring a panel of health and human service experts from throughout Larimer County. The event will cover emerging issues and successful collaborations. In partnership with FirstCall and Volunteers of America, we will honor outstanding volunteers from Larimer County during the luncheon.

From now until April 28, FirstCall will be accepting nominations for the volunteer awards. Below are the five categories; people may nominate a volunteer or group of volunteers from Larimer County in the following areas:

Doris McKellar Outstanding Volunteer Award
The "Volunteer of the Year" award for an individual who has performed exemplary volunteer service.
Healthier Communities Coalition Award
for an individual or group who has volunteered to increase the overall health and well-being of our community.
Outstanding Volunteer Group or Organization Award
for a faith-based group, other organized volunteer group, or a business or organization volunteer program that has made an outstanding impact through volunteer service.
Linda Nerger Youth/Youth Group Volunteer Excellence Award
for an individual or group under age 18 who have performed outstanding volunteer service.
Senior Volunteer Excellence Award
for an individual or group over age 55 who has shown excellence in volunteering in their community.

The State of the Community will take place on June 19th, 11.30am at the Marriot Hotel in Fort Collins. Winners in each of the five categories will receive a Trophy of Accomplishment, plus $200 to be shared between the volunteer and an agency they serve. All community members are encouraged to nominate volunteers and attend the event. If you would like the full nomination form, please go to www.firstcall-vc.org or contact Linda or Abby at FirstCall, 407-7066.

- By Meg Brown a.k.a.: Sophie Waghorn

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