BY DEBBIE PAGE
The United Way of Iredell County hosted the 2026 Volunteer Celebration on Thursday night, honoring both individuals and organizations for their service to the community.
Director of Administrative Operations Linda Wahlberg said the evening “gives us the opportunity to pause and celebrate something truly extraordinary — the power of service.”
“Across Iredell County, volunteers show up every day with compassion, generosity, and a willingness to make life better for others. They strengthen our schools, support our nonprofits, comfort families in crisis, feed neighbors, care for animals, mentor youth, build homes, and bring hope to every corner of our community,” she explained.
The nominees and award recipients recognized by the nonprofit “represent the very best” of our county, Wahlberg said.
“Their service creates ripple effects far beyond what can be measured in hours alone, touching lives, building connections, and inspiring others to step forward.”
The collective impact of the volunteers, she said, “strengthen and uplift” the entire community.
“You are the heartbeat of this work. You show up when it matters most. You give without expecting recognition, and because of you, lives are changed in ways we may never fully see, but we know those ripples continue far beyond this moment,” Wahlberg added.
Before the awards presentation, Iredell County’s 2025 North Carolina Governor’s Medallion Recipient Mike Davidson said enjoyed meeting many on his volunteer journey and creating lasting relationships.
Davidson noted that a person never stands so tall as when he or she kneels down to help another human being. Looking back, Davidson said that when he needed a hand in difficult times, there was always one there to bless his life.
GOVERNOR”S VOLUNTEER SERVICE AWARD
The 2026 Iredell County recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Award, created in 1979, honors North Carolina’s most dedicated volunteers, whether individuals, groups, or organizations, whose selfless service strengthens communities and improves lives across the state.
Iredell County was allowed to submit up to five nominations for this recognition. From these, one nominee may be recommended for the prestigious Governor’s Medallion Award.
Pamela Navey was awarded the N.C. Governor’s Volunteer Service Medallion Award, which celebrates individuals whose extraordinary volunteer service strengthens communities.
“Pam has devoted her life to serving others, and the impact of her work is impossible to overstate. Over the years, she has served on countless boards, committees, and collaboratives, but her titles alone do not capture who she truly is.”
“Pam is available 24/7, responding to domestic violence, supporting crime victims, or helping a stranger with a flat tire.”
“Pam’s true legacy is in the quiet, unseen moments: answering the phone at 2 a.m., tracking down resources, comforting a victim, driving someone struggling with addiction hours away to treatment, or ensuring a mother and child have snacks for their journey toward stability. These acts of compassion make her not only an extraordinary leader but a deeply valued volunteer and community member.”
Other recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Recognition
♦ Ken Civelli devotes his heart and hands to feeding, housing, and supporting those in need. Through organizations like G4G Ministries, Fifth Street Ministries, Salvation Army, Cooking for Christ, and local churches, he provides meals, repairs, and tangible support. After Hurricane Helene, Ken helped repair schools and daycares, while his nonprofit TEAM JESUS donates all proceeds from Christian-based crafts to local ministries.
♦ Dennis Cowardin devoted more than 25 years to strengthening Mooresville through civic, cultural, housing, economic, and faith-based organizations. From chairing commissions and boards to announcing at community events, Dennis brings leadership, energy, and joy to everything he does. His work in downtown revitalization, affordable housing, and community celebrations connects people, inspires collaboration, and leaves Mooresville stronger, more vibrant, and more connected.
♦ Isabella DiFiore has already made a profound impact through her nonprofit, Bella’s Backpacks. Providing care-filled backpacks to children removed from abusive or neglectful situations, sixteen year-old Isabella partners with local advocacy organizations to offer comfort and hope. She raises awareness of child abuse prevention, volunteers in her community, and responds to disasters, demonstrating that compassion, leadership, and action can create meaningful change at any age.
♦ Teresa Kutteh has led a lifetime of quiet, selfless service. From her early volunteer work with children at Wake Forest University to decades of leadership in schools, faith-based organizations, and community programs, Teresa has touched countless lives. Her dedication to Meals on Wheels, Fifth Street Ministries, and supporting individuals with developmental disabilities reflects a lifetime spent lifting others with humility, compassion, and grace.
RIPPLE OF IMPACT RECOGNITIONS
Wahlberg said the United Way’s Ripple of Impact Service Awards were inspired by the idea that one life of service can change countless others.
“Like ripples in water, a single act of kindness doesn’t stop. It spreads, reaching far beyond what we can see, touching families, strengthening neighborhoods, and inspiring others to step forward and make a difference.”
“These awards celebrate both the power of service in motion and the legacy it creates, from young leaders already making a difference to those whose lifetime of dedication has shaped our community. Together, they remind us that every act of service matters and every ripple counts.”
Ripple of Impact Lifetime Service Award
UW Executive Director Brett Eckerman said the Lifetime Service Award has been bestowed since 1986 United Way to shine a spotlight on those individuals who lead lives built around providing service to Iredell County’s people.
“As far as I know, this individual will be the only person to receive this recognition twice, once in 2008, when her impact already seemed like more than could fit into most lifetimes, but in the 18 years since, that ripple has continued to grow into a great wave.”
Award winner Teresa Kutteh began serving at Wake Forest University by working with children in an under-resourced daycare, an experience that helped shape her lifelong commitment to caring for others.
She went on to become a trailblazer in education, earning degrees in both school psychology and school counseling and developing a guidance curriculum that became a model across North Carolina.
As a counselor with Iredell-Statesville Schools, she impacted generations of students and families, earning recognition as one of the state’s most outstanding counselors.
For more than 40 years, she has been actively volunteered at First Presbyterian Church, Meals on Wheels, Fifth Street Ministries, and the Junior Service League as well as faithfully supporting a group of developmentally disabled adults, building lasting relationships with them rooted in dignity, compassion, and care.
“She is known as the person who shows up, again and again. Whether delivering meals, supporting families, mentoring youth, or simply offering a listening ear, Teresa meets people where they are and ensures they are not alone.”
“Her impact is both wide-reaching and deeply personal. She has supported families locally and abroad, helped create opportunities for young people, and served as a connector, someone others turn to when they want to help but don’t know where to begin.”
“Her life is a powerful reminder that one person’s commitment to serve can create ripples that last for generations.”
Ripple of Impact: Youth in Motion Award
UW Senior Director of Community Investment Sara Helmick presented the Ripple of Impact: Youth in Motion Award to Isabella DiFiore. At age 12, Isabella saw a need to serve children facing the fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability experienced when being removed from abusive or neglectful situations.
She founded Bella’s Backpacks, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing comfort and hope to these children during some of the most difficult moments of their lives as a powerful reminder that someone cares.
Her work has already reached children through partnerships with organizations such as Dove House, Safelight, The Dragonfly House, and Safe Spot Child Advocacy Centers, ensuring that when children are facing trauma, they are met with support, dignity, and compassion.
She also actively raises awareness about child abuse prevention through social media and educational outreach, including visits to elementary schools. She envisions growing Bella’s Backpacks across North Carolina through strategic partnerships and grant support.
When Hurricane Helene struck, Isabella volunteered at the Statesville Airport to help organize and deliver critical supplies and personally ensured that children in impacted communities received backpacks of their own.
Isabella also serves her community through volunteering with her dance studio, the Boys and Girls Club Pancake Fundraiser, Iredell County Special Olympics, and Fifth Street Ministries’ Empty Bowl Fundraiser.
“Like a single drop creating ripples across water, Isabella’s compassion has expanded outward, touching lives, restoring hope, and inspiring action throughout our community and beyond,” said Helmick.
IREDELL COUNTY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITIONS
Individuals
♦ Mark Anderson shares his musical gifts and his heart as a guitar teacher and mentor with Children’s Hope Alliance’s Heartstrings program.
♦ Lynn Bruschi exemplifies extraordinary compassion and dedication, contributing more than 600 hours in 2025 alone to Rescue Ranch while also serving her community through Meals on Wheels.
♦ Aubrey Campbell is a former educator and law enforcement officer who volunteers 40 hours each week at The Christian Mission where he brings peace, dignity, and compassion to families facing crisis, ensuring every person feels seen, heard, and respected.
♦ Diana Dagenhart is an American Red Cross’s steadfast leader in Iredell County, serving as the anchor of disaster response efforts. In 2025 alone, she directly supported dozens of families displaced by fire and other emergencies, while also providing ongoing recovery care and mentoring new volunteers.
♦ Rob Harris embodies selfless service, dedicating nearly every moment outside of his demanding full-time career to support veterans, individuals in recovery, displaced families, and underserved youth while transforming lives across our community. Rob’s relentless commitment to meeting people where they are brings hope and stability to those who need it most.
♦ Brian Hatch is a “jack of all trades” volunteer, faithfully stepping into any role needed at The Salvation Army of Iredell County. Whether delivering food, organizing holiday gifts, grilling at community events, or serving as a dependable handyman, Brian’s flexibility and strong work ethic help critical programs run safely and smoothly.
♦ Tina Hatch has been instrumental in building and sustaining Sally’s Clothing Closet at The Salvation Army of Iredell County. Her care in organizing donations and welcoming every client with dignity, respect, support, and kindness has provided hope and essential clothing to neighbors facing hardship.
♦ Jenniffer Jamison makes a transformative impact through one-on-one parent support and mentorship, helping guide them to become more equipped to prepare their children for life after high school. As a volunteer serving as a coach and subject matter expert for the National Charity League fashion show, she has helped strengthen families while raising nearly $34,000 for local nonprofits.
♦ Margaret Johnson is a pillar of leadership and innovation for Special Olympics Iredell County, creating opportunities that empower individuals with intellectual disabilities to thrive. As a coach, mentor, and visionary fundraiser, she builds confidence, independence, and belonging for every athlete she serves. Her recent selection as a tennis coach for Team Special Olympics North Carolina at the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games is a powerful reflection of her excellence and impact.
♦ Jeff Medlin exemplifies the spirit of service through his unwavering commitment to Purple Heart Homes and the veterans they serve. Jeff also volunteers with other organizations such as Samaritan’s Purse and Habitat for Humanity to build ramps, mentor other volunteers, or step into leadership on project sites. His dedication has helped ensure veterans in our community have safer, more accessible homes.
♦ Elizabeth “Liz” Morgan serves with a true servant’s heart, helping fight food insecurity one carefully packed box at a time. Her hands-on dedication at the Salvation Army, from unloading trucks to guiding clients on meal preparation, has improved pantry operations and reduced wait times for families in need.
♦ Wayne Mowery has shared nearly 5,000 hours of skilled volunteer service since 2009, first building homes and now restoring donated hardware at the Mooresville ReStore. Every week, his craftsmanship and attention to detail give new life to donated items while directly supporting Habitat’s mission. Wayne’s reliability and hands-on expertise have made a lasting difference for more than 15 years.
♦ Althea Nelson dedicated nearly 8,000 hours of service since 2002, becoming a treasured and invaluable part of the Mooresville ReStore team. Her meticulous care in cleaning, researching, and pricing donated items ensures each piece is beautifully presented and accurately valued.
♦ Boen Nutting has provided exceptional leadership and vision through her work with Be Well Iredell, advancing mental health education and suicide prevention across our county. Through hundreds of volunteer hours, evidence-based trainings, and youth resilience programs, she has equipped educators, families, and students with practical tools for emotional wellness.
♦ Carol Ruxton is a dedicated Rescue Ranch volunteer whose pride in her work and fearless commitment to doing hard things make her truly exceptional. She combines thoughtful honesty with deep compassion for both animals and people, always focused on creating positive impact.
♦ Carol Schartner displays compassion and goodwill that shines through her service with FeedNC, particularly in supporting veterans and displaced neighbors. Her love for others, unwavering kindness, and heartfelt dedication inspire everyone around her.
♦ Susan Stroud has been the heart of Special Olympics Iredell County, serving as coach, leader, advocate, and loving support system for athletes and families alike. Known affectionately as “Mama Susan,” she goes far beyond the expected—providing transportation, clothing, encouragement, and tireless guidance. Her selflessness and deep compassion embody the very essence of volunteerism.
Group Recognition
♦ National Charity League Lake Norman Chapter: For more than six years, the National Charity League Lake Norman Chapter has demonstrated the power of intergenerational service, with mothers and daughters serving side by side for children in crisis. At the time of nomination, their roster held 238 members:133 Ticktockers & 105 Patronesses. In 2025 alone, they contributed 856 volunteer hours, assembling essential kits, supporting events, and raising funds for a local nonprofit Bridge of Hearts.
♦ Nadine Winter and Laurie Dishman have faithfully served Fifth Street Ministries with remarkable dedication, consistency, and servant hearts. Through weekly food runs, meal service, pantry organization, and hands-on support wherever needed, they ensure the ministry can continue caring for those it serves.
♦ Ron and Marilyn Boardman have devoted their retirement years to extraordinary service, contributing more than 8,000 hours to Food for Days and countless additional hours through their church and FeedNC. Their leadership, humility, and faithful dedication have helped expand services from 10 children at one school to 440 children across 19 schools. As they both celebrate their 90th year, their legacy of compassion and service continues to nourish and inspire the community.
♦ Habitat Northern Volunteer Crew: The Habitat Northern Volunteer Crew is made up of Charlie Blubaugh, Tom Kusek, Doug McCormick, Glen Kelly, Jeff Nearby, Todd Williamson, John DeZervos, Bill Handel, Jim Cahill, Jim Lindquist, Fritz Kramer, Steve Hoye, and Jack Gulick. For 15 years, they have demonstrated unwavering commitment to affordable housing, contributing 2,800 combined hours annually through skilled weekly service. Their teamwork, craftsmanship, and lasting friendships embody the true spirit of servant leadership.
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