Fayette Cares held the annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration honoring the individuals and organizations whose dedication has shaped the agency on a meaningful 40-year journey.
The evening paid tribute not only to the organization’s history, but to the volunteers, board members, staff, and community partners whose commitment continues to sustain its mission. Among those honored:
Leadership Excellence – Amanda Anderson
Amanda Anderson was honored for her steady leadership at events including the Plant Sale, Golf Tournament, 5k, Gala, and Christmas distributions. Known for her calm presence in high-pressure moments, she also stepped up immediately when SNAP disruptions impacted families, asking, “How can I help?” Amanda has even recruited her husband into service and hopes to use her professional instructional design skills to further support clients in the future.
Most Team-Spirited Volunteer – Lauren Daniel
Lauren Daniel was recognized for mobilizing others and amplifying Fayette Cares’ mission. During the Christmas Angel Tree program, she rallied community support on social media when more than 80 children remained unadopted, helping ensure over 200 children received gifts. She has recruited family and friends, organized donation drop-off sites through Milano’s Pizza in Eads, supported shelter needs personally, assisted with donation box pick-ups, and advocated publicly for donation dignity standards. Her enthusiasm and community-building spirit embody teamwork in action.
Behind the Scenes Award – Lisa Tracy
For nearly 30 years, Lisa Tracy, and her family, have faithfully served Fayette Cares. Her property became the nurturing ground for the organization’s plant sale fundraiser homegrown donations. A weekly donation sorter, Christmas distribution volunteer, volunteer hospitality contributor, and award-winning baker, Lisa exemplifies steady, humble service. Her husband John is a former board member and fellow volunteer award recipient, and together they continue to invest both time and financial support into the mission.
Community Champion Award – John DeLockery
A man of many talents and President of the Tri-State Woodcrafters Club, John has mobilized fellow craftsmen to create handcrafted auction items, keepsakes, wine caddies, charcuterie boards, event awards, and more, raising critical funds for the mission. He assists with event audio, race logistics and safety planning, festival set-ups, donation pickups, and even courier services. His leadership reflects his belief that “you never know when you are the answer to someone else’s prayer,” a role he says Fayette Cares fulfills daily for families in crisis.
Leadership Excellence Award – Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Mu Zeta Zeta Chapter
The chapter was recognized for actively seeking education through Domestic Violence Awareness presentations and translating that knowledge into action. Members spirit stations at the Fayette Cares 5k/1k, provide race sponsorships, organize annual shelter donation drives for pillows, food, and essential supplies, and serve as the primary volunteer set-up team for the Forks & Corks event. Their consistent engagement demonstrates leadership rooted in service.
Honorable Mention – Boots
Yes, even a four-legged friend was recognized. Boots, who accompanies volunteer Sherry Milholland during donation sorting, lifts spirits with a wag and gentle greeting. The recognition also highlighted an important awareness point: pets are sometimes used by abusers to control victims through threats or harm. Fayette Cares recently added a “Pet Pass” option to its 5k/1k event, reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to supporting survivors and their beloved animals.
The evening also honored long-standing volunteers and supporters across the organization’s 40-year history. Special remembrance was given to founding leader Sr. Mairead O’Reardon, who once shared that the average life expectancy of a nonprofit is seven years. She proudly witnessed Fayette Cares thrive beyond 25 years and into its current milestone. Her legacy of unity and compassion continues to guide the organization, especially during critical times such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when Fayette Cares remained open as an essential service, providing food, shelter, rent and utility assistance, and life-saving domestic violence support.
Photos from the event and the Profiles in Caring highlighting volunteer award recipients are available at: fayettecares.org/volunteer/volunteer-awards.
