The city of Aurora has recognized 18 community volunteers and four organizations with Community Spirit Awards for helping make Aurora a great place to call home. These awards are presented annually to individuals, organizations and businesses who have demonstrated ongoing leadership, a commitment to volunteerism and involvement in the Aurora community.
The Aurora Volunteer Committee chose award recipients based on community nominations. The city celebrated recipients June 15 with an awards ceremony at the Aurora Reservoir.
Award recipients include:
- City of Aurora Volunteer Award: This award recognizes outstanding volunteers whose efforts directly impact city operations, programs and events.
- Devyn Salazar for volunteer work at Aurora TV
- Jennifer Dubrow for volunteer work with Aurora Police Department
- Steve Schilling for volunteer work with Aurora Open Space and Natural Resources
- Scott Wilhelmsen for volunteer work with Aurora Open Space and Natural Resources
- Mark Cameron for volunteer work with Aurora Center for Active Adults
- City of Aurora Youth Volunteer Award: This award recognizes volunteers 18 years or younger whose efforts directly impact city operations, programs and events.
- Estrella Avendano for volunteer work with Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Program
- Jennifer Morales for volunteer work with Aurora Youth Violence Prevention Program
- William Duckwall for volunteer work with Aurora Parks and Recreation
- Community Volunteer Award: This award recognizes outstanding community volunteers for their valuable and selfless commitment to a nonprofit organization located in or has a presence in the Aurora community.
- Gregg Chase for volunteer work with Aurora Museum Foundation Board
- TJ Harjo for volunteer work with Food Bank of the Rockies
- Elaine Lay for volunteer work with Mission Viejo Homeowners Association
- Amy Bertle for volunteer work with Boys Hope Girls Hope of Colorado
- Karen Gold for volunteer work with Aurora Gateway Optimist Club
- Rich McLean for volunteer work with Aurora Health Alliance Board
- Youth Community Volunteer Award: This award recognizes a community member, 18 years or younger, for their valuable and selfless commitment to a nonprofit organization located in or has a presence in the Aurora community.
- Gustavo Lopez-Fleming for volunteer work with Aurora Youth Options
- Community Partner Organization Award: This award recognizes nonprofit organizations that manage an exceptional volunteer program whose efforts have significantly impacted the community.
- Mile High Red Cross
- Compound of Compassion
- Friends of the Aurora Public Library
- Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated Gamma Alpha Theta Zeta Chapter
- Service Member Veteran Volunteer Award: This award recognizes Active Duty, Drilling Reserve/Guard and retired and former (non-retired) service members whose volunteer efforts have significantly impacted the city of Aurora.
- Watik Aleem for volunteer work with Aurora Veterans Affairs Commission, Aurora Armed Forces Treatment Court and WarriorNOW
- Ralph Charlip for volunteer work with Aurora Veterans Affairs Commission
- Mark Tabacheck for volunteer work with the Retired Enlisted Association, Retired Activities Office and Buckley Pharmacy
The city of Aurora and local organizations rely on the generosity and service of volunteers to improve the community. In 2021, more than 900 individuals donated over 20,000 volunteer hours serving city of Aurora programs, equating to more than $640,000 worth of labor.
To learn more about the Community Spirit Awards, visit AuroraGov.org/CommunitySpiritAwards. To view a list of volunteer opportunities that support city programs, visit AuroraGov.org/Volunteer.