On May 8, 2024, for the seventeenth year, The Windsor at Ortega Golden Years Gala was held at Sullivan Hall.  The Gala honored older adults who volunteer in Clay County.

Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park presented awards to four volunteers in the following categories: Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park Outstanding Volunteer, Ernie Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award, Woman of the Year, and Man of the Year.

Those honored are nominated by people in the community.  Nominators write a letter about the person and what they have done to serve the community.  The nominees are judged by local leaders who select winners in each category.

The Shepherd’s Center of Orange Park Outstanding Volunteer Award was given to Katy Kearson. Katy has been a member of the Shepherd’s Center since 2013. She is a great ambassador for the Shepherd Center (SCOOP) and the Adventures in Learning Program.  At SCOOP she served on the Board of Directors as Chairman, spearheaded our Fun Committee, worked on the Gala Committee, and manned the outreach booth at the Orange Park Farmer’s Market. What sets Katy apart from the other active volunteers at SCOOP is her wonderful attitude.  Katy is the epitome of the phrase, “If life gives you lemons, make limoncello!”  Katy always tackles issues with a smile and a positive attitude.

The Ernie Cohen Lifetime Achievement Award was given to Nancy Keating by JoAnne Cohen, Ernie’s wife. Nancy has unselfishly given her time to the Green Cove Springs Rotary Club, Clay County Special Olympics, Sacred Heart Church, Fleming Island, Food Pantry of Green Cove Springs, and Gubernatorial appointed Board Member to Clay Memorial Hospital.  She is also a member of 100 Women Who Care, a Board Member of PET Florida, and Rotarians for the Development of Youth. Nancy has provided countless hours to Clay County and untold people have been touched by her service. In the past 50 years, Nancy has held many leadership positions in these organizations. Nancy has demonstrated commitment to people of all different abilities, faiths, colors, backgrounds, and status. Nancy’s volunteer efforts have helped to mold inclusivity in Clay County.

Lily Kinmoth accepted the Woman of the Year Award.  Lily has been volunteering in the community in a multitude of different ways; she is someone who cares and wants to help wherever possible.  Lily volunteers with The Way Free Clinic, the Catholic Council of Women at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Military Vehicle Preservation, and the First Coast Car Council.  Lily has served in various roles at these organizations, giving her time freely.  Lily brings dependability, inspiration, and enthusiasm to the organizations she supports!

The Man of the Year Award was given to Bob Donnellon.  If there is a poster child for the best type of volunteer, Bob Donnellon may be it.  He is an example of everything a volunteer should be: kind, thoughtful, enthusiastic, and loving. Bob is a member of several non-profit organizations including St. Luke Catholic Church, Catholic Charities, and Knights of Columbus. Bob is at St. Luke Catholic Church most days and volunteers in many capacities. He organized weekend meals for homeless teens at Middleburg High School, cooks for the Knights of Columbus and creates memorial flag boxes for veterans and first responders.  Bob has touched the lives of thousands through his volunteer service.

Andrea Crowder and Al Benson were Emcees for the event. DeAndre Stringer, Life Enrichment Coach at the Windsor Ortega the Auctioneer for the event. DeAndre did a wonderful job engaging the crowd and raising money for the Shepherd’s Center.  The event had over 170 attendees.  The Shepherd’s Center’s Board Chairman, Ruth Johansen, said that the event is an outstanding way to showcase older adult volunteers in our community.  The volunteers’ commitment and generosity exemplify their generation’s values of integrity and a strong work ethic.