Mayor McGovern, Cambridge Volunteer Clearinghouse Honor Locals

From The City of Cambridge: Mayor Marc C. McGovern together with the Cambridge Volunteer Clearinghouse (CVC) honored local volunteers today with an award ceremony and reception in recognition of their contributions to the community.

The volunteer ceremony took place in the Sullivan Chamber of City Hall prior to the start of the Regular City Council Meeting. Volunteers from a variety of local non-profits joined the ceremony and were presented with a certificate from the Mayor and CVC, a token of their appreciation for work to improve the lives of Cantabrigians. Additionally, six other volunteers were recognized individually for their extraordinary contributions to the community.

Pat O’Neill, was presented with the Beverly Benner Cassara Senior Volunteer Award for her work supporting Food for Free, in particular, the Family Meals Program and the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program.

Lia Sokol, 12, who provides volunteer childcare to shelter residents at Transition House was presented with the City of Cambridge Next Generation Volunteer Award.

Sachi Rodes was presented with the Legacy of Kindness Award for her longtime service to the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program.

Peter Munkenbeck received the Mayor’s Lifetime Achievement Award for Volunteer Service for his impact to the community through Just-A-Start and The Community Builders.

Doreen Lopes-Smith received the Outstanding Service Award for a Corporate Volunteer in recognition of her years of service with Read to a Child at the Morse School.

The inaugural Lasting Impact Volunteer Award was presented posthumously to Lynn Hinerman in honor of her many years of service with the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) and Community Cooks.

Mayor McGovern and CVC Founder Robert S. Hurlbut, Jr. expressed their gratitude to the awardees for contributing their time and talents to members of our shared community. In a City Council resolution to be presented to each of the recipients, McGovern wrote, “Nowhere are Cambridge’s values and commitments represented more prominently than in our volunteers, those who—by their selfless work and determination—will the world to be a better, more just, and more inclusive place.”

Since 1994, the Clearinghouse has matched potential volunteers of all ages with Cambridge non-profit agencies that need their skills, experiences and compassion. Find more information about CVC at volunteerincambridge.org.

Images Via The City of Cambridge