20th Annual Volunteer of the Year Award - 2024
Our Winner Is
Marilyn MacDowell of The Iris Network
|
|
Pictured Left: Marilyn MacDowell - Volunteer at The Iris Network and 2024 Volunteer of the Year recipient.
Presenting our $500 Check to The Iris Network are from Left to Right: Pamela Lemieux, Altrusa Foundation President; Lisa Rouelle, Administrator Iris Network; Marilyn MacDowell, Award Recipient; Karen Valley, Altrusa Vice President; Diana Richard, Volunteer Coordinator, Iris Network.
Learn more about The Iris Network at https://www.theiris.org/
Presenting our $500 Check to The Iris Network are from Left to Right: Pamela Lemieux, Altrusa Foundation President; Lisa Rouelle, Administrator Iris Network; Marilyn MacDowell, Award Recipient; Karen Valley, Altrusa Vice President; Diana Richard, Volunteer Coordinator, Iris Network.
Learn more about The Iris Network at https://www.theiris.org/
Here's what you should know about the 2024 Volunteer of the year!
On April 17th , Altrusa Club of Portland was pleased to award the 20th annual Volunteer of the Year award to Marilyn MacDowell in recognition of her dedicated volunteer service to The Iris Network. She is truly an inspiration!
Held on an evening this club celebrated it’s 95th anniversary of service, Altrusa welcomed Marilyn along with Iris Network Volunteer Coordinator Diana Richard, and Administrator Lisa Rouelle. Marilyn was nominated by Jessica Siderio, Director of Development & Communication at the Iris Network. Unable to attend, Jessica’s nomination from a large field of nominations from other non-profits in the area, quickly rose to the top.
To quote from Jessica’s nomination: "For the past 31 years, Marilyn has exemplified the spirit of volunteerism at The Iris Network, making a profound impact on the lives of the residents at the Iris Park Apartments, our assisted living facility, for persons with vision impairment or blindness.
Marilyn's role has encompassed a broad range of activities, including organizing events such as bowling outings, local sports matches, visits to Peaks Island, restaurant lunches, scenic walks, and even snowshoeing adventures. These activities, under Marilyn’s careful coordination, are not just leisure pursuits; they represent crucial opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation for the residents. Marilyn’s approach is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to inclusion, ensuring that all activities are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their level of vision impairment.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Marilyn remained dedicated to the well-being of the residents. Despite the challenging restrictions, she found ways to connect with them, such as sitting with fellow volunteer Jean in her car while the residents gathered in a nearby van. She continued to read the paper with them, chat about current events, and remained a constant supportive presence in their lives.
What sets Marilyn apart as a volunteer is her ability to lead by example. Her long-term commitment and proactive approach to organizing and participating in a variety of activities demonstrate her leadership qualities. Marilyn’s continuous involvement and success in engaging others indeed encourages others to volunteer, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the impact of her work. Her approachable demeanor, combined with her evident passion for the cause, naturally motivates others to contribute their time and effort. Through her actions, Marilyn embodies the true essence of volunteerism, proving that one person’s dedication can inspire a community to come together for a common good."
The Altrusa Portland club donated $500 to IRIS Network in honor of Marilyn's exceptional volunteerism.
On April 17th , Altrusa Club of Portland was pleased to award the 20th annual Volunteer of the Year award to Marilyn MacDowell in recognition of her dedicated volunteer service to The Iris Network. She is truly an inspiration!
Held on an evening this club celebrated it’s 95th anniversary of service, Altrusa welcomed Marilyn along with Iris Network Volunteer Coordinator Diana Richard, and Administrator Lisa Rouelle. Marilyn was nominated by Jessica Siderio, Director of Development & Communication at the Iris Network. Unable to attend, Jessica’s nomination from a large field of nominations from other non-profits in the area, quickly rose to the top.
To quote from Jessica’s nomination: "For the past 31 years, Marilyn has exemplified the spirit of volunteerism at The Iris Network, making a profound impact on the lives of the residents at the Iris Park Apartments, our assisted living facility, for persons with vision impairment or blindness.
Marilyn's role has encompassed a broad range of activities, including organizing events such as bowling outings, local sports matches, visits to Peaks Island, restaurant lunches, scenic walks, and even snowshoeing adventures. These activities, under Marilyn’s careful coordination, are not just leisure pursuits; they represent crucial opportunities for social interaction, physical activity, and mental stimulation for the residents. Marilyn’s approach is characterized by a deep sense of empathy and a commitment to inclusion, ensuring that all activities are accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their level of vision impairment.
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Marilyn remained dedicated to the well-being of the residents. Despite the challenging restrictions, she found ways to connect with them, such as sitting with fellow volunteer Jean in her car while the residents gathered in a nearby van. She continued to read the paper with them, chat about current events, and remained a constant supportive presence in their lives.
What sets Marilyn apart as a volunteer is her ability to lead by example. Her long-term commitment and proactive approach to organizing and participating in a variety of activities demonstrate her leadership qualities. Marilyn’s continuous involvement and success in engaging others indeed encourages others to volunteer, creating a ripple effect that amplifies the impact of her work. Her approachable demeanor, combined with her evident passion for the cause, naturally motivates others to contribute their time and effort. Through her actions, Marilyn embodies the true essence of volunteerism, proving that one person’s dedication can inspire a community to come together for a common good."
The Altrusa Portland club donated $500 to IRIS Network in honor of Marilyn's exceptional volunteerism.