On December 6th, the Dan River Nonprofit Network hosted the third annual ‘Volunteer of the Year’ event at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research during their open house.
The event, sponsored by Danville Toyota Scion, the Danville Register & Bee, and Commonwealth Home Health Care, Inc., honors local volunteers in our community for their service to our citizens and our nonprofits. Each nominee was chosen from a submission by either a member of a nonprofit or another community member who nominated citizens that embody the spirit of volunteerism and who give back to their community through their time and efforts. This year there were 11 individuals nominated: Bill Bush, Jessica Crews, Jessica Driver, Cathryn East, Andree Leuchner, Ron Leuchner, Connie Parker, Russell Scruggs, Erica Skiddle, Joseph White, and Linda Zimmermann. Evelyn Riley, Executive Director of the Dan River Nonprofit Network, addressed the group and thanked attendees for “being a part of the many hands in our nonprofit sector that help address the most pressing needs in our communities.” Riley stated that the selfless efforts of these volunteers and nonprofit staff they work with, “shape a better tomorrow for the Dan River Region.”
All nominees were recognized at the event, and two received monetary awards that will be donated in the winner’s name to the local nonprofit agency of their choice. First was volunteer Bill Bush who received the Volunteer of the Year Community Vote award of $350 which he has decided to donate to the Caswell Pet Lifeline, an animal welfare organization. Second was volunteer Erica Skiddle, an Averett student who received the Volunteer of the Year Committee award of $1000 sponsored by Danville Toyota Scion which she has decided to donate to the Danville Area Human Society, also an animal welfare organization. Previous winners include Dr. Charlton Strange who donated his winnings to the Free Clinic of Danville (2014) and Melinda Dalton who donated her winnings to God’s Pit Crew (2015).
Bill Bush was nominated by Elizabeth Barfield who said that Bill, “is a very special volunteer and his dedication has made a significant impact in the community as his efforts have touched the lives of hundreds and hundreds of local pets and pet owners.” Rachel Covington nominated Erica Skiddle, a junior at Averett, saying that, “Whenever we need volunteers or help with a project, Erica is the first one to step up to lead. Not only that, she is passionate about what she does and encourages others to join her.”
Congratulations to all nominees!
