RMHC of Alabama is honored to announce the 2024 volunteers of the year! These outstanding volunteers were recognized for the variety of ways they helped advance our mission and support guest families. Let’s meet the honorees!
Community Group of the Year: I Am Greatness
Each year, dozens of community organizations across the state make an impact on our families, and 2024 was no difference.
Whether providing fun family programming, baking up a storm, or polishing up the playground and pantries, community groups are the true definition of “neighbors helping neighbors”.
This year’s winner for the Community Group of the Year Award is I Am Greatness! From their early-morning help setting up for the Red Shoe Run to providing a delicious and fun Easter brunch and Father’s Day breakfast, they embodied the hospitality and care of RMHC of Alabama.
Corporate Group of the Year: Protective Life
Protective Life stood out this year as our Corporate Group of the Year for their commitment to hosting family activities and sponsoring Meals From the Heart that nourish guest families.
Their creativity in planning activities like ice cream socials, cookie decorating and a summer kickoff party gave families the opportunity to connect and have fun together.
Outstanding Advocate: Ella Portwood
The Outstanding Advocate Award recognizes an individual who cares so deeply about our mission that they never stop finding ways to personally speak about our mission.
This year’s winner, Ella Portwood, serves as the Marketing Chair for the RMHC of Alabama Junior Board. She arrives to every meeting and event with enthusiasm and goes above and beyond managing the Junior Board Instagram, and brainstorming ways that the Junior Board can share our mission.
Special Events Volunteer of the Year: Maranda Pruitt
Our three Signature Events (Red Shoe Run: Rockin’ 5K, the RMHCA Golf Classic and the Heart of the House Gala) would simply not be as successful as they are without special events volunteers!
Of the 200 individuals who assisted with these events last year, Maranda Pruitt stood out as exceptional! Her enthusiasm and energy makes the experience even better for attendees and her fellow volunteers.
Student Volunteer of the Year: Elizabeth Harris
Whether in the House, at one of our special events, or through engaging their communities, many of the folks volunteering with RMHCA are students – both college and high school – who balance studying with volunteering.
This year’s Student Volunteer of the Year, Elizabeth Harris, stands out for her ongoing eagerness to support guest families in whatever way is most needed, both through membership in the Student Leadership Council and through her work study last semester. She is a senior high school student at Jefferson County IB School.
New Volunteer of the Year: Shavonn Nowlin
2024 was a fantastic year for new volunteers to join the team, and we saw dozens of new folks coming out to make a difference for our families.
The New Volunteer of the Year award recognizes individuals who began their volunteer service last year, and have remained active, engaged supporters ever since.
Shavonn joined the volunteer team in February 2024 and quickly became a cornerstone of our Tuesday night volunteer crew. As a Family Activity Facilitator with a deep personal connection to RMHC, Shavonn welcomes groups into the House each week, helps them forge fast bonds with our families, and is always the first to jump in on any task.
Overall Volunteer of the Year: Mark Wilcoxen
This award goes to an outstanding volunteer who has made a tremendous impact on RMHCA guest families and staff through dedicated service. This year’s award goes to Mark for his positivity and willingness to do anything for the mission!
Before donated pop tabs can head off to the recycling company, they must be manually sorted to ensure nothing other than aluminum is in each container. It’s incredibly important, though admittedly not very glamorous. And yet, Mark is always just a call or email away, eager to come in, roll up his sleeves, and get it done.
Mark’s wife, Tina, accepted the award on his behalf while he recovers from a health issue.
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