Volunteer of the Year Awards

June 2007

Berkeley County Volunteer of the Year:  David Welch has a nationally known media company in Washington, DC.  His home is here in the Panhandle and one day several months ago he stopped by the United Way Office to make a pitch for producing a United Way of the Eastern Panhandle film.  After a long discussion, we had one question, is it free?  Obviously the answer was yes.  The product may be free to United Way, but i certainly was done at great cost to David.  What a gift to United Way.  Not only does it capture how important our work is, but its' powerful appeal for support will make a difference with our campaign work.  This provides a window into what is in David's heart and that is generosity and service to the community.

Congratulations and thank you, David!

Jefferson County Volunteer of the Year:  Alice Barkus has done and continues to do so much for the United Way movement in the Eastern Panhandle.  The impact of her work is great.  In fact she's a recipient of the Van Ryzin Award.  However, she's not one to rest on her laurels.  She continues to make a difference.  She's an extremely active board member.  She serves on the campaign, works funds distribution and is a board officer.  She's a tireless and effective campaign volunteer.  She worked extremely hard last fall to open new business campaigns.  She is a valuable resource to our organization.  The United Way board and staff appreciate her. Congratulations and thank you, Alice!

Morgan County Volunteer of the Year:  Tom Rokisky has been self-less in his support of United Way and its agencies in Morgan County.  He's been on the  Morgan County Campaign Committee for six years and has been one of the key ingredients for Morgan County's successful campaign.  An exceptional leader and tireless campaign volunteer, he's always coming up with new ideas to spread the word and encourage donations.  If a call or a visit needed to be made, he was alwysa willing to jump on it.  Thanks to his work, Morgan County Campaign achievement has increased by almost 30% over the years.  His efforts have been instrumental in allowing us to distribute additional dollars for the work of Morgan County agencies. All United Way agencies, but especially Morgan County agencies,, are extremely fortunate that Tom has so freely given his time in developing the resources that they so sorely need.   Congratulations and thank you, Tom!