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), Leesha Thrower (2025)
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), Evan's Enforcers (2025)
Dr. Bonnie Patterson Community Contributor of the Year
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This award honors Dr. Bonnie Patterson, a pioneer in advancing medical care for individuals with Down syndrome. She founded the first Down Syndrome Clinic at Cincinnati Children's Hospital, which later became part of The Thomas Center for Down Syndrome, where she served as the Center's first Medical Director. Through her groundbreaking work, Dr. Patterson helped shape a more compassionate, informed, and comprehensive approach to care not only in the Cincinnati region but also across the nation, influencing best practices and inspiring advancements in Down syndrome healthcare.
Dr. Patterson was known for her intelligence, humility, and unwavering support of individuals with Down syndrome and their families. She was deeply committed to ensuring every person received the highest quality care and opportunities to thrive. Along the way, she mentored countless medical professionals whose work continues to extend her legacy today.
Dr. Patterson passed away in 2025, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, advocacy, innovation, and service. This award recognizes a community contributor who embodies those same qualities and demonstrates a lasting commitment to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families.
Dr. Bonnie Patterson 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), Kroger's Our Abilities Group (2025)
