The Washington Apple Education Foundation (WAEF) is celebrating the hundreds of volunteers impacting students through the foundation. Yesterday it announced its 2021 Volunteers of the Year including:
- Dany Cavadini, Volunteer of the Year.
- Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Organization Volunteer of the Year.
- Amanda Adams, Alumni Volunteer of the Year.
Announcements were made to each of the honorees in the last week.
Left to right:Dany Cavadini, Amanda Adams
Dany Cavadini, Electric City, has volunteered with WAEF for the last six years. She became familiar with WAEF through her employer Northwest Farm Credit Services, a longtime partner of the Washington Apple Education Foundation. “The mission of WAEF makes it so easy to jump in whole heartedly to support these amazing students,” says Cavadini. “The past six years I've watched students learn, grow and accomplish their goals. Knowing that I've been able to contribute in small ways to support their success is so rewarding.” Cavadini will soon transition in her career to become the executive director of the Washington FFA Association.
Members of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association staff volunteer at WAEF events, send care packages, serve on committees and assist in many other ways as needed. “It may seem a matter of course that industry associations would support WAEF as the official charity of the tree fruit industry,” says WSTFA president Jon DeVaney. “But anyone who has met the talented, motivated students supported by the scholarships quickly becomes motivated to do more.” WSTFA staff were hosted by WAEF staff at a celebratory lunch earlier in the month to thank the team members for their individual support.
Amanda Adams, Yakima, was honored as WAEF’s Alumni Volunteer of the Year. Adams is the human resources director for Legacy Fruit, LLC. With support from Legacy Fruit, Adams has participated in resume reviews, mock interviews, scholarship selections and summer workshops. “I have been honored to spend the time this year to volunteering with WAEF,” says Adams. “As an alumni myself, I would not be where I am today in my career and family if it wasn’t for my parents and WAEF providing me the opportunity to complete my college education. I am beyond excited to give back in any way I can to try and create that opportunity for others.” The surprise announcement was made to Adams during Legacy Fruit’s executive meeting this week in Wapato.
This year WAEF students benefitted from the expertise, time and dedication of more than 200 volunteers. Volunteers aid in many capacities with WAEF including serving on the board of directors and on various administrative committees, assisting with fundraising events, leading student workshops, selecting scholarship recipients, providing student mentoring, conducting job shadowing and career tours, sending care packages and much more.
For more information:
Jennifer Witherbee
Washington Apple Education Foundation
Tel: +1 (509) 679-8168
[email protected]
www.waef.org