By Krystal Smalley
ksmalley@wbcowqel.com
Someone who spends her time behind the lens rather than in front of it was recognized Thursday evening for her tireless volunteer work.
Kellie Zeisler had been waiting out of sight and camera in hand during the United Way of Crawford County’s 2014 Annual Meeting when she heard her named called. Zeisler had been photographing the event and the award winners for the United Way of Crawford County. Much to her surprise, United Way of Crawford County Executive Director Amber Wertman named Zeisler the 2013 Volunteer of the Year.
“As many of you know, it is very hard to get volunteers in general,” Wertman said to the crowd assembled in the Bucyrus Community Hospital’s cafeteria. “So when you get good, quality volunteers, you really appreciate them.”
The Volunteer of the Year award is in recognition for an individual giving his or her time and talents to the 2013 campaign.
“Kellie donated so much of her time and talent above and beyond, giving up her personal time even outside of work to help us with editing pictures, creating graphics. She basically created our whole brochure, which made a huge impact for our campaign,” Wertman said. “So when you have people willing to give their talent and time like that it’s certainly appreciated.”
Zeisler was very surprised to receive the recognition.
“It’s been great working with them and I couldn’t have asked for (more),” Zeisler said after the meeting. “I mean this is just awesome. The girls have been really fun to work with and I hope to get more into this with them and keep volunteering for them in the future.”
The United Way of Crawford County also celebrated surpassing its 2013 campaign goal of $300,000. The final total came in at $303,554.56. Wertman thanked those in attendance for helping to meet the 2013 campaign goal.
‘We made it through our first year as a county-wide organization,” said Wertman, “and I think reaching the goal really says a lot for joining together the three organizations and our board and you guys as well, proving that it really can work and we are stronger together united.”
“There’s so many new and exciting things going on with United Way, especially now since we’re a county-wide organization,” Wertman said. “I think there’s many more great things to come.”
Covert Machine, Crossroads Original Designs, and United Bank were awarded the 2013 Pacesetter Award. Additional awards given out can be found below.
Top 5 Award (awarded to companies that make an impact on the campaign by engaging in philanthropic activities)
1. Timken Company
2. Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
3. General Electric
4. Crossroads Original Designs
5. ESCO Bucyrus
One Hundred Percent Award (awarded to companies that engages all of its employees in the campaign): Peoples Savings and Loan and Fox Plumbing and Heating
Gifts in Kind Award: Lifetouch Directories and WBCO/WQEL
Giving in Education Award: Galion City Schools
Creativity in Caring Award: General Electric plant of Bucyrus and Bucyrus YMCA
Agency of the Year Award: Community Counseling Services