Volunteers receive honors at luncheon

The Area Wide United Way's 16th Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon was held Tuesday at the Drury Lodge in Cape Girardeau to recognize outstanding volunteers in local communities.

Jonathan Atwood received the Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award for his volunteer work at Southeast Missouri Hospital. Jonathan, 16, has volunteered every week at the hospital for two years. Having worked in many departments and capacities throughout the hospital, Jon is now the only person his age allowed to transport patients.

Shirley Sullivan received the Outstanding Adult Volunteer Award. In 1987, she became pack leader for Cub Pack 15 and has been working with the boys ever since. Aware of their financial constraints, she makes sure all can participate, soliciting extra funds if necessary. In addition, Sullivan is the family life merit badge counselor, being contacted by Scouts from all troops working on this badge.

Leo Bethards received the Outstanding Senior Adult Volunteer Award. He began his involvement at the Lutheran Home in 1976 when his mother became a resident. After his mother died, he continued his service, currently helping in the beauty shop, which was his mother's favorite place. In addition, at age 80, Bethards is the primary caregiver for his wife.

The Lutheran Home Auxiliary received the Outstanding Group Volunteer Award. Currently 20 members strong, with an average age of 80, the auxiliary works hard to meet residents' needs. Many accomplished seamstresses use their talents to make items, recently setting a new record of making 104 clothing protectors in one day. They also make pillowslips, bed pads, tablecloths, lap blankets, aprons and booties, as well as mend and alter the residents' clothing.

Other nominees for each category were:

Youth (under 25): Amanda Birk and Jennifer Kasten, Charles Flint and Travis James.

Adult (26 -59): Wanda Anderson, Shirley Aufdenberg, Bob Bosse, Dorothy Bruce, Donna Denson, Donna Schoonover, Jeannie Van de Ven and Vicki Zickfield.

Senior adult (60 and older): Leon Biri, Patricia Cameran, Opal Collins and Ron Pilz.

Group: Begley Janssen Young & Birk LC, Court Appointed Special Advocates, Pamela Petzoldt and Linda Suedekum, St. Francis Medical Center Auxiliary, Southeast Greek community, Southeast Missouri Hospital Auxiliary and Tilsit 4-H Group.

Nominees were judged on activity, need, impact, initiative, achievement and challenge, with consideration to other pertinent information.

The luncheon was sponsored by Southeast Missouri Hospital.

Area Wide United Way coordinates volunteers and secures resources to care for people in our communities. The organization supports 44 programs within 32 agencies throughout the Cape Girardeau, Jackson, Scott City and Perryville communities.