Anna Howton

Forrest City, Arkansas

Anna Howton is a Farmer’s Market volunteer and president of the Forrest City Kiwanis Club. Mrs. Anna possess many different qualities when it comes to being a leader. She takes actionable goals when it comes to her team. She takes accountability for everything. She manages different tasks and does them effectively.

Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce

Perris, California

The Riverside County Black Chamber of Commerce (RCBCC) empowers minority entrepreneurs in our community through innovation and collaboration. RCBCC is an amazing organization that goes the extra mile in providing much needed services in Perris. Recently, with their Trim the Hesitancy Project they provided $30 haircut vouchers to those who would get the Covid vaccine at a mobile center they brought out. They also provided free wellness screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure. RCBCC has gone out of their way to be in the community and help combat Covid and increase health awareness.

Cindy Ritter

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Cindy is the President of Lake Havasu Military Moms, Secretary of the Veterans Resource Team, Mentor of Services of the Veterans Treatment Court, Vice President of the 9/11 committee, and serves as an Elk and an Elkette. She cares very much for our local veterans and has been going the extra mile for this community for the past eight years.

Nathaniel Thomas

Forrest City, Arkansas

Owner of Thomas Health & Wellness Center, Mr. Nathaniel Thomas, aka running man, is nominated for his upstanding citizenship. A Gulf War combat veteran from Lee County, AR. He has a passion for running to spread unity and love to everyone he meets.

Angela Wilbourn

Forrest City, Arkansas

Mrs. Wilbourn is the Director of the St. Francis County Care Center and a member of the Zeta Phi Beta sorority. Mrs. Wilbourn is compassionate and someone who really cares about her community. She’s understanding and easy going. She’s always willing to give her all for the ones she’s leading. She is married to Freddie Wilburn, Jr and has two children.

Michael Moulinet

Douglas, Arizona

Michael Moulinet carries more than his share of duties and responsibilities for the Douglas Police Department to include unassigned ancillary duties such as participating and supporting all of our community events like Douglas Days, National Night Out, Prescription Drug Take-Back Events, Department luncheons and dinners, Kids and Cops Holiday shopping event and is our ADOSH compliance specialist, to name a few. He is active in the Arizona Rangers, a volunteer organization that provides support to law enforcement throughout the state and has supported several of our events and needs in that role locally. He is a member of the Elks Club which provides various programs to support the community throughout the year. He is a member of the Cochise County Fair Board and spends long hours at the fairgrounds during those events. And he does all of this with a positive attitude and asks for nothing in return.

Douglas Rotary Club

Douglas, Arizona

The Rotary Club contributes to the community and the world. Rotary International has 1.2 million members that are dedicated to promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies. The 6 member Douglas Rotary club supports these ideals in our community. The Rotary Club raise funds to support the following: Rotary Youth Leadership Academy, Douglas Rotary Scholarships, Light the D, Dictionaries for 3rd Graders, and House of Hope.

Deacon Gabe Saspe and Sister Judy

Douglas, Arizona

Every person that dies, deserves to be remembered. This belief motivated Deacon Gabriel Saspe, Sister Judy Bourg and others, seven years ago, to place memorial crosses in the desert of Cochise County, where remains of Migrants have been found. Guided by Deacon Gabriel, we pray for eternal rest for the woman or man who perished and consolation for the family.

The Warming Center

Payson, Arizona

The Warming Center began 3 years ago and is now an award-winning program which serves the homeless and others who are in great need. People are alive today who would not be were it not for the center.

Skyler and Emily Brice

Payson, Arizona

Emily and Skyler Brice have not only changed lives as part of The Warming Center, but they have also saved the lives of those by giving them a reason to live. They work tirelessly, often seven days a week, while they provide a hot meal to the homeless, veterans and families with young children. All those in need are welcomed there.

The Luera Family

Perris, California

The Luera Family is continually going the extra mile here in Perris. Every year the family gathers toys for a toy drive and bring smiles to numerous kids in the Perris community for Christmas. The Luera Family have continually done this for years and bring joy to the children that need it the most.

Perris Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)

Perris, California

The Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) is a dedicated youth leadership and mentoring group that focuses on community service and civic engagement. YAC collaborates with aspirants who empower local adolescents through volunteer work to raise public awareness of social, environmental, and health issues. YAC members take part in and organize a variety of informative, instructive, and enjoyable events that inspire Perris youth to get involved in their community.

John Billus

Waterbury, Connecticut

Mr. John Billus, a retired French teacher, worked in the Weston school system for thirty-five years. Upon retirement he began daily walks through the neighborhood and recognized the environmental need for trash and litter removal. Thereafter, established himself as the Litter Patrol. His daily commitment has resulted in the neighborhood being deeply enriched, not only with the cleaning up of the environment, yet too by the lives touched. Friendships and connections formed through his endearing personality, quick wit and amazing sense of humor. Heretofore, Mr. John Billus has become an example to the community of what can be accomplished by just one person.

Officer Querino Maia

Waterbury, Connecticut

Waterbury Officer Querino Maia has worked as the Police Activity League (PAL) coordinator for over twenty-three years. Officer Maia has a passion to work with kids and to keep them from getting in trouble. During Officer Maia’s time at PAL, he has been able to create strong partnerships between youth and law enforcement in the City of Waterbury and has connected with almost 4,000 kids. He has taught the importance of learning and growing through the many programs, including mentor programs, provided by PAL. Through Officer Maia’s community service projects, he has coordinated programs such as: shoveling snow for the elderly in the winter, cleaning up local rivers, and so much more. Officer Maia makes it his personal mission to work with the community and to bring a smile on everyone’s face. Therefore, Officer Maia has become an example on how to do your best while serving and giving back to the community.

Firefighter William Unwin

Waterbury, Connecticut

Over a career spanning 23 years, Firefighter William Unwin has rarely gone a day without being involved in at least one community service project or fundraiser. Beginning in 1999 with his first year on the job, Firefighter Unwin has worked in conjunction with the Waterbury Salvation Army to organize the Waterbury Fire Department Toys For Tots drive which provides thousands of toys annually.

Firefighter Unwin worked to establish the Waterbury Firefighters Golf Classic, with all proceeds benefitting Connecticut Burns Care Foundation. This foundation funds the Arthur C. Luf Children’s Burn Camp, allowing children from 8-18 to experience summer camp in an environment specifically suited to managing special requirements and medical needs. The camp serves all children free of charge and has had campers from not only throughout the United States but from countries including Peru, Vietnam, Croatia, and the Dominican Republic.

Firefighter Unwin, also a certified barber, every year donates his time to provide his services for the annual St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraising event which provides funding towards research to find a cure for childhood cancer.

On top of his fundraising efforts, Firefighter Unwin has served as a coach for Chase Collegiate and Watertown High basketball teams, mentoring the youth on these teams for 13 years. Firefighter Unwin exemplifies selflessness and honorable dedication to serving those in need.

Ocean View Police Department Volunteers in Police Service (VIPs)

Ocean View, Delaware

The Ocean View Police Department benefits from its VIPS – Volunteers in Police Service that manage the front desk of its administrative offices, greeting visitors, neighboring police department personnel, and those seeking non-emergency assistance as well as answering the phone, assisting contractors, etc. The VIPs serve for annual terms and are provided an orientation preparing them for the varied engagements they may encounter while on duty and oftentimes being the initial contact and face of the Ocean View Police Department. Over the years the skills and dedication of these local community VIPs has provided extra value through their willingness to assist with other projects, training events or community events, in addition to eliminating the need to fill this role with a paid staff member. Our VIPs have a strong sense of giving back through this specialized volunteer offering and share a feeling of comradery with the Department, its officers, and our Town. Therefore, in recognition of the Ocean View VIPs “going the extra mile” we applaud the efforts of current VIPs, Tom Rose, Charlie Caselli, Ray Danieli, Gayle Driver, Ed Donnely and Dave Buchanan.

Sergeant Russel Carter, Ocean View Police Department

Ocean View, Delaware

Sergeant Carter’s proactive and highly engaged style when approaching his varied duties for both the Ocean View Police Department and all other Town departments aligns with the goals of the “Extra Mile Day” in that our organization has come to depend on his above average performance and level of engagement. Among many other duties, Sergeant Carter provides IT support for all areas of Town Government in a cost-effective manner, making our organization more resilient and efficient. Of note was his strong sense of duty when called on to assist in providing for remote participation at meetings during the recent pandemic, his skills in capturing our meetings via YouTube with closed captioning, or his keen problem-solving skills for computer applications, access controls, security camera, etc. Going the “extra mile’ and providing value outside of his regular job duties is a way of life for Sergeant Carter!

Dawn Parks, Finance Director

Ocean View, Delaware

During 2022 and previously Dawn has exemplified the goals of the “Extra Mile Day” by creating positive change within the Town’s organization such that her leadership and guidance in relationship to the Town’s approach to its financial reporting and auditing have resulted in the Town receiving for the past two years an unmodified opinion from our outside auditors. This is the highest audit rating a local government can achieve. Dawn’s engagement with every level of our organization in a positive and encouraging way has led to increased understanding and attention to detail throughout our organization, making all efforts on behalf of our community more streamlined.

Elvin (Junior) Matos

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Junior has been a volunteer at the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center for over 5 years. Having served in the Army for 15 years, he utilizes his topnotch organizational skills to oversee everything from the operation of the billiard room to the provision of unofficial security for large events at the Center! He has earned the title of Volunteer of the Year at the Center multiple times for his extraordinary dedication and service.

Kettly Nicoleau

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Kettly has been a volunteer at the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center for approximately 10 years. She serves as President of the Site Council, dedicated to fundraising for and supporting the activities of the Center; works our bingo games twice a week; coordinates Site Council Flea Markets, and even graces our Front Desk as a greeter once a week. Kettly never allows her wheelchair to stop her from full participation and truly represents the heart of the Center.

Joan Horvath

Pembroke Pines, Florida

Joan has been a volunteer at the Carl Shechter Southwest Focal Point Community Center since she became a member in 2003! She volunteers almost daily, reading the Center’s calendar to see where she can offer her services and never waiting to be called. She is a tireless friend of the Center who participates in everything from serving tea to assisting with decorating for special events. She epitomizes the volunteer spirit.

Missy McCollam

Elkins, West Virginia

Missy McCollam is the director of The Old Brick Playhouse in Elkins. Missy cares deeply for the community in which she lives. She serves with deep love and compassion for people of all ages from 5 to 100 making sure that they know that “everyone is different, and everyone is important.” With Missy’s help, The Old Brick Playhouse helped over 2,500 students express their love for the arts.

Citizens Promoting Community

Elkins, West Virginia

Citizens Promoting Community is a group of like-minded citizens whose goal is to create community. Throughout the summer, they held numerous events and raised around $3,000 for local non-profits. They have raised over $6,500.00 since starting last year. Their hard work and dedication help keep these organizations focused on their mission.

ASHLEY & JASON ALDRICH

Barre City, Vermont

Ashley and Jason have served our community through the Barre Youth Sports Association (BYSA) Football program, having dedicated countless hours to our youth. Both Ashley and Jason have served on the board in leadership positions, and Jason also connects with the children on the field as a head coach. The time and dedication they have put into this program is priceless to our next generation.

Kay Love

Lawton, Oklahoma

Kay Love cares deeply for the City of Lawton and gives all her time and effort into helping others. Love became legally blind in the late 1970’s and since then has dedicated her life to volunteering in the community. She has volunteered with a senior citizens hotline program called the Pal Program, checking on the elderly who are homebound due to health issues. Love also brought attention to the Lawton Area Transit System (LATS) and the importance of transportation for those with disabilities in our community. Love had a key role in creating the Lawton Council of the Blind chapter and is now President of the local chapter.

Jose Olivo

Lawton, Oklahoma

Jose Olivo is a dedicated citizen to the City of Lawton. He volunteers with many organizations, including Hungry Hearts Feeding Ministry, C. Carter Crane Shelter, Marie Detty, Youth & Family services and their annual Domestic Violence Walk, just to name a few. Olivo serves on multiple boards and is also a member of the Young Professionals of Lawton. He is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Science, and he hopes to one day become a licensed counselor to further help people in need.

Chance Harmon

Lawton, Oklahoma

Chance Harmon is the Managing Director of Lawton Community Theatre and serves the community in the most entertaining and unique way – by bringing to life productions we know and love to include ‘Annie’, ‘The Wizard of Oz’, and ‘Always, Patsy Cline’, just to name a few. Harmon is dedicated to building a strong community theatre and understands it starts with the youngest of actors. In addition to making sure the community’s youth is engaged in theatre, Harmon serves on National Endowment of the Arts Consultant Committee for north Texas and southern Oklahoma, he’s a board directive consultant for theatre boards across the country and most locally, Harmon is on the Arts for All Gala Committee.

Chef Matt Pierone and Chris Mazzarella

Parsippany–Troy Hills, New Jersey

Chef Matt Pierone, the owner of Gourmet Café, was honored as an Extra Mile Hero, for his efforts in supporting the community with his unwavering support and donations to the community of Parsippany. Matt has continuously donated both meals and money to Parsippany residents in need, even during Covid when his own business was dealing with uncertainty and loss of income.

Chris Mazzarella is an extra mile hero for his efforts in helping the Covid-19 impacted community by launching “Front Line Morris”, a non-profit organization, that has raised over $125,00 for the community. The funds were used to provide PPE to front line responders, food to local food pantries and hospital workers, all while utilizing local small businesses and restaurants to provide relief and support to them as well.

Frank & K-9 Companion Earl- Caregiver Volunteers

Brick, New Jersey

Frank and his Caregiver Canine Companion, Earl, began their volunteering journey with Caregiver Volunteers in 2014 and never looked back. Caregiver Volunteers of Central Jersey’s is a nonprofit agency dedicated to providing free supportive services to the frail elderly and the home-bound, enabling them to live independently and with dignity in their own homes. Frank is a dedicated veteran volunteer on his own, active in the Veteran’s Program helping to bridge the gap between the Veteran’s Affairs Office and Caregivers Volunteers of Central New Jersey. He is also one of the most amazing and requested volunteers through the Alzheimer’s Respite Care Program. The bond Frank has formed with those he serves is impactful and priceless!

Kim Liguori-The Private Industry Council (PIC)

Brick, New Jersey

Kim works tirelessly to fill the need we have in getting our Special Needs students paid work experience. The Private Industry Council (PIC) of Ocean County is a partnership of organizations that work collaboratively to provide services to both job seekers and employer customers. Their main goal is to connect skilled employees with business in the community. Without PIC, funding would not have been secured to pay our Special Needs students to work as in-school youth. This program is unheard of in the United States, as funding is typically held for out-of-school youth. Ms. Liguori and her staff work tirelessly to ensure that our special needs student have an outlet to find productive work in our community.

Jennise Nieves-K.E.Y.S. Academy

Brick, New Jersey

Ms. Nieves has opened K.E.Y.S. Academy, which is the second recovery high school in New Jersey. It currently serves students from Ocean, Monmouth and Middlesex counties. Their mission is to provide an academically innovative and supportive environment which will serve to eliminate the achievement gap for adolescents who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder and are seeking a sober, healthy lifestyle. The school was visited by personnel from the state evaluation unit and they were extremely impressed with the progress of the students. Student attendance is averaging 97% currently and grades are improving. Parents see hope in and for their children again and more importantly the children themselves now are living purposeful lives. Mrs. Nieves’ leadership has been instrumental in getting this program running and serving students suffering from addiction.

Save our Shores (SOS) Saco Bay

Saco, Maine

Save our Shores (SOS) Saco Bay is made up of volunteers who are committed to protecting our community’s shoreline. Saco Bay’s shoreline has been in peril for years, with erosion causing multiple homes to be lost to the ocean as well as major infrastructure damage. In the past few years, SOS Saco Bay has brought together elected officials from all levels of government to fight for this cause. They have been crucial in educating the public about these issues, setting up symposiums and conferences that have included many subject matter experts and elected officials. The group demands that changes be made to better one of the most valuable natural resources in our community. With their help, progress has been made in forming a plan for remediation. The communities of Saco Bay are grateful for your unyielding dedication to our shores.

Matt Pluta

Cambridge, Maryland

Matt Pluta from the ShoreRivers organization leads the Cambridge Clean Water Advisory Board. He has volunteered to help the city to organize listening sessions for both businesses and residents on issues of importance to the community by going out of his way to find facilitators and venues. In addition, he is always advocating for the health of the Choptank River through his work with ShoreRivers and as our waterkeeper. His advocacy in addressing clean water issues here and in neighboring Talbot County has helped to achieve positive outcomes for our community, the Choptank River, and the Chesapeake Bay.

Sgt. Antoine Patton

Cambridge, Maryland

Sgt. Antoine Patton of the Cambridge Police Department goes the extra mile every day and is a hero to everyone who knows him. He has gone above and beyond to organize community events and efforts to improve the community such as cleanup days. While doing his work in the community, he always has the best attitude and helps out community members when they need help.

Bobby Blair/ JROTC

Huntington, Indiana

Bobby is the advisor of the JROTC in our high school. He is not only a great role model, but by his can do attitude and backing it up by volunteering himself as well as his cadets he sets the standard for youth in our community. His example of volunteerism is a goal of others involved to give of themselves for the greater good of our city.

Courtney Bonbrake

Huntington, Indiana

Courtney is an energetic visionary. She has the enthusiasm to tackle existing projects but also the ability to initiate new ideas. Her attitude is contagious to get others involved in our community. Her love of our community is showing in her dedication to serve.

Greg Fullerton

Caldwell, Idaho

Greg has given countless hours of service to our community through the Caldwell Youth Baseball Association (CYBA). From coaching throughout the years to being the CYBA Board President for the past several years. Greg exemplifies what it means to give back without expecting anything in return. He is a great example to his family, his friends, and his community.

John Sanders

Placerville, California

John Sanders supports numerous local causes by generously feeding the non-profit organizations and their supporters that do such great work for the community.

Housing El Dorado – Frank Porter and Maureen Dion Perry

Placerville, California

Frank Porter and Maureen Dion Perry tirelessly work to bring together stakeholders, advocates, government, and the housing insecure to develop solutions to affordable housing and homelessness.

David Zelinsky

Placerville, California

David Zelinsky is recognized for many years of service to the community, caring for veterans, and advocating for fire safety and home hardening.