On Saturday, November 7, VOC welcomed over 100 leadership volunteers to Lucille’s Creole Café for the annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. The event honored a number of dedicated volunteer leaders and highlighted individuals who made significant contributions to VOC this season with a dinner and special presentation of awards. This year's "Of the Year" award recipients include:

• Roni Sherb New Volunteer of the Year (in honor of the late Roni Sherb, awarded for outstanding volunteer efforts and dedication to outdoor stewardship during their first years for involvement with VOC) – Justin Farley
• Curt Chitwood Volunteer of the Year (in honor of the late Curt Chitwood, awarded for outstanding volunteer leadership and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship) – Lisa Thilker
• Partner Organization of the Year (awarded for outstanding collaboration and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship) – Colorado Young Leaders
• Land Manager of the Year (awarded to an agency for outstanding collaboration, support and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship) – USFS: Salida Ranger District
• Steve Austin Mentor of the Year (awarded for exemplary leadership in teaching and conveying stewardship practices to new crew leaders and volunteers) – Terry Gimbel
• Cairn Mentor of the Year (awarded for exemplary leadership in teaching and conveying stewardship practices to Cairn participants) – Cody Bond
• Young Volunteer of the Year (awarded for outstanding volunteer leadership and continued dedication to outdoor stewardship as demonstrated by a young volunteer) – Eric Paricio
• Unhung Hero of the Year (awarded to a VOC volunteer who provides outstanding support and service in a behind-the-scenes role for the organization) – Ramona Bystrom

Additionally, volunteer leaders who reached VOC project participation milestones in 2015 were recognized. These milestones and individuals include:

• The McLeod Club (25 projects): Andy Clark, William Goldrick, Barb Molitor, Rosemary Thomas, Christa Whitmore
• The Pulaski Club (50 projects): Rose Beyer, Richard Martinez, DeDe Williams, Jeanne Wilson
• The Austin Club (75 projects): Tim Gaines
• The Century Club (100 projects): Ellie Baldwin, Lee Coveney

In a new "first" for the Volunteer Recognition Dinner, VOC paid tribute to long-time volunteer crew leader, Steve Austin, on his unprecedented accomplishment of serving on 300 VOC projects! A photo slideshow of Steve was presented, and heartfelt remarks about his unending dedication and leadership were made by VOC’s executive director, Ann Baker Easley, as well as fellow long-serving volunteer leader and close friend of Steve, Glenn Ward. Steve was honored with a proclamation from the Governor of Colorado, John Hickenlooper, forever declaring the date of the event, November 7, 2015, “Steve Austin Day”. 

Finally, VOC welcomed its eight newest crew leaders into the ranks! Volunteer leaders who became certified in 2015 to serve in a crew leader or crew chef role include: Robin Donner, Denny Farrell, Stephanie Jarvis, Dylan Kintish, Skye Kreisler, Vinay Kumar, Rosemary Thomas, and Gail Ferber.

On behalf of the VOC staff, we extend our sincere thanks to each and every one of our devoted leaders. We couldn’t do what we do without the outstanding support and commitment of these outstanding individuals.