For 30 years, volunteerism in its many forms has been celebrated across Dane County at the annual Community Volunteer Awards (CVA) event.

Each year, nine awards are handed out to servant leaders and unsung heroes in our community. Award recipients represent a wide variety of ages, experiences, and backgrounds, yet they all share a passion for making Dane County a better place to live for all.

Award recipients receive financial awards, given directly to the organization or group for which they volunteer. Youth Award recipients also receive scholarship awards.

“I think it’s important to recognize individuals that are often the unsung heroes in our community,” explains Laura Frisque of UW Credit Union. “Volunteers provide a necessary service and although the organizations they assist know their value, our event shines a light on these special individuals, highlights amazing organizations, and hopefully encourages others to give back.”

CVA planners and judges are community members who dedicate their time and talent to facilitating the nomination, judging, and celebrating aspects of this annual event. As these community members prepare to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this event, they need your help to make it extra special and rewarding for all who attend. Efforts this year include innovations in the planning and judging processes to ensure all members of our community see themselves and their important work in this celebration, including veterans, communities of color, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ communities, children and youth, college students, faith-based groups, and rural communities.

This year’s Community Volunteer Awards event will take place Tuesday, April 28 at 11 am at the Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor’s Club. The event is free and open for all to attend thanks to our sponsors.