LAFAYETTE — The United Way of Greater Lafayette Volunteer Center held its 16^th annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, April 18 at the Trails Banquet Facility in West Lafayette. 

The luncheon is our community's once a year opportunity to say thank you to many volunteers who have contributed their time and talents for the betterment of our society. 

Karie Shepherd of Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health presented Sarah King of Project Sweet Peas with its Community Impact Award and Tippecanoe County Commissioner Tom Murtaugh awarded Natasha Vintila with the Tippecanoe Commissioners’ Youth Community Service Award for her outstanding commitment to veterans in our community.  The Marcile Eddy Shining Light Award was given to Ryan Earl for his outstanding work with the Lafayette Crisis Center. United Way CEO James Taylor presented Golden Gift of Time awards to Jerry Weedon of Habitat for Humanity, Judy Johnson from Lyn Treece Boys & Girls Club and Jackie & Kenneth Paar of St. John’s Episcopal Church.

Cindy Murray Lafayette City Clerk was on hand to present the City of Lafayette Youth Volunteer Citizenship Award to Joanna Patterson for her work with the Mayor’s Youth Council. Over 170 outstanding volunteers from various local agencies received Community Service Excellence Awards, presented by Cindy Murray and West Lafayette Clerk & Treasurer Judith Rhodes.

Special thanks went to Rick Mummey of Lafayette Transitional Housing Center, who graced the podium as the master of ceremony; Steven Koehler of Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette for delivering an inspirational keynote speech; the distinguished presenters; and all the United Way PR & Marketing Committee Members who helped with event set up, ushering, and clean up.