RSVP of Dane County was honored as the AmeriCorps Seniors Program of the Year at the 2022 Governor’s Service Award Ceremony in May. The awards are sponsored by Serve Wisconsin, the state commission for national and community service.
RSVP, founded in 1972, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year. Over that time their volunteers have contributed over eight million hours of service in Dane County, and the program has grown to be one of the largest in the nation.
Describing RSVP’s impact on the community, Area Agency on Aging of Dane County Manager Sridevi Mohan explains that “the entire aging network of service providers could not provide the level of services needed to older adults without RSVP volunteers…As the COVID-19 pandemic continued during 2021…(they) were instrumental in delivering meals and groceries to impacted older adults, private vehicle rides to essential medical appointments, and helping our youngest read by using remote learning platforms. Making facemasks, warm caps, mittens and blankets continued without a beat. Without the involvement of senior volunteers recruited and trained by RSVP, our older adults in need throughout Dane County would have suffered to meet even basic needs.”
Forty-nine volunteers from across the state were also honored at the ceremony for reaching the milestone of 20 years of service in their communities. The following RSVP of Dane County volunteers were among those recognized:
Margaret Bambrough
Frank M. Borucki
Charles Bunge
Joanne Bunge
Shirley Coulter
Gloria R. Davies
Alexandra Degrandis
Therese Duranso
Peggy C. Hallmark
Katherine Herrin
Isabel Hubbard
Donna Lindauer
Mary Ann Lynch
Irene Morschauser
Larry R. Noyce
Jerald C. Remy
Susan Sorrentino
Joyce Trolinger
Margaret Van Weelden
Marie Vent
Carol Waelti
Jill D. Wheeler
Barbara Williams