On April 26 the Junior League of Collin County (JLCC) held its 2018 Excellence in Volunteer Service Awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding volunteer efforts of individuals and organizations within the Collin County community. Volunteerism is a major pillar of the JLCC foundation. With 41 years of service, JLCC members have contributed over 750,000 volunteer hours to nonprofits within Collin County.
The April 26 event was opened by Junior League of Collin County President Sheri Steele and the Excellence in Volunteer Service Awards Chair Dione Beilgard. City of Melissa Mayor Reed Greer led the audience in prayer, and City of Frisco Deputy Mayor Pro Tem John.
Keating led the Pledge of Allegiance, with additional remarks by City of Plano Mayor Pro Tem Rick Grady. This year’s keynote speaker, Cheryl “Action” Jackson, founder of Minnie’s Food Pantry, emphasized the importance of volunteerism, and the impact a single person can make on an individual’s life. Nonprofits and corporations in Collin County were asked to nominate individuals and organizations for this award via application, based on volunteer efforts in 2017. All nominations were then reviewed and given to the JLCC Community Advisory Board for selection.
2018 Excellence in Volunteer Service Award winners:
Collin County Volunteer of the Year: Tonya Winchester
Nominated by Mothers Against Drunk Driving.
This award celebrates an individual whose extraordinary hands-on volunteer service contributes to strengthening Collin County.
Excellence in Leadership Award: Officer Art Parker, Plano Police
This award recognizes an adult volunteer who engages in unpaid charitable activities, demonstrates personal commitment to long-term volunteer services, and makes a significant impact in addressing the needs of Collin County. This individual exemplifies leadership and volunteerism while contributing to the mission of the organization in which he/she volunteers.
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Sydney DeWolf
Nominated by National Charity League Plano Area Chapter
This award acknowledges a young individual (up to 12th grade) making a difference in Collin County through volunteer and leadership activities or an organization dedicated to making a significant impact to better our youth’s lives.
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Jewish Family Services
This award celebrates a Collin County nonprofit organization whose leaders and volunteers do extraordinary work to strengthen Collin County through the organization’s dedicated support. Examples include community, educational, military and public service organizations.
Youth Organization of the Year: Team Willow Bend, North Texas Performing Arts
This award recognizes a nonprofit organization, comprised primarily of Collin County youth volunteers, which provides services to improve the community. This award celebrates the development and implementation of a community service project targeting the needs of Collin County.
Collin County Business Leadership Award: USAA
This award recognizes a business that has consistently supported the nonprofit community and has created strong partnerships through employee involvement and time devoted to giving back. This is a company who is committed to making their community a priority for their organization.
Emerging Community Impact Award: Grace to Change
This award celebrates a Collin County organization founded or relocated to the area less than 5 years ago and has made large strides and driven positive change in a short period of time displaying huge potential to be a long-term asset to the community.
Spirit of Collaboration: Steve Perry (individual winner); Frisco Association of the Arts (group winner)
This year’s Excellence In Volunteer Service Awards sponsors included David and Chris Downs, SimplyConnect, Susie Cakes, Fiore 7, Pittman Designs, Community Impact, Ebby Halliday Realtors, Goldenlight Creative, Legacy West, Market Street and Tom Thumb.
