Awards ceremony recognizes community including “Volunteer of the Year”
The Greater Utica Division of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association honored 15 individuals and organizations at its annual Leadership Volunteer Awards Ceremony Friday morning.
All of the award recipients have played a crucial role in helping the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association improve the health of the Greater Utica area community. These volunteers, companies, and local leaders help emphasize that “life is why” we do our important work.
One of the top awards include the Distinguished Service Award, given to Adam Lawless. Lawless was honored for his work as the chairman of the Heart Radiothon during America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk Weekend.
The Heart Survivor of the Year was also honored during the ceremony. Heart survivor Chris Devins was diagnosed with a heart condition called constrictive pericarditis in 2015 after a year of trying to figure out what was wrong. After two successful surgeries in October, he and his team bundled up to be part of America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk in March.
The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association is also proud to honor Volunteer of the Year Ron Townsend. Townsend served as the Director of Traffic and Safety for several years, but when the Director of Bussing and Transportation stepped down, he stepped up and took over both roles and helps makes sure all the runners, walkers, and attendees are safe at America’s Greatest Heart Run & Walk. During Heart Weekend, Townsend also coordinates the emergency response command center.
“Without our volunteers, the work the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association does in our community would not be possible,” said Executive Director Jennifer Balog. “We want to sincerely thank all of our volunteers for the hard work they do all year round.”
