United Way Recognizes Volunteer of the Year

Michael Collette, UWMC board chairperson, will emcee the United Way of Madison County’s annual meeting Wednesday, March 10. The dinner event, which begins at 6 p.m. at the Paramount Theatre, Hardacre Ballroom is open to all donors and volunteers. Cost is $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight and reservations must be made in advance by calling 643-7493 by Monday, March 3.

Dr. Felix H. Chow, Anderson Community Schools Superintendent, will be the keynote speaker. Entertainment will be provided by Eric J. Wickens, an Anderson native who frequently performs with the Indianapolis Opera and in solo recitals throughout central Indiana.

The program will focus on recognition of volunteer leadership within the past year. Awards will be presented to past board members Sally DeVoe, Mayor Kris Ockomon, and JoDean Washington for their tenure. United Way outgoing officers/committee chairpersons Michael Collette, Rich DeHaven, Katherine Holtzleiter, Duane Hoak, Kirk Klabunde, Deborah Rasper, Marj Shell, and Keith Trent and incoming board members Jim Brown, Angela Cassidy, Dana Donahue, Lisa Floyd, Rick Moore, LeRoy Quashie, and Jim Willey will also be recognized.

President Nancy Vaughan will provide an overview of the United Way’s work to change community conditions within three focus areas: early childhood, safety net services and healthy communities.  She will also report on progress made in the areas of “Give, Advocate and Volunteer.”

Vice President Nancy Anderson will present the Business of the Year award.  Saint John’s Health System Vice President/CFO and 2009 Volunteer of the Year, Don Apple will present the 2010 Volunteer of the of the Year award to conclude the program. These annual awards recognize the achievements of outstanding volunteers and businesses that have contributed time, talent and financial support to our community.

Meeting sponsors to date include Community Hospital Anderson, First Merchants Bank, Saint John's Health System, Robert D. Loose Funeral Home, Inc. and The Herald Bulletin.