2023 GOLDEN HEART WINNERS

​

Adult Volunteer of the Year

Rebecca DenHollander - Rebecca began volunteering with Unity Hospice in 2003. Because of her service, patients and their families have received companionship, comfort, and support. She is a true partner in a patient’s care. She works closely with team members to figure out how to best serve patients, even those not open to a volunteer visit. She understands how holding a patient’s hand or a light touch on a caregiver’s shoulder can convey a much stronger message than words alone. She is committed to making the community better by helping patients and families in need at a very emotional and delicate time.

​

Arts & Culture

Northern Sky Tuesday Crew - the crew began in 2016 after it was inspired by a similar group of volunteers at The Ridges Sanctuary.  This diverse group of volunteers meets throughout the year to perform a wide variety of tasks at Northern Sky Theater, including prepping the stage and grounds of the outdoor amphitheater each spring, moving stage sets to and from storage, or redesigning, reorganizing, or repurposing aspects of each theater campus. The Tuesday Crew’s biggest impact was felt as Northern Sky Theater prepared for the grand opening of its creative center and Gould Theater. Normally its performers receive applause, but tonight Northern Sky Theater would like to honor the Tuesday Crew with the spotlight and a standing ovation.

​

Environmental Stewardship

Art Lutzke - For the past four years, Art Lutzke has been there for Crossroads at Big Creek whenever they needed him, sometimes before they even knew they needed him. He literally lights the way, fabricating hundreds of candleholders for the luminaries used to guide visitors along the trails to the Council Ring campfires. His creativity and expertise have solved many problems. He is always willing to share his knowledge and to serve as a role model for the young people who have the privilege of working with him.

​

Group

Door County Housing Partnership Board of Directors - The Door County Housing Partnership Board of Directors has donated thousands of hours of time to create a steady supply of permanently affordable housing for year-round residents.  From founding the organization, securing funding, and researching and adopting a Community Land Trust model, the Board of Directors has made sure that each home in its portfolio will provide homeownership opportunities exclusively for income-qualified families throughout the life of the home. The Board of Directors hopes to have 30 homes in its portfolio by 2030. This group’s countless hours and dedication will allow Door County families to realize the dream of homeownership for many years to come.

​

Karl May Lifetime of Service Award

Gerald E. Richter - Gerald Richter, who passed away in December 2022, was a lifelong volunteer who used his talents to help everyone he met.  He contributed more than 5,000 volunteer hours to the Door County Maritime Museum, earning the Lifetime Volunteer Award signed by President Biden.  At the Maritime Museum, Jerry gave tours, painted murals in the museum, and played a pivotal role in the success of each year’s Boathouse Sale.  Jerry also shared his artistic talent with Destination Door County as a regular artist for fundraisers in Egg Harbor and Sturgeon Bay. From singing in the church choir to preparing rooms for actors each season of Peninsula Players, Jerry made the world a better place for all those around him.

​

Youth Scholarship

Bethany Paye - a senior at Southern Door High School, has volunteered throughout her whole life. During high school, she completed more than 250 volunteer hours. She has volunteered with Big Brother Big Sisters where she has created lifelong memories with her “little.”  Bethany plays music for her school’s pit orchestra, sings Christmas carols at local nursing homes, assists with local volleyball camps, math meets, craft fairs and school dances, and organizes her church’s annual Kermis.

​

Symone Sandoval - Symone’s passion for volunteering began when she was ten years old and witnessed firsthand the difference that volunteers can make by donating their time and resources.  She has used this experience to continue to pay it forward. 
She has volunteered at the Boys & Girls Club of Door County, where she was once a member.  She is a strong advocate for the Hispanic Community, providing transportation, childcare, and translation services.  Symone serves as the youth apprentice at the United Way of Door County. She recently planned a Parents’ Night Out fundraiser, which raised money for The Young Center.  Symone hopes to one day practice immigration law.

​

Elsa Schoeneman - Elsa says, “volunteerism has improved my life and inspired me to better myself and my community as I continue to grow.” Each morning before school, she volunteers with Door-Tran where she completes a variety of office tasks. She has also volunteered with Door County Child Development Center’s winter fundraiser, Greater Green Bay Habitat for Humanity’s annual Pi Day 5K, and City on a Hill, a Milwaukee based nonprofit.  She serves as a coach for One Wisconsin Volleyball Door County and is a member of Future Business Leaders of America.

​