The United Community Center has been successful in serving Milwaukee’s south side since 1970 due, in large part, to the strength of our volunteers. Each year, more than 1,000 community members and organizations share their generosity of spirit with us and therefore share in our victories. The eighth annual Volunteer Recognition Celebration on Thursday, March 21 to highlighted some particularly heroic efforts:

Individual Volunteer of the Year – Mary Marks

She is truly an asset to BGCS, and we are all grateful for her time, energy, and giving spirit. Mary has been a remarkable assistance to teachers, students, and parents in the pre-school daily, always exceeding expectations.

Long Term Volunteer of the Year – Catherine Scaffidi

Catherine has been an incredible asset who has made significant contributions of time and effort at UCC since 2009. She is a dedicated volunteer that helps with various projects throughout the year such as UCC’s Anniversary Dinner, Latino Arts’ Noche de Gala, Latino Arts performances, and much more.

Mentor of the Year – Glenn Moore

Over the past eight years, Glenn has offered numerous hours of service working with our youth in various programs such as All Stars, Life Changers, Summer Recreation, Safe Nights, and many more. Glenn is a positive, inspirational, and exceptional mentor to our youth and an activist for healthy life choices.

Athletics Volunteer of the Year – Maria Velazquez

The effort and dedication that Maria has offered to the UCC Boxing Program over the years has been remarkable. She truly cares about and shows compassion for all the athletes with whom she interacts on a daily basis.

Corporate Volunteer Group of the Year – Robert W. Baird

Robert W. Baird has continuously supported the UCC through a wide variety of volunteer projects, as well as donations of supplies for those projects, including Read To Me Projects for pre-school students, Adult Day Center Happy Hours with our senior participants, and our annual fundraisers.

University Volunteer Group of the Year – Milwaukee Visionaries Project (MVP)

MVP volunteers have been motivating and inspiring for the participating Bruce-Guadalupe Community School students (middle school and alumni) over the last three years. The volunteers bring a unique energy and dedication each week and strive to share knowledge of video animation and storytelling with our students.

Parent Volunteer Group of the Year – Latino Arts Strings Program Booster Club

For the past eight years, the Booster Club has worked diligently in support of the Latino Arts Strings Program. We are honored by their remarkable dedication and service in helping our young musicians’ dreams come true through extensive fundraising efforts.

UCC Youth Volunteer of the Year – Roberto Zarate

Roberto is truly a strong and dedicated leader, as well as a role model and mentor to younger students.  His constantly upbeat and positive attitude is contagious.  He continues to display incredible commitment to our youth, and we are proud to have this amazing alum give back.

Community Youth Volunteer of the Year – Ben Sampson

Ben, a student at University School of Milwaukee, volunteered in a number of departments in 2012 and has made a great impression. He is a quick learner with a very compassionate spirit and demonstrates maturity while being friendly to everyone with whom he interacts.

Thank you to all of our volunteers for their contributions and enthusiastic efforts, and congratulations to our Volunteer of the Year Award Winners!