Helping hands honored

By JENNA MINK, The Daily News
April 20, 2009

Rachel Baumgardner is not an average college student.

The Western Kentucky University senior spends her free time volunteering at the Commonwealth Health Free Clinic - filling out charts, screening patients and performing any task to help out.

And her efforts were recognized Sunday when she received the Rookie Volunteer Award as part of the 20th annual Volunteers in Action Awards.

“I was completely shocked by it,” Baumgardner said. “It’s just an honor.”

Baumgardner, three others and one local business were rewarded for giving up their most valuable asset: time.

“We have a great group of people here who are always willing to step up and give time,” said state Rep. Jim DeCesare, R-Bowling Green, who spoke at the event. “It’s easy to give money.”

Local organizations nominate volunteers and the winners are chosen by an independent group of judges, said Anne Grubbs, Community Education Enrichment Coordinator.

“They work so hard, and they don’t do it for recognition,” Grubbs said. “It’s important to give them a pat on the back, and it’s important to set an example.”

Fifteen local people were nominated for the Spirit of Service Award, which recognizes a person who excels in serving others.

The award went to Kelly Wiseman - a volunteer with Junior Achievement of South Central Kentucky, who works as a Junior Achievement board member and classroom volunteer, teaching programs at the Warren Regional Juvenile Detention Center. She also volunteers with the Family Enrichment Center, holding fundraisers to help prevent child abuse, is an ambassador for the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and is a member of the Southern Kentucky Fair Board, among other efforts.

“I enjoy knowing that I’m making a difference even if it’s a small difference,” Wiseman said. “I feel like I’m responsible to volunteer to do good. I’m very blessed with what I have in my life, and I want to give back.”

Seven groups were nominated for the Team Spirit Award. Two organizations, American Legion Post 23 and the Hunters Crossing Neighborhood Association, picked up the award.

About 800 local members serve in the American Legion Post 23, giving scholarships, contributing money to charities and holding fundraisers to assist military veterans and their families.

The Hunters Crossing Neighborhood Association is made up of about 325 households that come together to serve both neighborhood and community needs. They hold bone marrow and stem cell drives, give Christmas presents to family resource centers and throw a benefit for children with cancer, among other actions. This year, they donated about 4,200 bottles of water to victims of January’s ice storm.

“A lot of people, they see a need and want to help and do what they can,” said Paul Blick, founder of Hunters Crossing Neighborhood Association. “It’s where you reach a point in your life when you’re really blessed and able to give back.”

Cambridge Market and Cafe won this year’s Spirit of Community Award, which recognizes a local business for its volunteer efforts.

Five people were nominated for the Rookie Volunteer Award, which goes to a new volunteer.

Along with helping patients at the free clinic, Baumgardner volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters and Relay for Life, and the pre-medicine student recently traveled to Kenya where she treated patients for about two weeks.

“Words really can’t explain how amazing it was,” she said. “It’s just the people. The people inspire me to help them.”

But Volunteers in Action, a local group of area volunteers, did not just give out awards on Sunday; it also received one. Eileen Cackowski, executive director of Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service, gave the organization a citation from Gov. Steve Beshear for excellence in volunteer service.