Exceptional volunteers and their contributions to our community were honored at the recent 31st Annual Volunteer Celebration at the Italian Conference Center in Milwaukee.

The annual Inspire by Example awards for outstanding volunteer service through local nonprofits were presented at the celebration, which was held in recognition of National Volunteer Week (April 21-27).

“Together with the thousands of others who serve in the Milwaukee area, the award winners have a huge, positive impact,” said Bonnie Andrews, Volunteer Center Manager, Nonprofit Center of Milwaukee. “These are inspiring stories of people who make volunteering a big part of their lives.” The award winners were:

Anjana Murali – Youth Award – This accomplished student, and active Girl Scout, designed a two day chess camp giving girls the opportunity to play the game. Her model is gaining national attention.

Joy Global – Business Award – For their employees’ volunteer efforts focused on education, urban renewal and human services; and for their extensive support building homes for Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity.

Leticia Smith – Fran Swigart Board Leadership Award – For her leadership and strategic thinking to support a number of organizations and for strengthening the membership and evaluation process at Community Shares.

(MORE)Burmese Immersion Project – Tutoring Team – Team Award – This creative and committed team provides a variety of services to teach, befriend and help the refugees thrive in the US culture.

Maggie Cary – Adult Award – For compassionate care, listening and doing whatever it takes to assist residents, six days each week at St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care.

Marcy Stutzman – Wile Volunteer Management Award – For effective engagement and increase in volunteers at The Salvation Army of Waukesha. The award is given with the Association of Volunteer Managers serving Southeast Wisconsin.

“The work of every volunteer is so important to the health of our community,” Andrews said. “These efforts combined help Milwaukee rank seventh among large cities in the U.S., with 32% of our population volunteering.”

This positive volunteer spirit was evident at the celebration and awards luncheon sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Greater Milwaukee, a service of the Nonprofit Center. Anyone can volunteer – to find a local volunteer opportunity visit VolunteerMilwaukee.org