Volunteer Appreciation Week is recognized nationally the week of April 17, and naturally, as a volunteer organization, the JLC had a lot to celebrate! The Membership Engagement and CandO committees organized a Kick-Off Celebration event for Wednesday, April 13th at the Columbia Center to highlight our amazing volunteers, and the work they’ve put into our partnerships with different organizations throughout Cincinnati.

Volunteers enjoyed pizza from Taglio, wine (of course!) and scrumptious brownie bites as they reflected on their experiences this year, sharing their stories on why they continue to volunteer, and the impact these experiences have had on them. Attendees also shared their favorite volunteer memories on a Word Wall, and even by supporting one of our past projects, Fernside, by cutting out flowers for paper flower pots to be given to families who have lost loved ones, to feel more connected to each other.

Raffle and door prizes were given out, and of course, awards! The awards winners for this inaugural event included:

• Energizer Bunny Award: Samantha Evans, New Member Advisor & DEIB Committee member
• MVPs: Judy Simpson & Erica Bock, New Nember
• Outstanding Communicator: Meggan Thompson, Perspectives Committee Member
• Most Helpful: Stephanie Tillman, Active Member
• Most Reliable: Anne Miller, Nominating Committee Member

A huge thank you to everyone who volunteered on behalf of the JLC in the Cincinnati community this year. We appreciate the time and energy you continue to dedicate to our partner organizations! The intention is to grow this event and engagement every year to celebrate the work we do and one another as volunteers.