This award is presented to an individual or a team of volunteers, (formal or informal) with a long history of volunteering and leadership, who has made a significant impact on community organizations. This person or team, through the donations of time and talent, improves the lives of others and meets community needs through their exceptional efforts, including mobilizing resources for public benefit, leading by example, serving when they are called, advocating, and volunteering for those in our community who need help. Having played a key leadership role in helping local nonprofit organizations provide services to the community, their efforts make a direct, tangible difference in our community.

Wondering who to nominate?
Do you have or know a volunteer who has been there for an organization year-in and year-out, strategizing, and offering their expertise in many ways? Nominate them for Volunteer of the Year.

Nominations Open May 15th for the 2024 Celebration of Philanthropy Awards Luncheon which will honor eight generous community leaders that represent the depth and breadth of philanthropy in Anne Arundel County in the following categories: Philanthropist of the Year Award; Corporate Philanthropist of the Year Award; Volunteer of the Year Award; Young Volunteer of the Year Award; Boots on the Ground Award; Carroll H. Hynson, Jr. Award for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Philanthropy; Carol Thompson Lifetime Achievement Award and The Legacy Award for Planned Giving.

Submit a Nomination

Previous Volunteers of the Year:

2003 Tricia Lehmann
2004 Rob Cradle
2005 Trudy McFall
2006 Dennis Conti
2007 Anna E. Greenberg
2008 Tony & Penny Evans
2009 Ellenor Alvarez
2010 Deede Rivers
2011 Bill & Terry Kuethe
2012 Bobbie & Jerry Burnett
2013 Fred Davis
2014 Betty Mack
2015 Penny Cantwell
2016 Karen Smith
2017 Karen Feldman & Helena Hunter
2018 Tara Balfe Clifford
2019 Bronwyn Belling
2020 Vanessa Carter
2021 Townsend McNitt
2022 Tatiana Klein
2023 R. Scott Gregory

Eligibility Criteria

All nominees must:

- Be a resident of Anne Arundel County

- Have a demonstrated track record of charitable giving to one or more nonprofit organizations based in and working in Anne Arundel County

- Have made a positive impact in the lives of county residents through their giving

- Encourage/motivate others to become philanthropic