The goal of PAWS of CNY is to bring warmth, comfort, and companionship to those in need in our community. This lofty goal could not be accomplished without the dedication and commitment of its over 150 volunteers and their pets. Our volunteers give selflessly of their time, and their pets, to help individuals in Central New York who are in need of emotional support. As an organization managed entirely by volunteers, every aspect of PAWS of CNY’s operations run on donated time – an impressive accomplishment for an organization that services five counties in Central New York.
On Monday, October 19, PAWS of CNY celebrated and honored its volunteers during its annual volunteer appreciation event, which took place at Greenwood Winery in East Syracuse. This year, the following volunteers were recognized for selflessly giving five years of service to PAWS of CNY:
Pamela Bender
Tom Chichester
Heather Downes
Bill Kates
Cheryl Maloney
Jim Maloney
Annie Pennella
Donald Rake
Susan Rake
Jody Satalin
The following volunteers were recognized for selflessly giving ten years of service to PAWS of CNY:
Susan Curran
Ann Gentry
David Gentry
Melanie Hoover
The following two volunteers were recognized for selflessly giving fifteen years of service to PAWS of CNY, an exceptional accomplishment considering the organization is in its sixteenth year of operation:
Beverly Lauricella
Donna Sims
In addition, PAWS of CNY annually recognizes one volunteer who has shown exceptional service to the organization. The Flo Peters Memorial Award for service excellence is given to a volunteer who has given generously of his/her time to the cause of the organization. The award was established in memory of Flo Peters, a PAWS of CNY (formerly Sunshine Friends, Inc.) volunteer who passed away from cancer. This year’s recipient of the Flo Peters memorial award was Margaret Abrahamson. In addition to volunteering with multiple dogs over the past decade, Margaret has volunteered her time to assist with several administrative responsibilities, including responding to PAWS of CNY’s phone inquiries on a daily basis.
On behalf of the entire PAWS of CNY organization, thank you to our dedicated volunteers who give of their time, their compassion, and their personal sunshine to those in need in our community.