Congratulations to our 2021 Excellence Awards recipients! The Council recognizes them for making an important difference in the lives of people who are blind or visually impaired.
As Winston Churchill said, “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”
Here are this year’s recipients:
Community Volunteer Service: Doris Dolph and Sally DeVriend
Doris Dolph of Waukesha and Sally DeVriend from Pewaukee were nominated by Robert Best for their efforts promoting eye care in the Waukesha School District.
The community volunteer service award goes to an individual who has provided dedicated and exemplary volunteer service, benefiting those who are blind and visually impaired in affiliation with a community organization or business.
Community Giving: The Lake Wisconsin Lions Club
The Lake Wisconsin Lions Club of Lodi was nominated by the Council’s Gratitude Work Group for its long-standing education and donor partnership.
Community giving is awarded to individuals or organizations who have made financial contributions to the Wisconsin Council of the Blind & Visually Impaired. The recipient also supports the fulfillment of our mission, as well as having a strong relationship with the Council and adhering to our core values.
Public Policy Award: State Transportation Secretary Designee Craig Thompson
Craig Thompson, Wisconsin Secretary of Transportation designee, is the recipient of the Council’s 2021 Public Policy Award.
State Transportation Secretary Designee Craig Thompson was nominated by the Council’s Advocacy Work Group for his effort to bring forward the needs of non-drivers as an important segment in Wisconsin’s transportation planning.
The public policy award goes to the member of a state agency or a legislator who has played an exemplary role in assisting the Council to advance our legislative priorities in transportation, employment, education, healthcare/long term care and civil rights.
Lifetime Service Award: Rhonda Staats
Rhonda Staats is the recipient of the Council’s 2021 Lifetime Service Award.
Rhonda Staats of La Crosse was nominated by Patty Slaby for her years of service and dedication to promoting dignity and empowerment of people who are blind and visually impaired.
Lifetime Service is awarded to an individual for a lifetime of achievements for exemplary volunteer service in the blind and visually impaired community. This award differs from the other volunteer service award in scope and longevity.
We look forward to sharing these recipients’ stories with you in the upcoming months.
