The Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony was held on April 24, 2024, at City Hall, presented by the Department of Neighborhoods (DON) in partnership with Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IMGH). The program featured a keynote address by Mayor John Whitmire. In attendance were City officials and staff and community guests. Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck joined the mayor onstage to congratulate the honorees.
“I am proud to recognize the exceptional work of individuals and community organizations who partner with the City of Houston to help meet the needs of residents and communities,” said Mayor Whitmire. “Whether they are providing legal services, helping with the preparation of wills and citizenship applications, mentoring youth, or taking part in neighborhood improvement efforts, our hardworking volunteers are making a positive difference in the lives of our neighbors. We thank them for their generosity and dedication to helping fellow Houstonians.”
The mayor recognized 17 Houstonians who received the prestigious 2023 President’s Volunteer Service Award, including one Lifetime Achievement Award. The awards recognize individuals and groups for sustained commitment to volunteer service.
“The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes volunteers who are committed to a high level of volunteer service,” said Martin B. Cominsky, President & CEO of Interfaith Ministries. “As a certifying organization, Interfaith Ministries’ Volunteer Houston is honored to recognize 17 volunteers who earned a bronze, gold, and a lifetime achievement award at this annual Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Award ceremony.”
Pictured: President’s Volunteer Service Award 2023 recipients, Mayor John Whitmire,
and DON and Interfaith Ministries staff.
The 2024 Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards were presented to 22 individuals by Mayor Whitmire and DON director Herbert Sims. The presentation included two awards in the Next Generation youth category and two awards in the Service Coordination Star category recognizing outstanding professionalism in volunteer management.
“We’re fortunate to have so many amazing volunteers work with us to build a better future for Houstonians,” said Sims. “Volunteers are changemakers and we appreciate the compassion they show and the responsibility they accept to create positive change in their communities.”
Pictured above: City of Houston Volunteer Award 2024 recipients, Mayor John Whitmire,
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck, and DON staff.
Pictured above: Community Engagement Volunteer Award 2024 recipients, Mayor John Whitmire,
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck, and DON staff.
Pictured above – Front row: Next Generation Volunteer Award recipients Yuliana Perales and Michael Hammad hold their awards, flanked by DON staff Paul Green (L) and Roman Aguilar (R). Back row L-R: DON director Herbert Sims, Mayor John Whitmire, and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck.
Pictured above: Service Coordinator Star Award 2024 recipients hold their awards, flanked by DON staff Paul Green (L) and Roman Aguilar (R). Back Row L-R: DON director Herbert Sims, Mayor John Whitmire, and Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck.
The 2024 Volunteer Houston Spotlight Award was presented to 5 individuals by Andréa Shiloh, IMGH Vice President of Volunteerism & Civic Service.
“Volunteers are the heartbeat of Houston. I am immensely proud to recognize the remarkable volunteers from all corners of our city. Their generosity knows no bounds as they dedicate their time and talent to serving people and communities in need. Their impact is profound and enduring. For half a century, Volunteer Houston, a program of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, has been connecting Houstonians with nonprofits and organizations while fostering a culture of compassion and service that truly defines our city.”
Pictured: Volunteer Houston Spotlight Award 2024 recipients, Mayor John Whitmire,
Vice Mayor Pro-Tem Amy Peck, and DON staff and Interfaith Ministries staff.
Award Recipients
For a PowerPoint presentation of the awards, click link:
Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards 2024.pptx
For more information about the Mayor’s Volunteer Appreciation Awards, contact DON’s Office of Neighborhood Engagement at 832-393-1043 or email [email protected].
Contact:
Evangelina Vigil
Public Information Officer
Office: 832.393.0832
Mobile: 281.904.3015
