Ginny Mohrbutter: Governor’s Volunteer Service Award Winners

Each year, our United Way facilitates the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards for outstanding volunteers within the Twin Counties region. It provides an excellent opportunity to recognize exceptional volunteers within our community for their selfless contributions to serve and help others. Spearheading this program is a service United Way Tar River Region is proud to provide and has been doing so for many years.

We understand the power of volunteerism and the importance of recognizing and appreciating those who serve. Without volunteers, our local organizations, nonprofit agencies, churches, schools and other groups would be hampered in fulfilling their mission or extending their outreach to so many. We value that this award provides recognition to remarkable volunteers who have offered support above-and-beyond by providing their time and talent to help others.

At our April Community Champions’ Luncheon, we recognized the recipients of this year’s Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards and presented them with a signed certificate from the governor and a lapel pin to commemorate the honor. Each person or groups’ unique contributions were highlighted and recognized at this event that focuses on celebrating positive people, organizations and happenings in our community.

Dottie Umstead, our Edgecombe County winner, was recognized for her dedication, impact, leadership, innovation and commitment to feeding disadvantaged children and their families. Her contributions have helped further the feeding program provided by The Mercer Foundation, in partnership with Thorne’s Chapel Baptist Church. Because of Dottie’s contributions, The Mercer Foundation nominated her to recognize her commitment to this food distribution program and her help to combat hunger and strengthen our community.

We recognized four Nash County winners, with the first being two women, nominated by Braswell Memorial Library, who were recognized for their dedication and humble service. Virginia “Jenny” Hux and Sharon Odom were honored as remarkable people devoted to restoring and preserving history, culture and the arts. They have given of themselves to help the library and have volunteered since 2010 and 2015, respectively. Their countless hours of volunteer work shelving books, assisting patrons, taking inventory and giving back whenever help is needed, have added great value to the library.

Our second Nash County recipient, the PNC Employee Group, nominated by the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Tar River Region, demonstrated extraordinary commitment to mentoring and educating our youth. Their invaluable operational support, including maintaining the club’s cleanliness, efficiently setting up new employee accounts and actively participating in special events throughout the year, was crucial to the success of their programs. The PNC Employee Group, including Tameka Reed, Eric Walker, Cynthia Lowry, Jenee Day, Michael Dwonmah, Robin Strayhorn and Tarun Kapoor, were honored for their dedication and impact.

Our third Nash County recipient, Sandra Thomason, was honored as a committed and dedicated person, including and especially to Christian Fellowship Home. She has volunteered for six years with this organization and because of her support; the organization eliminated a contracted position that was costing $10,000 annually. Nominated by Christian Fellowship Home, they included that her work has helped ensure that the organization remains positioned to deliver the needed resources, services and housing for veterans and those with substance abuse challenges.

Our fourth Nash County recipient, Barbara Batts, saw a need in our community and started a support group several years ago and has developed it into what it is today. The Twin County Autism Family Support Group nominated and thanked Barbara for her many contributions. Because of her, Nash County families, including those from our Hispanic community, meet once a month where she will organize meals, speakers, attends IEP and 504 meetings for families, and help with supplies for families in need. Barbara’s impact and support has changed the lives of the students and their families in many important ways.

United Way celebrates these outstanding volunteer service winners, and we commend all volunteers who give of themselves while sharing their time, talent and treasure with others in our community. Our community is better, stronger and more responsive because of these your actions.