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 109 human and 94 dog and cat volunteers. Our members give selflessly of their time 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 Sunday, November 5, PAWS of CNY celebrated and honored its volunteers during its annual volunteer appreciation event, which took place at Barbagallo’s in East Syracuse. This year, the following volunteers were recognized for selflessly giving five years of service to PAWS of CNY:
Ann Bucklin
Mary Beth Coniglio
Laura Hopkins
Alexis Kumanowski
Brenda Luther
Sue Vaughan
Gary Luther
The following volunteers were recognized for selflessly giving ten years of service to PAWS of CNY:
Holly Besaw
Donna Coates
Amy Dumas
Linda LeMessurier
Kristen Printup
Kristin Russell-Miller
Sylvia Taub
In addition, PAWS of CNY annually recognizes one volunteer who has shown exceptional service to the organization. The 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, and her husband Jim, who continued to support our organization for many years.
This year’s recipient of the Flo Peters memorial award was Martha Sturtz. Thank you to Martha, as well as all of this year’s Peters Memorial Award nominees: Margaret Abrahamson, Joanne Arndt-Coe and Bill Joe, Joy Hawksby, Ronna Richardson
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.
Please click below to view a photo gallery of this year’s event.
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