Walchanowicz Family Named 2007 Cleveland APL Volunteers of the Year
May 1, 2008 – On Friday, April 25, 2008, in celebration of National Volunteer Recognition Week, the Cleveland Animal Protective League recognized its volunteers at an annual appreciation evening generously sponsored by APL Volunteer Joan Rosenthal of Marigold Catering.
In 2007, 590 volunteers helped to change the world for Cleveland’s homeless animals by contributing over 37,000 hours – the equivalent of 18 full-time employees.
The Walchanowicz family was named the 2007 Cleveland APL Volunteers of the Year. Dave, Lorie, and sixteen-year-old Shelby received the prestigious award for their extraordinary volunteer service to the Cleveland APL and its animals. The family also received one of forty-three President’s Gold Volunteer Service Awards given that night in recognition of their more than 1,000 hours spent volunteering for the Cleveland APL.
Cleveland APL Director of Operations Ayse Casson shares, “They bring so much to the APL. They are involved in every aspect of what we do from walking dogs, helping with adoptions, fostering animals, cleaning cages, caring for special needs and long-term animals to helping with special events. They also always push us to be better and do more–as a team.”
“The people and animals of the APL have touched our lives. It doesn’t matter if you volunteer 5 hours or 500 hours … it’s making sure that each hour counts for these animals,” encouraged Dave. The family shared a quote by Edward Everett Hale that says it all, “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.”
For more information about joining the Cleveland APL volunteer team, contact the Volunteer Coordinator at 216-377-1627 or Volunteer@ClevelandAPL.org
