Volunteer Recognition
Mary Ann Wainscott Volunteer of the Year
The importance of volunteers is indescribable. The Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati is made of wonderful, passionate, hard-working volunteers of all ages and backgrounds. We couldn't successfully serve the Greater Cincinnati Down syndrome community without our board of directors, committee members, advocates, community group leaders, buddy walk team captains, program hosts, peer partners and event/office volunteers. The Volunteer of the Year award was created to recognize an individual who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and dedication to fulfill our mission.
In 2019, we named this award after our dear friend and loyal volunteer, Mary Ann Wainscott. If you’ve picked up Buddy Walk t-shirts within the past seven years, you met Mary Ann and were greeted by her warm smile. Every year, she would dedicate an entire week to manage Buddy Walk T-Shirt distribution. She even took vacation from work to do so. We nick-named her our “T-Shirt Queen”. She did it all for her granddaughter, Ella. Mary Ann was one-of-a-kind and irreplaceable. Mary Ann passed away in 2019, but we will continue to celebrate her life alongside her family and friends…just as she would want.
Volunteer of the Year award recipients: Pamela Butler (2012), Mary Ann Wainscott (2013), Pete Quinnan (2014), Jana Surace (2016), Clarissa Rentz (2017), Giving Tree Committee - Lucinda Hurst, Charlene Ware, Teresa Cracas & Laura Tuzun (2018), Mike & Jessica Henson (2019), Carol Schickler & Rosie Abel (2021), Marc Meiser & Lisa Key (2022), Marina Viña (2023), Robin Little (2024)
The Pamela A. Butler 'Heart of Giving' Award
Pamela A. Butler was a passionate soul, whose love for her nephew Dylan and all individuals with Down syndrome was ever-abundant in the way she lived her life. She was hard working and devoted to her family and gave fully of herself in order to support the efforts of the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati. Selfless, generous, considerate, compassionate and giving. The list goes on and on. She loved “big” and gave of her time and talents the same way. She passed away in January 2017. We forever remember Pamela’s giving spirit and will recognize her legacy for many years to come. This award is given to a Buddy Walk Team Captain who exemplifies Pamela's passion.
Pamela A. Butler 'Heart of Giving' award recipients: Carl and Linda Dragan (2017), Tony & Shannon Thornberry, John & Debbie Gubser, Don & Connie Gubser (2018), Scott Miller (2019), Andy & Amy Fleming (2021), Joyce Unkraut (2022), The Schmitz Family (2023), Jaxon's Clubhouse (2024)
Community Contributor of the Year
The Community Contributor of the Year Award is given to an individual, an organization, or a company that has positively impacted the lives of people in our Greater Cincinnati Down syndrome community.
Community Contributor of the Year award recipients: Allen Family & Jennifer Bekins (2012), Kathy Szudejko & Lisa Arnold (2013), Charles Gerhart (2014), Drew Lonneman, Julianne Werner, Karlie Wurm and Shannon Thomas (2015), ABC Pediatric Therapy (2016), Ballet Moves (2017), LADD, inc. (2018), The T-Shirt Company (2019), Tablespoon Cooking Co. (2021), Julie Szucs (2022), Gary Gross (2023), Amanda Meadows (2024)
