Volunteers from throughout our network, as well as, WCFB staff and community leaders attended. Each enjoyed a meal and a chance to win basket raffles.  Marlene Kozak, WCFB CEO, expressed her gratitude to all volunteers. Our Volunteers of the Month were once again recognized, as well as, the following awardees.

The 2012 Volunteer of the Year was Sally Cowell.  Jerry Wilcox from St. Vincent DePaul spoke of Sally’s true spirit and dedication in serving the needy.  Sally has been the Our Lady of Grace, St Vincent DePaul Pantry Coordinator for the past 10 years.  She has developed many relationships with the community to supplement their food and volunteer needs. She takes extra care to insure that those she serves are having all their needs met and they don’t feel like they are just a number.  She has enhanced a process whereby their severely disabled clients have access to pre-packaged food boxes to eliminate them standing in lines.  Her volunteers think of her as a role model and leader.  They feel blessed to have Sally minister this program.  Pictured are Sally Cowell and Jerry Wilcox.

The 2012 Volunteer Group of the Year was the Empty Bowl Committee.  Jennifer Miller, WCFB Development Director, spoke highly of the Empty Bowl Committee.  With the help of Karen Piper, their leader, this dedicated group raised over $55,000 over the last four years.  Each year they have engaged more restaurants to participate and their Chinese Auction and Silent Auction is phenomenal.  Pictured are from L-R: Rochelle Belak, Taska Smola, Debby Pazehoski, Karen Piper, Tom Piper, Chris Gannon.  Missing from photo are Joe and Sandy Canada, Diana Falk, Bill Mausteller, Joe and Dana Krydick, Lisa Goldberg and Molly Anthony.