United Way honors community partners at breakfast

By Erienne Greene / Journal staff writer

Ken Barton, left, president of the United Way Board of Directors, and award winners Mikki Van Wyk and Betty Russell attend Friday’s Volunteer Recognition Breakfast. (Submitted photo)

MARTINSBURG - Attendees were all smiles at Friday morning's annual Volunteer Recognition Breakfast, sponsored by the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle.

A breakfast buffet at the Holiday Inn in Martinsburg was followed by many award presentations to dedicated locals and organizations that have helped make a difference in their communities.

"Over the past 12 months, our United Way has touched so many people in so many ways," said Ken Barton, president of the United Way Board of Directors. "It would take me days to read off the names of all of the United Way supporters who made this happen. These people 'Live United' by giving, advocating and volunteering."

Earning the Platinum Award with a 390 percent increase since last year in their local employee campaigns were representatives from Comcast, while the Gold Award for raising the most dollars in the 2008 United Way campaign was awarded to Charles Town Races & Slots for earning $50,000.

Awards presenter Jan Callen, executive director of the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle, noted that the racetrack has won this award since 2005.

Barton described Betty Russell, recipient of The Berkeley County Volunteer of the Year award, as "another unstoppable force."

"She, along with others, identified that access to dental care was a critical need in the Eastern Panhandle," he said. "Additionally, her advocacy efforts have helped move along the establishment of the Eastern Panhandle's first nonprofit community dental center."

The Volunteer of the Year award for Morgan County was given to Audrey Morris, an advocate of Regional Resource Connection to Morgan County, and also David Gross of Jefferson County, chair of the Thriving Children Community Solutions Council.

The morning's top two honors, the Lt. Gen. William John Van Ryzin Award and the Marvin J. Yurish Spirit Award, were saved until near the closing of the event.

The Ryzin award was created in memory of Ryzin, whose tireless leadership efforts helped to not only establish but grow, the United Way of Jefferson County.

"This recipient has served as a volunteer in every facet of United Way operations," Callen said. "We have a great staff because they are great people and we retain those great people for many reasons, but I believe one important reason is that they have a great advocate in Laurin LeTart."

After LeTart's honor was announced, Russell announced the winner of the 2009 Yurish Spirit award.

"This year, we present this award to an individual who is truly a community angel," she began. "Mikki Van Wyk epitomizes what it means to 'Live United' and that's why she is the recipient of this award."

Wyk accepted her plaque with gratitude, noting that her husband was given the same honor in years past.

The ceremony concluded with thanks and closing remarks from Barton to donors and volunteers.

"We are honored by your loyalty and will always operate the United Way of the Eastern Panhandle in a way that fully justifies your loyalty."

More than $1.4 million were raised as a result of the United Way's annual campaign, which ended in early spring.

- Staff writer Erienne Greene can be reached at (304) 263-8931, ext. 183, or egreene@journal-news.net