Local volunteers, Manchester's super heroes, recognized at CRC banquet
2018 Claire Reck Award winner Cathy Moore.
With shouts of "Shazam!" the Community Resource Center (CRC) wrapped up another year of recognizing Manchester's brightest and best volunteers at its 31st annual banquet held Saturday night, November 3, at the Saint Joseph Mercy-Chelsea dining room. About 185 attendees enjoyed an evening of entertainment and the opportunity to honor the people who do so much to make Manchester the special community it is.
The emcee for the evening was Hollie Kolcz, guidance counselor at Manchester High School, and her enthusiasm for the task was obvious from the start. Since the theme for the evening was "Volunteers: Superheroes in our Community," Kolcz proclaimed that "Shazam" was the word of the evening. Those bidding on live auction items joined in the fun and shouted "shazam!" as they raised their bids. Volunteers, as they were introduced, were also asked "superhero" questions, such as "What's your Kryptonite?" (most common answer: Public Speaking), or "Who is your Superhero?" (the most common answer to this one was the honoree's spouse).
Lively and often highly competitive bidding in both the live and silent auctions brought in more than $7,000 to the CRC coffers. The auction items ranged from amazing baskets of food and beverages, to unique dinner and theater outings across the state, to museum tickets for history aficionados, to antique quilts and much more. Close to 60 different auction packages were sold to the highest bidders!
One of the most unique auction items was a handmade Manchester t-shirt quilt created by Pat Vailliencourt and Anita Herman. The shirts were collected from various events and people throughout the community over many years. The winning bid for the quilt was made by Jerry Swartout.
A delicious dinner was served by the St. Joseph Mercy-Chelsea kitchen staff, and everything from the food to the cooks and servers were donated by the hospital, making the dinner ticket donation a clear profit for the CRC.
The highlight of the banquet, of course, are the special volunteerism awards that are presented. The Service to Youth Award was earned by Pat Stommen, the proverbial "Dad of Klager," who was nominated by the Klager/Riverside Parent-Teacher Organization. Two recipients shared the Star Award--Krista Scharpenberg, nominated by Emanuel UCC for her commitment to the Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, and Pastoral Search Committee, and Marg Jacob nominated by the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Committee for her work in many roles, including as editor of the Trumpeter. Michelle Stace, nominated by the Manchester Community Schools Foundation for her exemplary service to the schools and the foundation, received the Commitment to Community Award.
The most special moment of the evening is always the announcement of the Claire Reck Award. Remembering this exceptional woman and her many contributions to charitable agencies in Manchester and across Washtenaw County through this award is an amazing way to honor her memory, 30 years after her death. This award was presented to Cathy Moore, who was nominated by Bethel United Church of Christ for her varied contributions to the church, whether as part of the music program or participating in one of the many missions supported by the church.
The banquet is the CRC's main fund-raiser for the year and helps to support the plethora of programs including the food pantry, that help it fulfill its mission, "To serve individuals and families in need by offering effective programs that improve their lives, promote volunteerism, and enhance the welfare of the Manchester community."
Emcee for the night, Hollie Kolcz.
Community Resource Center's executive director Laura Seyfried.
A place setting for the superhero-themed evening.
Attendees examine a hand-colored photo of the Manchester Mill in the silent auction, which turned out to be the most sought after of the auction items.
Perusing silent auction items.
Many Manchester organizations had representatives at the banquet.
This quilt made from vintage and current Manchester t-shirts, assembled and donated by Pat Valliencourt and Anita Herman and was displayed in the bank window downtown leading up to the banquet, brought $450 in the live auction.
Dale Heselschwerdt & Sons auctioned off the live auction items, partway through the evening.
In the spirit of the superhero theme, live auction bidders had to yell "Shazam" in addition to indicating their bid with their hand.
Shea Van Vuuren, after winning the bid for a mounted and framed piece of the Manchester High School athletic field.
Tim Armentrout was recognized for his volunteerism by the Manchester Area Historical Society
Richard "Mick" Davis was recognized for his volunteerism by the Manchester Lions Club
Margaret Jacob was recognized for her volunteerism by the Manchester Area Senior Citizens Council, Inc
Lester Koch was recognized for his volunteerism by the Manchester Mens Club
Joy Matthews was recognized for her volunteerism by the Community Resource Center
Jennifer Mayes was recognized for her volunteerism by the the Manchester Community Schools.
Cathy Moore was recognized for her volunteerism by Bethel United Church of Christ.
Elizabeth O'Hotzke was recognized for her volunteerism by the Kiwanis Key Club
Ellen O'Sullivan was recognized for her volunteerism by the Manchester Kiwanis Club
Krista Scharpenberg was recognized for her volunteerism by Emanuel United Church of Christ
Michelle Stace was recognized for her volunteerism by the Manchester Community Schools Foundation
Pat Stommen was recognized for his volunteerism by Riverside/Klager Parent-Teacher Organization
Andrew Supers was recognized for his volunteerism by the Manchester Community and School Gardens Committee
Marlene Uphaus was recognized for her volunteerism by Manchester Family Services.
Jan Whittington was recognized for her volunteerism by the Manchester Kiwanis Club
Jennifer Wojtowicz was recognized for her volunteerism by the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce
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