Thanks Given to Whatcom County Volunteers!

Whatcom Volunteer Center held the Heart & Hands celebration on Sunday, April 25 thanking and recognizing the tremendous volunteers who contribute so much to Whatcom County.  The Sunday afternoon event celebrated the outstanding service of fifty-four members of the Whatcom County community.

Five people were especially honored with Heart & Hands Awards including a $200 donation in their name to the nonprofit of their choice.  The Heart & Hands honorees are:

Geri Chumley is active in CERT, the Medical Reserve Corps, and Whatcom COAD.  She is in charge of training for CERT and was a driving force behind developing the COAD in Whatcom County. During the flooding in January 2009, Geri mobilized volunteers to handle the phones for 84 straight hours. Geri also organized and scheduled volunteers for the phone bank and the inoculation centers around the County during the H1N1 flu outbreak. Nominated by Bob Jacobson, Coordinator, Whatcom County CERT

Robbie Drabek helped the Whatcom Volunteer Center take a giant step forward with the development of a new website, allowing WVC to better serve volunteers and partner agencies.  She volunteered her time and skills over the course of several months, working with the staff to identify goals for the new site. Robbie continues to volunteer as the webmaster.  Nominated by Dan Hammill, Program Director, Whatcom Volunteer Center

Bob Emery started with the Volunteer Chore Program in March of 2009 – and has volunteered to help 22 different clients.  Bob helps fix things, from grab bars and doorknobs to yard work and wheelchair ramps. Past beneficiaries have said that Bob is a “wonderful man” and that he “does great work.”  He’s a very positive influence and his skills and enthusiasm are in high demand. Nominated by Aly Hoover, Director, Volunteer Chore Program and Laura Draper, Chore Intern

Marie Nelson has the heart of an Olympian, according to those who work with her at the Blaine Food Bank. She volunteers regularly at her church and still finds the time to donate an average of seventy-five hours each month to the Food Bank, often being the first to arrive and the last to leave. She has made a difference in her community by helping those in need feel hope. The nomination form was signed by all Marie’s “Friends and Co-volunteers” at the Blaine Food Bank.

Brian Tofte-Schumacher has served on the Board of Sean Humphrey House for two years.  He has a personable demeanor and is very committed to the SHH.  He has worked endlessly reaching out into the community, speaking about the SHH and HIV/AIDS awareness.  He has made a huge difference to the Sean Humphrey House and to the community. Nominated by Morgan Rydland, Volunteer Coordinator, Sean Humphrey House

Generously sponsored by:

♥  BP Cherry Point Refinery  ♥

♥  Mallard Ice Cream  ♥

♥  The Bellingham Herald  ♥

♥  Starbucks Coffee  ♥

♥  Joe’s Garden  ♥

♥  JQ A New Leaf  ♥

Thanks to everyone who helps to make this a better community through volunteering!”