YMCA’s Hero Awards recognize volunteer dedication and commitment

NORWICH – For the past 123 years, the Norwich Family YMCA has held an annual dinner in recognition of everything the Y stands for – volunteerism, respect, professionalism, the community and its youth. Since 2010, a special emphasis has been placed on the hundreds of volunteers who contribute to the YMCA every year with its Hero Award Ceremony for Volunteer Recognition.

Originally initiated by former board member Steve Benenati in 2009, Norwich Family YMCA Executive Director Jamey Mullen said the ceremony is a way to honor and recognize volunteerism in all its many forms at the YMCA.

“Volunteerism is every facet of what the YMCA is all about and the Y was founded by volunteers,” said Mullen. “That passion for community service continues to support the YMCA every day.”

According to Mullen, close to 500 volunteers donate thousands of combined hours every year at the YMCA, helping out with annual events such as the Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, the Friday night dances and Halloween Parade, Healthy Kids Day and the Turkey Trot. Without their support and dedication, he added, these events wouldn’t be possible.

At the 2011 Hero Awards Ceremony, the YMCA recognized youth volunteer Luke Shaver, adult volunteers James Harty, Paul Bucalo and Nancy Heiss, staff volunteer Kim Martinson, board volunteer Kim Perez and Jeff Abbott, who received this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mullen said Shaver has been extremely active in the Y’s youth sports department as both a coach and an official, and is always organized, patient and prepared.

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“Luke is always available, arrives with a smile and does an excellent job with the children,” stated Mullen. “Many of the young athletes that Luke coaches and officiates look to him as a mentor.”

Bucalo has been a regular volunteer at the YMCA for years, according to Mullen, who called him the Y’s technology savior. Following the passing of longtime volunteer and technological assistant Joe Caezza, Bucalo showed up “out of the blue,” said Mullen, and asked if the Y could use his technological skills.

“I personally thought Paul’s arrival to the Y was a sign from above and that maybe Joe sent Paul to us,” added Mullen. “We are so grateful for Paul’s expertise, as he has volunteered hundreds of hours and saved us from disaster more than once with our dated technology. His expertise and dedication has benefited us more than most people realize.”