Shultz, Tucker receive awards from Orrville United Way
Karen Shultz, left, with Orrville Area United Way director Dawn Cazzolli. The Gene & Mickey Workman Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Shultz for her years volunteering with the OAUW.
“A woman, a priest, two ministers and a rabbi got together. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke, but they didn’t walk into a bar. What they did do was recognize the need to work together in new ways to make Denver a better place.” This is what it reads on the United Way website at www.unitedway.org.
From that meeting in 1887, United Way was formed. The now international program’s mission is to “improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities around the world to advance the common good.”
Orrville Area United Way shares in this mission. “United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community,” the website at www.orrvilleareaunitedway.org says.
Two local women were recognized April 23 by Orrville Area United Way for their help in strengthening the local communities of Orrville, Dalton, Kidron and Marshallville.
Karen Shultz of Dalton received the Gene & Mickey Workman Lifetime Achievement Award while Susan Tucker received The Patti Ayers “Yes” Award.
Shultz was chosen because she was a volunteer for over 15 years for the OAUW and also serves as a volunteer in other organizations.
“At the beginning of 2020, we had an abrupt transition that left our office empty for a few months. Karen stepped in and kept the office running smoothly during that transition,” said Michele Wilson, administrative assistant for OAUW.
The award is given in honor of Gene and Mickey Workman, who devoted their lives to volunteering and worked tirelessly to serve the communities of Eastern Wayne County.
Tucker’s award is in honor of Ayers. “Patti was an amazing volunteer who was critical to OAUW success, and not only said yes, but organized, reminded, followed up, all the while smiling,” Wilson said.
Tucker volunteered for Turning Point Coalition and Orrville Rotary Club.
Turning Point Coalition is a community-based volunteer organization that works to help create an environment in the community that will help keep youth alcohol, tobacco and drug free.
“Susan consistently says yes to any coalition activity she’s able to do,” said Nonya Wenger, the Orrville staff support for Turning Point Coalition. “She has been our chairperson for the past 2 ½ years and is continuing to serve in that capacity as we look for new leadership. She does a great job leading meetings and keeping us on track, as well as keeping us focused on our overall mission.”
Other partners of OAUW are Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, Percy Programs (Happy Feet, Sweet Dreams and Weekend Backpack Programs) made possible with the Orrville Salvation Army and income-tax assistance with VITA. Free curbside dinner Friendship Meals are offered Thursday evenings at Christ United Church of Christ, 301 N. Main St., Orrville. OHuddle is a 501(c)(3) mentorship program serving over 400 students in Wayne County.
The OAUW is exploring moving to a new location, starting to plan for its 2022 Campaign Pledge Drive and is looking for more volunteers. Those interested in volunteering or have any questions about the Orrville Area United Way can call 330-683-8181.