Simi YMCA Announces Volunteer of the Year Award Winners

The Simi Valley Family YMCA handed out its 5th Annual Volunteer of the Year awards at a November 12 dinner attended by over 100 people at the Simi Y.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our YMCA,” says Dan Jaeger, Simi Y executive director. “Our award winners have generously given their time to not only the Y but to the community. Their unselfish work has made a tremendous difference to so many.”

The “Jack Vopal Y’s Men of the Year Award” honors a member of the Simi Valley Family YMCA’s Y’s Men’s Club, a service organization that supports the Y. This year, the award went to John Manchester. Manchester began volunteering at the Y’s Men’s Club Christmas tree lot and soon was volunteering and coordinating many of the club’s activities. “There is an old Y’s Men’s motto that says ‘to acknowledge the duty that accompanies every right.’ John understands and lives by this motto,” says Jaeger.

The Jim King Award of Significant Service award honors an individual that has made a significant contribution to a Simi Valley Family YMCA program. Josh Lipking was this year’s recipient for his involvement in the YMCA Indian Guides. “Josh joined the Guides’ council and immediately brought a spirit and energy to the group. His creativity and enthusiasm is appreciated by all those involved in the program.”

The “Distinguished Service Award” honors an individual who has made accomplishments in YMCA financial development. This year’s winner is Cecil Valenti. “Nonprofits rely on fundraising so they can offer free or discounted services to the community,” says Jaeger. “Cecil is our YMCA Annual Campaign chairperson. Fundraising is never easy, but Cecil successfully leads our fundraising efforts with passion and dedication and always with a sense of community. “

The “Order of Merit Award” honors a YMCA leader who exemplifies civic responsibility through service to the community. This year’s winner is Doug Platts. “Doug is a long time YMCA volunteer. He started his YMCA service with the Indian Guides where he was a Nation Chief. He later served on the Simi YMCA board, becoming chairperson. He is now board chair of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA, which oversees four YMCA branches including the Simi Y,” notes Jaeger. “He gives his time to a host of other organizations including serving on the Board of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Foundation and volunteering his time to Junior Achievement.”

The annual awards dinner is a way for the Y to say thank you for all the time our volunteers dedicate to the Y and the community,” says Jaeger. “We are truly fortunate to have them on our team.”