Volunteer Recognition Dinner 2019

Last week, April 7 – April 14, was National Volunteer Week. While we at Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area celebrate our volunteers every day, we took this special week as a chance to truly highlight what their hard work and dedication mean to us. We did this with our annual Habitat La Crosse Volunteer Recognition Dinner.

Habitat La Crosse staff organized the dinner, held Monday, April 8. All volunteers were invited and enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Celebrations on the River. This included ReStore volunteers, office volunteers, construction volunteers, committee members and board members. As volunteers arrived, they were handed certificates to acknowledge the work they’ve done for Habitat in the past year.
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After everyone had time to mingle and find their seats, the ceremony began. Habitat La Crosse’s volunteer coordinator welcomed everyone. Next, awards were presented. First were some fun awards. Office volunteer Mary Greene won the “Rookie of the Year Award” for being the best newcomer. 

​ReStore volunteer Amy Stevens won the “Sunshine Award” for being constantly kind and cheerful. 

ReStore volunteer Ben Bockenhauer won the “Lifesaver Award” for always being willing to lend a helping hand.
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And construction volunteer Dave Anderson won the “Duct Tape Award” for doing anything to help Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area build more homes, communities and hope. 

​Next, the board members whose terms are ending this year were recognized. These members are Tom Uphaus and Sarah Arendt-Beyer.

​Next, we moved on to our more formal awards. These winners were all chosen after staff reviewed nominations other staff and volunteers submitted. Tim Skinner won the June Kjome Volunteer Award. This award is named after Habitat La Crosse’s founder and recognizes the volunteer who best embodies the values of service, stewardship and good will that June Kjome herself represented. Tim was nominated for his far-reaching participation in Habitat’s events and campaigns and his sincere dedication to Habitat’s mission. 

​Brian Bettin won the Emmie Rosson Volunteer Award. This award is named after ReStore volunteer Emmie Rosson, who has volunteered more hours in the Habita ReStore than any other volunteer. Brian was nominated by several volunteers and staff members for his excellent attitude, his willingness to help wherever needed and his clear dedication to the Habitat ReStore’s mission. 

Tim Hansen won the Al Lien Volunteer Award. Al Lien, for whom this award is named, faithful served Habitat for Humanity La Crosse Area for over a decade, helping construct the first twenty-three houses built by the Affiliate.
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The Al Lien Volunteer of the Year Award is given out to those in his honor each year to an individual who embodies the values to service, stewardship, and good will which Mr. Lien exemplified through his service to this Affiliate and throughout his life. Tim was nominated because of his extensive experience, his willingness to help his fellow volunteers and his passion for building for Habitat La Crosse. 

​Habitat La Crosse staff were so excited to recognize all the hard work our volunteers have done in the past year to help us expand our services and build even more homes, communities and hope. If you’re interested in volunteering with us, email volunteer@habitatlacrosse.org to learn how you can help.