WXXI's Volunteer Recognition Ceremony

WXXI Volunteers (L-R) Bonnie Arnold, Jack Hansen, Dolores Parlato, Jim Sheldon, Sky Sands, Tobie Smith, John Ladd

WXXI hosted its annual Volunteer Recognition event on Tuesday, July 20 at the station.

Pittsford’s Jim Sheldon received the 2009 Charles M. Wise Volunteer of the Year award at the celebration. Recognized for his outstanding dedication to the station, Sheldon and 150 WXXI volunteers attended the event.

The Charles M. Wise Volunteer of the Year award, named after the late Charles (Chuck) Wise – a loyal WXXI volunteer for many years, stands as a testament to Wise’s unwavering spirit of volunteerism. Each year, a committee of WXXI staff members identifies one volunteer who has been an ambassador for the mission of public broadcasting in our community. Sheldon was unanimously selected.

A WXXI member since 1981, Sheldon became an active volunteer after retiring as the Lutheran Church of Resurrection’s pastor in 2001. He is a member of WXXI’s Volunteer Leadership Council, a group of volunteers that provides direction and focus to the station’s volunteer program. Active in almost every aspect of WXXI, Sheldon staffs the phone banks for membership drives, and helps with auction, mailings, tours, the Speaking of Women’s Health Conference, and WXXI’s Open House events.

A total of 350 volunteers donated more than 11,000 hours to the station in 2009. Other volunteers recognized at the awards ceremony included:

• Jack Hansen, of Rochester, who received the Jack of All Trades Award for his work on the Speaking of Women's Health Conference and WXXI's membership drives.

• Dolores Parlato, of Irondequoit, who received the Super Star Award for her work with Assignment: The World, Speaking of Women's Health Conference, and the Met Operas at the Movies.

• Bonnie Arnold, of Irondequoit, who received the Yeoman Award for her volunteer work at the WXXI booth at summer festivals, the Speaking of Women’s Health Conference, membership drives and WXXI Auction.

• The Rochester Public Library received the Group Award for the group’s work on WXXI's membership drives.

• John Ladd, of Pittsford, who received the Rookie of the Year Award for his work as a volunteer reader for Reachout Radio.

• Tobie Smith, of Rush and Sky Sands, of Rochester, who both received the Outstanding Service Award for their commitment to Reachout Radio.

Photos from the event: