Arapahoe County toasts volunteers at Feb. 17 gala
By Peter Jones
Arapahoe County volunteer Michelle Chavez and her grandmother Tracy Salazar participated in the costume contest at the county’s Feb. 17 volunteer thank-you event. Photos by Peter Jones
The county thanked its wide range of volunteers for setting a new record in 2010 with a Feb. 17 gala dinner and an evening of celebration at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds and Event Center.
Festivities included a caricature artist, a costume contest, a fortuneteller, custom green-screen photos, karaoke and games for children
In honor of Arapahoe County’s 150th anniversary, the annual event was dubbed “150 Ways to Say Thank You to Our Volunteers.”
“So gracias, danka and thank you for your contribution,” said Don Klemme, director of the county’s Community Resources Department.
County Commissioner Nancy Jackson of Aurora said the county’s appreciation is particularly strong in light of the flagging economy.
“During an economic downturn, we’re especially grateful to our citizen volunteers who help the county maintain the traditions of the communities we serve – youth, seniors, veterans, disabled, and all our neighbors and friends,” she said.
As Colorado’s first county marks its milestone anniversary, Klemme said volunteers have played a crucial role in both national and local history.
“Since America was founded, volunteerism has helped define our national character,” he said. “You may be surprised that Benjamin Franklin became the founding father of volunteerism when he established the nation’s first volunteer fire department. He understood the value of people’s time and their contributions to establish this great country.”
In the case of Arapahoe County, its volunteers run the gamut – from assisting at the annual county fair to performing crucial functions in Human and Judicial Services.
According to spokeswoman Haley McKean, the county’s award-winning Court Notification program has saved considerable taxpayer money and even helped keep some residents out of jail. The program’s volunteers simply make phone calls to remind people of their pending court dates.
“It’s a friendly voice on the other end of the phone. People generally respond really well. They’re thankful for the reminder and it has reduced our warrants for failure to appear tremendously,” McKean said.
Arapahoe County Commissioners Nancy Jackson and Frank Weddig receive a symbolic check for $709,249.43, the total amount the county says it saved last year through more than 33,000 hours of volunteer services. Volunteer coordinator Val Purser looks on.
Volunteers – not paid professionals – also host a monthly kid’s night out for foster children and act as “information ambassadors” in Arapahoe County’s public assistance centers.
“We’re just bombarded in this economy with folks who need help. We didn’t have the funding for receptionists this year, given the budgets, so we thought we’d try volunteers,” McKean said.
Because of the economy and job market, many county residents have taken a particular interest in volunteering to gain experience that may increase their prospects in the marketplace, according to McKean.
Many who volunteer in Human Service areas do so for the personal satisfaction. Michelle Chavez dedicates 30 to 40 hours a year to such programs as Rebuilding Together, in which volunteers perform maintenance and repair work on the homes of elderly and disabled residents.
“I just like the way it makes me feel,” Chavez said.
Centennial’s Francesca Mannella, second from right, receives Arapahoe County’s 2011 Rising Star Award from volunteer coordinator Val Purser, County Commissioners Frank Weddig and Nancy Jackson, and Centennial Mayor Cathy Noon.
Seven of the hundreds of volunteers present received particular recognition:
• Outstanding Fair Award – Youth: Keith Johnson of Aurora, a first-time volunteer, worked all five days at the Arapahoe County Fair.
• Outstanding Fair Award – Adult: Darlene Buglovsky of Aurora has been a 4-H leader for 14 years. She helped with 4-H exhibits, among other responsibilities.
• Volunteer Program Manager of the Year: Shaylen Florez worked “countless hours” and supported more than 100 4-H volunteers.
• Community Motivator Award: Gina Young played an important role in building the county’s new program to control the feral cat population in Byers.
• Rising Star Award: A tie between active 4-H leader Julia Gaffney of Aurora and Centennial’s Francesca Mennella, who helped with database entry and managing mailings to volunteers.
• First in Service Volunteer of the Year: John Rossie volunteers in Veterans Services, where he supports retired military seeking veteran benefits and volunteers at outreach events.
To volunteer for any county program, contact coordinator Val Purser at 303-738-7938.
