One of our favorite NNV end of the year traditions is asking our members to submit nominations for our annual Volunteer of the Year award. The submissions are heart-warming to hear and read, and remind us why NNV is so special.

Every year the most prominent theme expressed is gratitude for all of our volunteers:

"I would like to honor and thank all the wonderful volunteers that have donated their time, talent, and generosity. Many have taken me to medical appointments, etc., this past year. These volunteers have made it easy for me to keep up with my healthcare needs. They keep in touch and check in with me outside of the volunteer service times."

Here are a few more of the many compliments we received for our volunteer corps: "A great asset", "a pistol", "lovely", "kind-spirited", "so helpful", "good conversation (usually humorous)", and "went above and beyond".

Nominees for the 2025 Volunteer of the Year include: Anne Litchfield, Gene Sofer, Susan Crawford, Paul Levi & Cathy Waldman, Merilee Janssen, Roberta Youmans, and Will Guthrie. It's nearly impossible to pick just one volunteer from our many caring and deserving volunteers.

We are thrilled to announce the
2025 NNV Volunteer of the Year – Gene Sofer!

Small organizations like ours rely on volunteers to help with everything from direct services with members to administrative help. This year's awardee did a tremendous job working behind the scenes to advance our mission. Gene's steadfast work to increase NNV's visibility in the community, enhance our fundraising efforts, and bring people together caught the eye of multiple people who recommended him for this year's award.

Gene began his service to NNV as a board member in 2021, and is our immediate past president. He is a most valuable ambassador introducing many in his network to NNV. He was instrumental in pulling together our recent (and biggest) fundraiser with Adam Gopnik. He even picked up Adam at Union Station and chauffeured him to the event! Gene was responsible for organizing this year's trip to the Capital Jewish Museum, and helped to organize Virtual Speaker Series programs and the tour of Fort Stevens. And, he started, and has continued, the popular monthly Men's Lunch Series. Gene has done all of this with integrity and a wonderful sense of humor. It is our great honor to work with Gene and acknowledge his contributions with this award.

Congratulations, Gene!

And, another huge thank you to our members for taking the time to submit their heart-felt nominations, and to our volunteers for all they do for NNV.