Volunteers of the Year Awards

LUCENA DAVIS,

Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award recipient

Lucena is being nominated in recognition of her longstanding commitment and leadership in service to Community Education and the broader community. Her involvement began years before officially joining in 2006, first supporting her son’s participation and quickly stepping into a hands-on volunteer role. Since then, she has faithfully served both the Advisory Council and Board of Directors, while playing a key role in events like Stand for Children Day and Spellabration. Her passion for service extends beyond Community Education, including instrumental involvement in founding Soldier Support of Bowling Green and creating opportunities for youth to give back through service projects. Her leadership and collaboration have also impacted numerous organizations and initiatives supporting children and families throughout the community, such as the Moss Middle School’s Youth Services Center Advisory Council and Family Enrichment Center. Her dedication, compassion, and ability to bring people together make her a truly deserving nominee for the Anne Grubbs Spirit of Service Award.

ANNE GRUBBS SPIRIT OF SERVICE AWARD will recognize the person excelling in quality, length, and spirit of service to others.

TRAMMEL CREEK HOMEMAKERS CLUB,

Team Spirit Award recipient

Trammel Creek Homemakers Club is being nominated in recognition of its outstanding commitment to serving individuals and families across Allen County. Since forming in 2024, this dedicated group has worked tirelessly to address food insecurity and basic needs through initiatives like maintaining and stocking Blessing Boxes throughout the community. They have also organized outreach efforts such as preparing Thanksgiving meals, supporting school supply drives, and community giveaways. Through strong partnerships and thoughtful coordination, they continue to meet both immediate needs and long-term community wellbeing. What sets them apart is their teamwork, compassion, and ability to respond quickly to those in need. Their service and impact make the Trammel Creek Homemakers Club truly deserving of the Team Spirit Award.THE

TEAM SPIRIT AWARD will recognize those groups who work together to provide volunteer service in the community.

HOTEL INC Street Medicine Team,

Rising Star Award recipient

The team, made up of Dr. Randy Hansbrough, Kay Whitt-RN, Barb Tincher-PA, and Adriana Rosa-RN, is being nominated in recognition of their vital role in revitalizing HOTEL INC’s street medicine program. Through weekly outreach and pop-up clinics, they helped provide more than 750 medical encounters in 2025 for individuals experiencing homelessness. During the most recent Room In The Inn season, their commitment expanded to twice-weekly clinics, delivering essential care such as wound treatment, prescriptions, and chronic illness management. They meet individuals where they are, offering compassionate, judgment-free care to those most at risk. Their work also supports the medical respite program, ensuring continuity of care for those recovering from serious health conditions. Their dedication, growth, and impact make them deserving of the Rising Star Award.

RISING STAR AWARD will recognize an individual or team who is new to volunteering and gaining momentum with your organization.

AVA WALKER,

Young Leader Award recipient

Ava is being nominated in recognition of her remarkable growth, leadership, and dedication as a volunteer with the Public Theater of Kentucky. From beginning as a shy young participant, she has grown into a confident leader, now serving as Junior Board President. She has contributed across every aspect of the organization, from behind-the-scenes work like set building and event support to leadership roles such as camp counselor and mentor to younger participants. She is known for her compassion, often going out of her way to encourage and support children who need it most. Through her leadership in outreach initiatives, she has helped expand access to inclusive arts experiences throughout the community. She leads with humility, kindness, and a true understanding that leadership is rooted in service. Her journey, impact, and heart for others make her a truly deserving nominee for the Young Leader Award.THE 

The YOUNG LEADER AWARD will recognize an individual or team who is 18 years old or younger, providing volunteer service in the community.

WENDY’S OF BOWLING GREEN,

Spirit of Community Award recipient

Wendy’s has long been a dedicated partner in supporting the communities they serve—not just through business, but through meaningful and consistent investment in people and organizations across our region.

Here in Bowling Green, their impact can be seen through their support of initiatives such as Stuff the Bus, Operation Pride, HOTEL INC, the Family Enrichment Center, and many others. They have championed efforts that uplift families, support youth development, and strengthen the fabric of our community.

Their commitment extends to our schools, sponsoring athletics, bands, and educational programs, and supporting libraries and summer reading initiatives. They have partnered with organizations such as Junior Achievement, Kids on the Block, and Community Education, helping create opportunities for learning and growth.

Beyond our local community, Wendy’s continues to make a difference through regional and national partnerships, including support for youth athletics, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and the Nashville Predators Foundation.

Perhaps most notably, their commitment to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption has helped raise significant support for the Wendy’s Wonderful Kids program—changing the lives of children in foster care by helping them find permanent, loving homes.

Through sponsorships, service, and a deep commitment to giving back, Wendy’s of Bowling Green exemplifies what it means to invest in a community—not just for today, but for the future.

For their continued dedication to service and their lasting impact across our region, we are honored to recognize… WENDY’S OF BOWLING GREEN!

SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARD is selected by the Executive Committee of Volunteers in Action and recognizes an organization or business that merits special recognition for its volunteer service in the community.