Amazing Volunteers Recognized at 2019 Animal Services Volunteer Appreciation Event
By Carol Weemes, Arlington Animal Services
Posted on October 25, 2019, October 25, 2019

Congratulations to Animal Services volunteer Diane Greytak, this year’s recipient of the Bill McCart Volunteer of the Year award!

Arlington Animal Services recently hosted its annual Volunteer Appreciation celebration recognizing the dedication and valuable 14,723 total hours of service contributed by volunteers to the shelter over the City’s past fiscal year. The event was held at the Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center and Agricultural Science Center.

Congratulations to Animal Services volunteer Diane Greytak, this year’s recipient of the Bill McCart Volunteer of the Year award!

“You tell me where I need to be and when” or, “What can I do to help?” are words said by Greytak on an ongoing basis. She is especially in her element when she volunteers in the Moritz Animal Wellness Center veterinary clinic at the shelter. Greytak is also an amazing foster volunteer, taking home 251 foster animals since joining our program in 2012. This animal loving, dedicated volunteer is all about giving back and helping make a difference, including training service dogs as a personal hobby. 

Michelle Patchett, Animal Services administrative coordinator highlighted the outstanding teamwork of volunteers that took place over the past year, with a few examples being the shelter’s 10-year anniversary celebration, Responsible Pet Ownership Day, and the Cowboys Huddle for 100 events which included pet adoption specials. Volunteers made each of the events a success from greeting visitors and serving as personal shoppers, to working behind the scenes bathing, grooming and helping adoptable pets in the kennels.

Some of the special recognition and awards presented at the celebration included:

Volunteers Recognized for 1,000 and 500+ Hours of Service

• Karen Rasmussen – 1,461
• Barbara Morris – 710
• Gina Piner – 633
• Bev Carpenter – 636
• Steve Kunkel – 577
• Lauren Evrard – 567
• Diane Greytak – 533

“Kiddies’ Paws to Read”

• Margaret McClure
• Julia Jackles
• Terri Valdez
• Stan Ross
• Julia Alkire
• Mary Sexton

“Families Who Paws to Save Lives Together”

• Keith, Monique, and Daniel Bird
• Stan, Wanda and Deanna Hillard
• Julia, Eric, and Ed Alkire
• William and Mary Skiba
• Bethany and Connie King
• Mirabel and Ester Lynch
• Ursula and Micah Fantroy
• Steve and Mary Kunkel
• Macey and Abigail Reeves

Moritz Animal Wellness Center – Vet Clinic Volunteers

• Diane Greytak
• Tammy Shaw
• Carol Molton

Customer Service Hero – Stan Ross

“Stan Ross is like a ray of sunshine when he walks in the door,” said Patchett. “Thank you for being a constant Saturday help, greeting our customers with a warm smile and helping ensure they get answers and the help that they need as quickly as possible!”

Foster pet program volunteers dedicated 2,451 life-saving hours nurturing young, orphaned animals, and other special needs pets.

Golden People are Willing and Sharing (PAWS) senior volunteers were recognized for volunteering 2,050 hours and raising $5,108.62 in donations for the shelter through their contributions of handmade creations from cozy fleece blankets to woodcrafts presented at shelter events.

Debbie Best, a certified Yoga Instructor, recognized for her creative, fun contribution to the shelter providing Puppy and Kitten Yoga classes.

Youth Volunteer Award – Daniel Bird

Daniel Bird was recognized for going above and beyond, sharing the missions and goals of Arlington Animal Services. He wrote and presented his 8th grade capstone project titled "It’s Raining Cats and Dogs" on overpopulation of pets and how important it is to spay and neuter your animals. Bird received an A+ on his presentation and was the recipient of the award for Most Outstanding 8th Grade Capstone Student at his school.

“Veteran volunteer Steve Kunkel is someone we can always count on to find ways to think outside the box to make something better or is there to fix a problem when we need him,” said Patchett. “We appreciate you Steve for everything you do to help make the shelter a better place!”

Patchett, with her sunny smile, passion and enthusiasm for people and animals has had a remarkable influence on the Animal Services Center in her year as the administrative coordinator of the volunteer program. Her husband recently accepted an opportunity with his job resulting in a move for their family. Patchett expressed mixed feelings about leaving, infused with appreciation. “It has been a highlight of my life being able to work in my dream job surrounded by an amazing team of people and that includes you all,” said Patchett.

Patchett introduced her replacement, the new coordinator for the volunteer program, Brittany Clark. Clark has been with the shelter since 2014. She brings her experience and knowledge of the shelter and its operations to the position, along with her passion for animal welfare.

Special thanks to the family of Bill McCart, all of the amazing Animal Services Volunteers, Council member Sheri Capehart, and Arlington ISD Dan Dipert Career & Technical Center and Agricultural Science Center located at 2101 Browning Drive, Arlington, TX 76010 for providing the setting for this wonderful celebration.

Click here to learn more about volunteering. For more information, contact Administrative Coordinator Brittany Clark at [email protected].

Click here to see more photos.

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