Community Involvement Awards 

Celebrate an outstanding volunteer!

Nomination form opens January 8, 2024 and will close March 13, 2024. Celebration event to take place in April 2024.

Since 1975 Community Thread and the Washington County Board of Commissioners have 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 OPEN!

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.

To nominate someone in one of the following six categories, please read the description and criteria, and submit a nomination form either by downloading a PDF form, or submitting via Google Forms

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, and representatives from Washington County.

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.

2023 Community Involvement Award Winners

Legacy Award - Irv Johnson

Irv made the world a better place. Over his 99-year life, his contributions included delivering Meals on Wheels; teaching students to play cribbage; and donating blood on a regular basis. Whatever the need, the Bayport community always knew they could count on Irv. WCCO radio recognized Irv’s outstanding service by awarding him the Good neighbor award. Today, family and friends celebrate and cherish the legacy created by Irv Johnson.

Lifetime Award - Vicki Slagle

Vicki has volunteered for Afton Bayport Lakeland Lions Club, Art Reach St. Croix, Community Thread, Solid Ground and Valley Outreach. She has also fundraised for local schools and mesothelioma research. Her volunteerism has made a significant difference in our community.

Lifetime Award - Richard Thron

Richard’s vast contributions include safe drinking water as part of helping to create the county’s ground water plan; volunteering with Lions Club International; the local snowmobile club; and the Lower St. Croix Veterans’ Memorial. He has a lifetime of being of service to others.

Outstanding Volunteer - Katie Bang

Besides her leadership role in Stillwater Noon Rotary, Katie’s proudest accomplishment is organizing “Bridge for Books”, distributing 10,000 free books to children. She rallied her coworkers to volunteer and organized her family to pack meals at Valley Outreach. She demonstrates how caring for one another is a priority in our community.

Youth Award - Alex Hallaway

Alex started volunteering with Afton Lakeland Bayport Lions Club where he helps with club events and fundraisers even though he is too young to be a member. The Boy Scouts and Feed My Starving Children also encourage his participation in community service.

Youth Award - Lauren Klancher

Lauren’s extensive involvement with YoungLife over the last six years is a clear demonstration to her dedication to the community and volunteerism. She is committed to bettering her neighbors’ lives through FamilyMeans, too.

Outstanding Group – St. Croix Yacht Club

Because of their successful fundraising, the St. Croix Yacht Club has given back by donating to numerous shelters and food shelves including Valley Outreach, Turning Point in Hudson, and the Dwelling Place in Mendota Heights. In addition, the St. Croix Yacht Club is involved with Community Thread’s signature initiatives including River Rally and Holiday Hope.

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 with county commissioners in attendance.