Heritage Conservancy Honors Its Volunteers and Presents Volunteer of the Year Awards

Doylestown, PA, April 28, 2017: Heritage Conservancy, an accredited not-for-profit land conservation and historic preservation organization located in Doylestown, PA, recently hosted a volunteer appreciation luncheon to laud the accomplishments of the organization’s compassionate volunteers and all that they do to strengthen its mission. Over fifty people gathered at the Conservancy’s headquarters of Aldie Mansion in Doylestown on Thursday, April 27th, for the occasion.

The theme for the luncheon was the famed quote by Margaret Mead: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has.” Heritage Conservancy’s 450 volunteers are a catalyst for positive change in our community.

While addressing the group, Jeff Marshall, the Conservancy’s President, stressed the importance of what volunteering with Heritage Conservancy means for our community. “Volunteering for conservation activities provides opportunities to forge meaningful connections to the earth and each other. Volunteers embrace these opportunities because they understand that beyond the conservation work itself is the importance of forging a community worth preserving.”

During the luncheon, Heritage Conservancy recognized two standout volunteers with Volunteer of the Year awards.

Shannon Fredebaugh, the Conservancy’s Senior Community Engagement Associate, presented the first award to Jim Sharkey, who has put in 250 hours of volunteer time this year.

“Jim has worked diligently in the gardens here at Aldie Mansion and he quickly became a regular part of the mansion’s A-team (a name coined by Jim),” said Shannon about Jim. “You know you've found a great person and volunteer when the winter season gets slow and he wants to meet with you to discuss more ideas of ways he'd like to help. That is Jim Sharkey, always eager to help in any way he can.”

Shannon presented the other award to Kathleen McAloon, who has donated 150 hours of her time this year.

“Kathleen McAloon joined us at the front desk here at Aldie Mansion a little over a year and half ago and has brought such a wonderful spirit and energy to her role there, always with a story or joke to tell,” said Shannon during the luncheon. “Kathleen is now leading the silent auction initiative on the committee, which is a big project, but her enthusiasm, skills, and knowledge will make it a success. bringing ideas, cheer and fun to this She is

Heritage Conservancy’s staff members were pleased to have this opportunity to thank all of our volunteers, who are truly an extension of its staff. Jeff Marshall said it best when he told the group of dedicated volunteers, “We who work here appreciate you, admire you, respect you, and thank you.”

Thank you to McCaffrey’s Food Markets, the Catering Sponsor, for generously providing the lunch, and thank you to Bux-Mont Awards for generously donating "Heritage Conservancy" reusable water bottles for the volunteers.

About Heritage Conservancy

Based in Doylestown, PA, Heritage Conservancy is committed to being the region’s premier, nationally accredited conservator. We are a community-based organization dedicated to the preservation and protection of significant open spaces, natural resources, and our historic heritage. A champion of conservation best practices, Heritage Conservancy believes that everyone is responsible for stewardship and seeks to enlighten, engage, and empower others to help achieve this mutual vision.

###