Volunteer News | Winter 2014

 

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Thanks to the 2,580 Louisville Zoo volunteers who contributed a remarkable 64,353 hours of service. Their efforts equal 31 full time employees, saving the Zoo over $1,265,585. Wow!

In honor of their hard work, the Zoo held our annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Sunday, August 11. Over 600 volunteers and guests joined us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of all our fantastic volunteers. It was a very hot evening, so thanks to those of you who were able to participate and enjoy the delicious food and good company.
Two special volunteers were recognized this year for exceptional contributions:

Jonathon Michael Heaton Award
This award for outstanding Youth is presented each year in memory of Jonathan Michael Heaton.

The 2014 winner is Michelle L. Boyken. Michelle, a senior at Meade County High School, is one of the hardest-working volunteers around. She began volunteering in the giraffe area in the summer of 2013 and has continued her work there on Sundays throughout the school year and into this summer. How committed is she? She drives all the way from Meade County, Kentucky.

Michelle is teasingly referred to by Zoo staff as “The Terminator” or “The Machine” because of the incredible efficiency she brings to her work. She fulfills tasks in the blink of an eye, rarely even stopping to take a break, and once the job is completed, she is ready to move on. Well done and thank you Michelle!

Diane Taylor Spirit Award
Created to honor an outstanding Adult Volunteer, the 2014 Diane Taylor Spirit Award went to Anthony Schneider.

After volunteering in Glacier Run for two years, Anthony has become a true asset to this award-winning exhibit area. He is dependable, never complains and even in the most severe weather, he is there to support the staff. Anthony is always up for a challenge: from making tasty treats for the bears to cleaning up their messes. And best of all, he does this with a smile and a great sense of humor, often inspired by some of the most unglamorous jobs. In addition to his volunteering at Glacier Run, Anthony works in the Zoo’s Guest Services Department. Guess he likes this place. Huge thanks to you Anthony.

Vol_03A BIG shout out and thanks is due to Humana employees who helped repair the Zoo’s perimeter fence (pictured left).

THANKS FOR MAKING
HALLOWEEN 2014 A SUCCESS!

Many thanks to all those who volunteered their precious gift of time, whether as individuals or as part of a group of organization, during the Zoo’s “World’s Largest Halloween Party!” presented by Meijer. Over 1,300 volunteers helped make this community tradition possible this year for all those princesses and Ninja warriors and their families. The volunteers spent 8,339 hours and saved the Zoo over $66,716. A special thanks to UPS for assisting with set-up and breakdown as well as providing 267 volunteers over three Halloween Party evenings.

2014-10-10_UPSVolunteerAward_01On October 10, the Louisville Zoo recognized UPS employee Mark Wilson (at left with Diane Taylor and John Walczak), who since 2008 has helped recruit other UPS employees to volunteer during Halloween. You’re the best!