KAA Volunteers are AWESOME!

From the “Tailgate Crew” to the Board of Directors – volunteers have contributed more than 2,550 hours to the Ken Anderson Alliance in the last two years and were honored during a virtual recognition party on November 19th.

Fifty-one volunteers gave a total of 1,221 volunteer hours helping with Engage Outings in the past two years. The outing volunteers helped participants engage in conversation, practice social skills, and have fun taking part in various activities – everything from putt-putt golf to Red’s games and restaurant dinners. Because KAA does not charge a fee for participants to attend outings, volunteers make it possible for more than 200 adults to enjoy community outings. Volunteers from all walks of life and throughout the Greater Cincinnati area were recognized for their contribution and commitment to KAA including:

· David Keam, Ft Wright, gave 36 hours at 8 outings

· Tom Boeing, Pleasant Ridge, gave 48 hours at 22 outings

· Jennifer Tilford, Norwood, gave 58 hours at 26 outings

· Randy Marshall, Pleasant Ridge, gave 59 hours at 28 outings

· Rick Hemmert, Madeira, gave 68 hours at 32 outings

· Gary Greer, College Hill, gave 86 hours at 34 outings

· Leslie Burdine, Mt. Washington, gave 94 hours at 40 outings

· Ron Koons, Hamilton, gave 110 hours at 43 outings

· Michael Kelley, Green Township, gave 124 hours at 41 outings.

After being recognized, top volunteer Michael Kelley said that the “KAA Community has changed my life and I’m so happy to be part of it.”

In addition to those amazing outing volunteers, a few others were recognized for special service. Rob and Melissa Overbeck of (I think Colerain Township, are long-time supporters of KAA who step-up in a variety of ways – from office help to use of their truck to pick up donations – their assistance is a true gift. Roger Rosenthal, of Mason, is an outing volunteer who has been an enthusiastic part of virtual zoom calls with

participants for several months. He’s even subbed for staff and led some of the calls to help our adults stay connected and reduce loneliness. David Kahle, of Milford, was recognized for his years of work on Autism Rocks – a major fundraising event for KAA. O2 Urban farms, KAA partner, noted Lucinda Hurst and Bob Menninger as valued team members.

Board president, Bill McCloy said “Volunteerism is the backbone of any good nonprofit and you guys are the best.” Bill and Jenny McCloy were recently honored as Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals in Cincinnati.

Kevin Potts, KAA Executive Director, added, “We’re so grateful for your hours of service and support. There’s no way we could do it without you.”

Picture – Michael Kelly of Green Township gave 124 hours at 41 outings and was recognized, here with dog Finn.

For any questions about our VOLUNTEER PROGRAM, please reach out to Theresa Ciampone at theresa.ciampone@kenandersonalliance.org.