Residents, Groups Honored for Volunteerism

Four Vienna residents and groups were among the 117 local volunteer and organizations honored Friday during the 20th annual Fairfax County Volunteer Service Awards.

More than 500 guests came to the Waterford at Springfield in Springfield, Va. for one of the area's largest volunteer recognition ceremonies.

The honorees contributed 205,688 hours of volunteer service time, valued at $4.5 million.

Vienna winners include:

• William Cervenak, who won the Community Champions award for Hunter Mill District
• The Shepherd's Center of Oakton-Vienna, which was the winner of the Community Champions award for Providence District
• John Dapogny, who won the lifetime achievement award 
• Vivian Morgan-Mendez, who won the Fairfax County Government volunteer award

“Every day in Fairfax County, volunteers donate their time and talents to touch lives and to build stronger communities,” said Jeanne Sanders, Executive Director of Volunteer Fairfax. “We honor those volunteers for not only the work they have done but for the inspiration they have provided to so many. These individuals and groups have made a tremendous change in our county and truly continue the legacy of service.”

There were several nominees in Vienna and Oakton, including

• Jean Bastien volunteered at Shepherd’s Center of Oakton-Vienna, and is nominated for the Benchmark 500 Award.
• Westminster School Builders Club volunteered at Northern Virginia Family Service, and is nominated for the Youth Volunteer Group Award.
• Madeline Pelgrim volunteered at Maddie’s Blankets, and is nominated for the Youth Volunteer Award.
• Ruth Benker volunteered at Fairfax Pets on Wheels, Inc., and is nominated for the Benchmark 250 Award.
• Emma Cromartie volunteered at Northern Virginia Therapeutic Riding Program, and is nominated for the Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Over Award and the Benchmark 250 Award.
• Ray Hole volunteered at Fairfax County Animal Shelter, and is nominated for the Rising Star Award.
• Wendell Moore volunteered at Food for Others, and is nominated for the Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Over Award and the Benchmark 250 Award.
• Margaret Walter volunteered at Northern Virginia Family Service, and is nominated for the Adult Volunteer 250 Hours & Under Award.

To see all the winners, click through the media gallery above