Local women honored by Orrville Area United Way for volunteerism
PHOTOS PROVIDED
From left, Karen Shultz, of Dalton, and Orrville Area United Way Executive Director Dawn Cazzolli.
Susan Tucker, of Orrville, was recognized by OAUW for her volunteerism.
By JACQUI HERSHBERGER
DGKN correspondent
ORRVILLE Two local women were recognized this spring by Orrville Area United Way for their help in strengthening the local communities of Orrville, Dalton, Kidron, and Marshallville.
A group of volunteers met at Schmid Hall April 23 to have a ‘Thank a Thon’ to call and thank other volunteers. The event was shared via Facebook Live.
Karen Shultz, of Dalton, received the Gene and Mickey Workman Lifetime Achievement Award. Shultz was chosen because she was a volunteer for over 15 years for the OAUW, and also serves as a volunteer in other organizations.
“At the beginning of 2020, we had an abrupt transition that left our office empty for a few months,” Michele Wilson, administrative assistant for Orrville Area United Way, wrote in an email. “Karen stepped in and kept the office running smoothly during that transition.”
The award was given in honor of Gene and Mickey Workman, who devoted their lives to volunteering, and worked tirelessly to serve the communities of eastern Wayne County.
Susan Tucker, of Orrville, received The Patti Ayers “Yes” Award.
“Patti was an amazing volunteer who was critical to OAUW success, and not only said yes, but organized, reminded, followed up-all the while smiling,” Wilson said.
Tucker volunteered for Turning Point Coalition and Orrville Rotary Club. Turning Point Coalition is a community-based volunteer organization that works to help create an environment in our community that will help keep youth alcohol, tobacco and drug free.
Orrville Rotary club members are “dedicated people who share a passion for both community service and friendship,” according to rotarydistrict6650.org.
“Susan consistently says yes to any coalition activity she’s able to do,” said Nonya Wenger, the Orrville Staff Support for Turning Point Coalition. “She has been our chairperson for the past 2 ½ years and is continuing to serve in that capacity as we look for new leadership. She does a great job leading meetings and keeping us on track as well as keeping us focused on our overall mission.”
Other partners of OAUW are Orrville Area Boys & Girls Club, The Salvation Army, and Ohuddle. OHuddle is a 501c3 mentorship program serving over 400 students in Wayne County. Friendship Meals, which are offered Thursday evenings at Christ United Church of Christ in Orrville, are another way OAUW helps the community.
“Each of us has a chance to make a difference in the lives of people in the Orrville Area. United Way’s goal is to create long-lasting changes by addressing the underlying causes of these problems. Living united means being a part of the change. It takes everyone in the community working together to create a brighter future,” according to OrrvilleAreaUnitedWay.org
The OAUW is exploring moving to a new location, starting to plan for their 2022 Campaign Pledge Drive, and is looking for more volunteers for the OAUW. Those interested in volunteering, or that have any questions about the Orrville Area United Way, can call 330-683-8181.
“Everyone deserves opportunities to have a good life: a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement, and good health,” their website adds.
