Community Involvement Awards
Congratulations to our 2024 Community Involvement Award winners!
Scroll down to learn more about our winners.
Since 1975 Community Thread has recognized outstanding volunteer service through the Community Involvement Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on volunteerism and honor the great work volunteers do throughout Washington County.
Volunteers are recognized in six categories: youth, group/family, exemplary employer, outstanding, lifetime, and legacy.
NOMINATE
The 2024 Community Involvement Award nomination application IS CLOSED.
Nominees must be residents or volunteer for organizations in Washington County who meet the criteria for each award. There are six categories in which volunteers are recognized: Youth, Group/Family, Exemplary Employer, Outstanding, Lifetime, and Legacy.
Group/Family Volunteers
This award recognizes a group or family who has demonstrated impactful work through their volunteer
service in their community.
- Group or family of 2 or more
individuals; involvement with at
least one organization, event, or
project; no time minimum
Exemplary Employer
This award recognizes an employer for their commitment to their community through support and encouragement of their employees to volunteer and give back to the community on an annual basis.
- Employer of one or more
employees; involvement with at
least one organization, event, or
project; no time minimum
Youth Volunteer
This award recognizes a young individual who demonstrates a strong commitment to their community through their volunteer service.
- 17 years old or younger; involvement with at least one organization, event or project; no time minimum
Outstanding Volunteer
This award recognizes an adult for outstanding service that supports the needs of the community, and shows they are dedicated to going above and beyond.
- 18 years old or older;
involvement with at least one
organization for 1+ years
Lifetime
This award recognizes an adult for their noteworthy commitment to serving the community, and their ongoing enthusiasm toward volunteerism.
- 30 years old or older; involvement with at least two organizations for 10+ years
Legacy
This award honors the life of an individual whose service to Washington County had a deep and meaningful impact in the community. Their lifetime of service exemplified a true spirit of volunteering and community service.
- Deceased; made a lasting impact in the community
SELECT
The Community Involvement Awards selection committee is comprised of award recipients from previous years, Community Thread Board of Directors and staff.
One nomination from each category will be selected to receive the award.
Community Thread reserves the right to honor more than one nomination in case of a tie.
Awardees will be notified and interviewed for communication materials shortly after the nomination application closes.
2024 Community Involvement Award Winners
Lifetime Award - Lois Raboin Conn
“Volunteering changes your perspective and builds community by creating understanding and empathy. It makes your heart feel good.”
Lifetime Award - Tom Triplett
“Our community is strengthened when volunteers learn about the challenges and dynamics at work.”
Outstanding Volunteer - Mike Willenbring
“The more you volunteer, the more doors open to new opportunities to serve and connect with the community.”
Outstanding Volunteer - Janis Donnelly
“When people give freely of their time and talents, the community is able to use valuable resources more effectively and efficiently.”
Outstanding Group - Something 2 Do Crew
“Volunteering takes an open mind, a desire to learn where the need is greatest and a commitment to make a difference.”
Exemplary Employer - Stillwater Modern Dentistry
“Volunteering as a team is how we feel a part of something bigger than the dental office.”
Youth Award - Oren Hamilton
“The relationships formed from volunteering are both life changing and rewarding.”
CELEBRATE
Nominees and winners will be recognized during National Volunteer Week between April 21-27, 2024.
Awardees will be invited to attend Black Tie Bingo on April 13, 2024 where they will be celebrated for their volunteer efforts.
Awardees will also be invited to the Community Involvement Award breakfast on April 25, 2024 at Community Thread in Stillwater where they will be recognized.
