Toledo Zoo Recognizes Top Volunteers
The Toledo Zoo relies on a dedicated corps of 800+ volunteers who give more than 57,000 hours to the Zoo each year. On Thursday, Sept. 11, the Zoo recognized its top volunteers of the year in four categories: Departmental, Development, Zoo-Ed and ZOOTeen.
The top Departmental volunteer of 2014 is Sylvia Washburn of Maumee. Sylvia has volunteered since 2012 in the Zoo’s horticultural department, helping to keep the grounds in beautiful shape and leading occasional public tours through the historic gardens.
The top Development volunteer of 2014 is Julie Payeff of Oregon. Since 2012, Julie’s efforts with Zoo development projects have breathed enthusiasm and creativity to key fundraising initiatives, from Dart Frog Dash and Night in the Museum to corporate partnerships in the community.
The top Zoo-Ed (Zoo Educator) volunteers of 2014 are Tim Birthisel of Perrysburg and Jim Kinnear of Toledo. Tim started volunteering in 1991 and has donated more than 5,000 hours of service to the Zoo, from on-grounds tours of historic buildings to late-night shifts for elephant births. Jim has been a Zoo-Ed since 2006, spending countless hours in the Reptile House, Amazing Amphibians exhibit and animal outreach programs.
The top ZOOTeen volunteers of 2014 are 16-year-old Isaac Holley of Toledo and 17-year-old Jess Keller of Waterville. Isaac, son of Shawn and Cynthia Holley, joined the Zoo in 2012 and has grown to become a trusted volunteer for Zoo Snoozes and a youth mentoring program. Jess, daughter of Tony and Kimberly Keller, has volunteered since 2010, working meticulously in the education, outreach and leadership programs.
“Volunteers are a big part of the Toledo Zoo’s world-class status,” Bill Davis, manager of the Zoo’s volunteer programs, said. “We are grateful for all our volunteers’ generosity and hard work.” To learn more about the Zoo’s volunteer programs, visit toledozoo.org.
Press Release Contact Name: Andi Norman
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo
Website or Link: www.toledozoo.org
Organization Address: Toledo, OH