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2011 KCSPCA Volunteer Awards
Sat Nov 19, 2011
KCSPCA - Camden, DE
Several of the KCSPCA volunteers were given awards during the KCSPCA Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon held on Saturday November 19th, 2011 at the shelter. The following volunteers were given awards for their service to the shelter and it's animals:
Helping Hands Award 2011
Aleshia Geer
When talking about this volunteer with the staff, they may not know her by name. But they will say to describe her, “You know, the one that does everything”. This volunteer is involved in many different aspects of the shelter. From helping with adoptions events, to baking any of her fabulous treats for the bake club, she is there. Whether it is being a certificate writer at a vaccination clinic or filling in for dog licensing, she is there. When we needed extra help at our Tuesday clinics, she was there. When a troubled dog was returned for the 3rd time, she volunteered to take him to obedience class to make him a more adoptable dog. She is now offering her time helping our Director of development catch up on tasks and will be assisting the Foster Coordinator. She continually offers assistance to many programs we offer here at the Kent County SPCA because she believes they make a difference. She is an asset to this organization and we are lucky to have her.
The Kent County SPCA is proud to honor Aleshia with this Helping Hands Award.
Judy Hummel
Most days when you come to the shelter you’ll find this volunteer. She is a huge cat lover and has even been seen giving treats to the dogs. She is caring and compassionate to all animals and is always willing to help the staff or public with anything they may need. This year she has expanded her role as a volunteer to include helping at our new Petsmart Adoption Center, going on visitation appointments and helping in the office. She is a mentor for new volunteers always giving them helpful advice and encouragement as well as being a foster parent. We thank her for the many hours she spends with us and know that she supports us in the best way a volunteer can, the continuous love of our animals.
The Kent County SPCA is proud to honor Judy with this Helping Hands Award.
Groundbreaker Award 2011
Jeanette O’Neill Sanders
As you know one of the most important things for our shelter dogs is to get daily exercise and some human interaction to keep them happy and healthy. One of the hardest things with a volunteer program is to have consistent volunteers. We are very lucky to have a volunteer who understands this importance and dedication to the program. Whether it is warm and sunny and she is in shorts, or it is cold, windy and raining, and she is bundled up in her boots and rain jacket, this volunteer is walking dogs. She may be here alone, with her husband or have brought her daughter to help as well. Many of the shelter dogs recognize her when she comes by and the new to adoption dogs are pleased to find such a nice person to spend time with. We thank her and her family for the time they give our dogs and for being dedicated volunteers.
The Kent County SPCA is proud to honor Jeanette with this Groundbreaker Award.
Trainer Extraordinaire Award 2011
Mark Bower
When we first started our basic obedience classes, our hope was that many shelter dogs would be able to get some basic manners to ensure they stayed in their new homes instead of being returned. We consider ourselves fortunate to get this man as an assistant with the first class, then take on the responsibility of teaching the classes ever since. Since November of 2010, 39 dogs and their owners have benefited from our knowledgeable and patient trainer through our basic obedience classes, as well as the many others he has helped via phone or email about issues they are having with their dogs. He is a kind and gentle man that has a way of making dogs understand what he wants. He supports the Kent County SPCA by donating his time to ensure the public has a resource for obedience issues.
The Kent County SPCA is proud to honor Mark with this Trainer Extraordinaire Award.
Animalitarian Award 2011
Emilia Bautista
Definition of Humanitarian - having concern for the welfare and happiness of people pertaining to the saving of lives or to the alleviation of suffering.
If animalitarian was an actual word this volunteer’s picture would be next to it because it describes her perfectly. Since April of 2008, she has tirelessly given her support to the animals at the Kent County SPCA, working to make sure they are happy, healthy and are in a loving home. Whether it was a clinic, a fundraiser, an adoption event or the many hours she spends as a great foster parent, she never ceases in her fight for the animals and dedication to our mission. She is truly an inspiration and we thank her for all that she does.
The Kent County SPCA is proud to honor Emy with this Animalitarian Award.
Kindness Award 2011
Edy Makariw
Kindness is such a generic word for what this person stands for, but all the other words didn’t fit on the certificate. The words are just that, but what makes this volunteer special is that she backs up these words with her actions each time she is here.
Thoughtfulness for checking to make sure she had her schedule straight and didn’t forget her clinic week.
Gentleness for the way she handles the animals. You can almost see them sigh in relief when she pets them.
Compassion for being concerned when the temperatures soared above 100 degrees for another day. She and her husband brought storage totes full of ice and distributed it to all the dogs to help them stay cool.
Consideration for other people’s schedules and being willing to take on a leadership role to ensure other volunteers are comfortable with their tasks.
There is never an unkind word, she always tries to see the other side of things and is just a wonderful person to be around. We love having her here and appreciate her kind nature.
The Kent County SPCA is proud to honor Edy with this Kindness Award.