Kiwanis Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Elizabeth Baker

The Valparaiso Kiwanis Club Foundation held the Tenth Annual Greater Valparaiso Volunteer of the Year Recognition Program at Strongbow Inn as the continued meeting place for Kiwanians in Valpo. There were thirteen volunteers from organizations around the community who were nominated for this honor.

Of the nominated volunteers were Ann Ballinger of the Boy Scouts of America, Elizabeth Baker of the Girl Scouts of Great Chicago and NWI, Paula Starek of HealthLine, Lois Reiner of Hilltop Neighborhood House, Angie Catrino of Opportunity Enterprises, Brad Dolezal of Porter County Career and Technical Center, Ella Karris of Porter County Special Olympics, Vicki Thrasher of ReBuilding Together Valparaiso, Penny Kozinski of Supporters of Military, Lisa Fietz of Taltree Arboretum & Gardens, Maya Major of United Way of Porter County, Rob Thorgren of Valparaiso Family YMCA and Rev. Mario Bustos of Valparaiso Men's Overnight Shelter Coalition.


Each one was presented with a plaque, honoring their dedication to service and selflessness within the Valparaiso community.

"I think we ought to express our gratitude to all who received plaques. This community would not be nearly as enjoyable to live in and as caring without you. Thank you so much," said Roger Luekens, Chair of the Valparaiso Kiwanis Club Foundation.


However, one individual stood out among the rest, "The Valparaiso Kiwanis Club Foundation presents our 2011 Community Volunteer of the Year Award to Elizabeth Baker, nominated by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana, in recognition of her exemplary volunteer work within our community, presented this day, June 1st 2011."

The Kiwanis Club Foundation also presented the Girl Scouts organization with a $500 check.

"Thank you so much. I am truly humbled," Elizabeth said, "There are so many wonderful volunteers up here, how can you possibly choose? But I do thank everyone for this recognition.."