Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad Honors Gesa Cowell, Karen Shaffer and Steven DeGraffenreid for Volunteer Work for Club

(May 3, 2005 - Carlsbad, CA)  Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad recognized Gesa Cowell, Karen Shaffer and Steven DeGraffenreid as Volunteers of the Year at its 5th Annual Super Star Recognition Dinner on February 24, 2005, which honored the Boys & Girls Clubs’ generous community and business leaders, dedicated volunteers, an active board of directors, and outstanding youth.

This distinction is awarded yearly in recognition and sincere appreciation for outstanding volunteer service on behalf of the youth of our community and the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Just say “help is needed” and she’ll be there. Boys & Girls Clubs officials say that Gesa has done everything from helping with the annual dinner auction to stuffing envelopes. This is a remarkable lady, who never says no when it comes to helping her beloved Boys & Girls Clubs.

Karen Shaffer has been a valuable volunteer on both the dinner auction and golf tournament fundraisers. She started volunteering at the Boys & Girls Clubs in 2004 and her outlook on life is “wonderful,” said one staff member. “She’s always willing to assist.”  It is also said that whenever there is a project that needs ownership, Karen simply says, “I’ll be there.” From doing data entry to steering the golf tournament décor committee, Karen is always ready to help.

Steven DeGraffenreid loves to be around kids. He is so dedicated to the Boys & Girls Clubs that he is there five days a week. His peers say he is so helpful that he can’t say no to anything they ask of him. Steven interacts daily with Boys & Girls Club Village Branch members developing meaningful relationships while assisting with homework and arts and crafts projects.  He also has provided facility repair and handyman help when called upon.  Boys & Girls Clubs of Carlsbad is extremely grateful for his dedicated volunteer service.

Pictured: L-R Patrick Casinelli, Chief Volunteer Officer; Gesa Cowell, Volunteer of the Year Recipient; Ron Sipiora, Chief Professional Officer

Pictured: L-R Patrick Casinelli, Chief Volunteer Officer; Karen Shaffer, Volunteer of the Year Recipient; Ron Sipiora, Chief Professional Officer

Pictured: L-R Patrick Casinelli, Chief Volunteer Officer; Steven DeGraffenreid, Volunteer of the Year Recipient; Ron Sipiora, Chief Professional Officer