Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Governor Culver Honors Volunteers At Awards Ceremony In Ottumwa
(DES MOINES) — Today, Governor Chet Culver presented the first set of Governor’s Volunteer Award during a special ceremony today in Ottumwa. Over the coming weeks, more than 640 individuals and groups who have strengthened Iowa’s communities by volunteering with government agencies or nonprofit organizations will be honored with the awards.
“Volunteers are the glue that holds our communities together. They are servants of their fellow citizens, always there to lend a hand when it is needed,” said Governor Culver. “I am honored to present the Governor’s Volunteer Award to these outstanding Iowans, and look forward to working with volunteers across our state as we set out to build One Iowa, with an unlimited future for everyone.”
Later ceremonies include Runnells on October 5, Marion on October 22, and Storm Lake on October 31.
Iowa consistently ranks in the top 10 states in the nation for the percentage of adults (age 16 and above) engaged in volunteering. Recent studies show that volunteers in Iowa collectively contribute 99 million hours of service and have an economic impact of more than $1.78 billion annually.
The Governor’s Volunteer Award program was established in 1982 to honor and recognize volunteers for the commitment, service and time that they contribute to Iowa's government agencies and nonprofit organizations. The program is coordinated by the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the Governor’s Office. For more information, visit www.volunteeriowa.org/awards or call 515.242.4764.