‘Camp Thanks-a-Lot’ Honors Volunteers

We couldn’t do it without our volunteers.

Cancer Support Community Arizona and Northern Arizona is blessed to have more than 300 people who make all aspects of our work possible. They include the members of our Board of Directors and Board Emeritus; professionals who donate hours to help us with HR, legal and volunteer coordination matters; advisory councils and committees that give us timely input and help plan major events; administration and operations volunteers; interns; and the dozens of red-shirted folks who meet, greet and facilitate so many of our community, fundraising and online events.

Our volunteers gave almost 5,000 hours last year, worth more than $150,000!

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting online and in-person events with the theme “Camp Thanks-A-Lot.” In addition to just appreciating our volunteers for all they do, we also honored several with the 2022 CSCAZ Volunteer Awards:

Our Community Partner Award went to Northern Arizona University (NAU). Students, faculty and staff from NAU were key to the success of the first year of our northern Arizona services. In addition to providing two awesome interns, NAU community members have served on our Professional Advisory Board, helped with our Grand Opening and Trunk-or-Treat events, provided facilitators for our support groups, hosted workshops and expressive arts events, baked cinnamon rolls for our Valentine’s Day bake sale, and more.

Linda Tailleart was given the Presidential Service Award. Last year, Linda kept our volunteer program going during the COVID crisis and volunteered more than 700 hours that year alone!

Our Rookie of the Year honor went to Olga Tsoudis. In addition to volunteering at our northern Arizona office multiple times each week, Olga donated many in-kind items to get our new campus up and running, including pillows, lamps and art supplies. She organized the NAZ auction and raffle items for the Trivia Night in Flagstaff, has taught an expressive arts class, and knows that the way to an intern’s heart is through candy!

Conrad Kockerbeck, our Board Vice Chair, was recognized for logging in the most volunteer hours with his work on the board and at numerous events.

Meanwhile, Nancy Lehman, a community ambassador was honored with the “Spirit of CSCAZ” Award. Nancy shines with her passion and enthusiasm for CSCAZ as both a participant and a volunteer.

There were also two “Above and Beyond” awards given this year. Linda Replogle serves as a front desk receptionist volunteer, community ambassador, and led our Guest Experiences Sub-Committee for our Porch Party Committee last year.

Meanwhile, Felipe Morales is heavily involved in our Latinx programs, including working at social events like La Posada Familiar, and the reopening of our Youth, Teen and Family programs.