Volunteers

Make-A-Wish Northeast New York salutes our vital volunteers.

Saluting Our Volunteers 2021

Each year, Make-A-Wish Northeast New York recognizes a handful of standout volunteers, while noting every volunteer is essential.

“There is no Make-A-Wish without volunteers,” said William C. Trigg, III, CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeast New York. “If not for these exceptional individuals, we could not create the hope and joy that come with life-changing wishes.”

In this most challenging of years, we are especially grateful for each and every one of them. In particular, the chapter recognizes these volunteers:

Wish Champion Award

Joleen Bruyette

Whether it’s serving as an enthusiastic wish granter, on a committee or lending a hand at an event, we can always count on Joleen to give of herself to Make-A-Wish, earning this wish alum the highest award we bestow wish granters.

Rising Star

Laurie Abelson

This award (think of it as a “Rookie of the Year’’) goes to a newcomer whose very first wish — a camper for Nickolas — afforded her the opportunity to deploy one of her valuable skills: knowledge of American Sign Language.

Wish Team

Maura Fox & Zach Ogden

This team has paired on a half-dozen wishes, and each time brought joy and attention to detail that made for a positive and memorable experience for the entire wish family. Their enthusiasm and execution of wishes make for an ideal team.

Wish Star

Andrew Guelcher

The first-year member of the Make-A-Wish Board of Trustees hit the ground running, turning his Mohawk Honda and Mohawk Chevrolet dealerships into showrooms for our Adopt-A-Wish Holiday Campaign stars and heavily promoting Make-A-Wish on social media.

Above and Beyond

Jessica Herzog

Jessica is a North Country stalwart who will take on any wish or chapter need in and around Lake Placid, even if it means driving an hour or more. Regardless the task, she does whatever is needed to ensure every wish she touches is special.

Special Recognition

Kimberly Klingbeil & Arleen Reyell

This is not an annual award, but these volunteers deserve acknowledgement for repeatedly volunteering for mall booth shifts during this past year’s Adopt-A-Wish Holiday Campaign. Kim and Arleen stepped up again and again … and again.