2026 Volunteer Reception Awardees

“Nonprofits get it done,” Community Reach and MKHC executive director Sarah Basehart told a capacity crowd at Rockville Memorial Library on February 4. She was referring to a new campaign by the National Council of Nonprofits but alluded to how much Community Reach gets done with help from hundreds of diverse volunteers.

Nine people and groups were honored at the annual volunteer reception:

The Volunteer Group Award went to CareFirst; for years, local employees have directly served our Housing Program and Senior Reach clients providing landscaping and other services as part of their Week of Equity & Action initiative.

The Emerging Volunteer Award went to Stevie Fawcett, who “has already shown dedication, enthusiasm, and impact,” in learning medical scribing and taking the initiative to teach other volunteers how to scribe.

The Corporate Volunteer Award went to Stein Sperling for showing “exceptional volunteerism and commitment” in their long-term partnership for the Holiday Giving Project, donating hundreds of baskets and gift cards over the years to hundreds of families during the Thanksgiving season.

The Dedication Award went to Ellen Ryan for “countless acts of service, reliability, and compassion … with care and purpose,” for her support with Holiday Giving, our Gala, and much more over the last 10 years.

The Community Partner Award went to Meadow Hall Elementary School for “extraordinary ongoing commitment” to partnering with the Language Outreach Program to provide conversation classes, ESL classes, and tutoring for parents and students at the school.

The MKHC Volunteer of the Year Award went to Susan Cullom, MD, “whose dedication, passion, and notable service have made a remarkable impact.” Dr. Cullom volunteers as a primary care provider, as well as offering insight and guidance at the clinic.

The Reach Volunteer of the Year Award went to David Engel, who “went above and beyond” in his support for our Senior Reach Program, particularly in giving wise, actionable advice during the strategic planning process, and for sharing his knowledge with us in various capacities.

The Leadership Award went to board member/treasurer Lou Kallas, “who inspires and motivates; guides others or initiates effectively; achieves meaningful results; and creates positive change.”

A special award honored Stephanie Wright, FNP, PhD. More than 20 years ago, Wright’s administrative expertise and nursing experience helped shape the future clinic’s direction. When MKHC established a board in 2011, Wright had a seat; over the last 15 years she has played a key role both in guidance and direct patient care.

“For the past several years, Stephanie almost singlehandedly served the clinic’s Medicare and Medicaid patients, and this has helped to fulfill the mission of providing healthcare to those who needed it the most,” says current board chair Donna Perry.

Thank you to all our volunteers and anyone who attended this celebration with us!

‍Special thanks to Ellen Ryan for help creating this article.

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