Volunteers Get Recognized at VOC's Annual Awards & Appreciation Event
Awards & Appreciation 2024
Each year, Volunteers for Outdoor Colorado (VOC) hosts its annual volunteer appreciation event, Awards & Appreciation. The venue may change, and the food may differ, but the intention remains the same: to recognize and show gratitude for the individuals who generously gave their time and energy to VOC's mission that season.
This year, volunteers convened at FlyteCo Tower in Central Park for an afternoon of meeting old friends and new, reminiscing about that one project back in the 90s, and connecting over the delicious meal they were fed by a VOC crew chef.
After receiving nominations for each award, VOC selects one winner for each category, though each nominee is as deserving as the next. The winners are then announced and celebrated at Awards & Appreciation.
VOC hands out 'Of the Year' awards in eight categories. Those categories are:
OSI Instructor of the Year
Awarded for exemplary leadership in instructing and conveying stewardship trainings to new leadership volunteers.
Land Manager of the Year
Awarded to an agency for outstanding collaboration, support and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship.
Partner Organization of the Year
Awarded to a VOC partner organization for outstanding collaboration and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Awarded for outstanding volunteer leadership and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship as demonstrated by a young volunteer.
Unsung Hero
Awarded to a VOC volunteer who provides outstanding support and service in a behind-the-scenes role for the organization.
Roni Sherb New Volunteer of the Year
Awarded for outstanding volunteer efforts and dedication to outdoor stewardship during their first years for involvement with VOC.
Curt Chitwood Volunteer of the Year
Awarded for outstanding volunteer leadership and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship.
Steve Austin Mentor of the Year
Awarded for exemplary leadership in teaching and conveying stewardship practices to new crew leaders.
This year, we are excited to announce our 2024 winners...
OSI Instructor of the Year: Mike Scott
Land Manager of the Year: Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Partner Organization of the Year: Friends of the Front Range Wildlife Refuges
Young Volunteer of the Year: Lucas Gambone
Unsung Hero: Barb Molitor (Scroll for a video of her accepting her award!)
Roni Sherb New Volunteer of the Year: Jim Graf
Curt Chitwood Volunteer of the Year: Mick Syzek
Steve Austin Mentor of the Year: Joe Chastain
In addition to VOC's 'Of the Year' awards, all newly certified leaders were recognized for their commitment to taking on the added responsibility of each unique role.
Crew Leaders
Vicki Herde, Samantha Weis, Kevin Toepke, Kirk Holub, Karen Ruiz, Tyler Smith, Chris Watling, Felix Wulftange, and Young Yang
Crew Chefs
Keri Hanson and Mark Safty
Tool Managers
Jeremy Mollison and Eric Peterson
Technical Advisors
John Barnett and Susan Jarvis-Weber
One of the best things about VOC is the amazing community that we create on projects and the strong knowledge and connections that come from those who stay with us.
Our Clubs recognize those who have become stalwarts with our organization and have passed a landmark number of volunteer projects with VOC.
CLUB INDUCTEES
McLeod Club (25+ Projects)
Daniel Peterson, Carson Coates, Bri Corrado, Julia Catalini, Justin McBride, Jim Graf, Colin McKenna, Richard Powell, Marie Powell, Dan Regelson, Andy Rylance, Karen Utke, and Tim Standard
Pulaski Club (50+ Projects)
Denny Farrell, Steve Hulsberg, Eric Lucas, Henry McLaughlin, Wiwiek Standard, and Jeanetta Wyman
Austin Club (75+ Projects)
Peter Gotseff, Martin Herz, Sean Mallory, Joseph Rook, Mike Scott, and John Stidman
Century Club (100+ Projects)
Karolyn Snow and Greg Verschelden
PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST WINNERS
A big thank you to our incredible volunteer photographers, who dedicate their time and talent to capturing the heart and soul of VOC’s mission. Their photos make our volunteers shine in ways that words alone couldn’t express.
1st Place
Heidi Hartman
2nd Place
Eric Tokuyama
Heidi Hartman
Eric Tokuyama
Thanks to Englewood Camera for donating in-kind prizes for the Photography Contest.
Thanks to Matthew Monczka Photography for capturing the event.
