Photo 1: (L-R) Ruth Ann Koepsel, Shirley Wilson, Jane Farris,
Helene Longhofer, Judy Zimbelman and Susan Hussey

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF WICHITA (ALW) HONORS VOLUNTEERS

ALW members celebrated the year of service to greater Wichita during the late May chapter meeting. Suzanne Koch, 2021-2022 President, announced chapter honors and thanked recipients for their vital work in support of the Assistance League of Wichita mission to transform lives and strengthen community.

THE ANNE BANNING LEADERSHIP AWARD — 2022 Recipients JANE FARRIS and SHIRLEY WILSON presented by Ruth Ann Koepsel.  (Shown on left, L-R)

The Anne Banning Leadership Award is named after the founder of Assistance League, who promoted the growth of effective volunteerism through leadership and education. This award demonstrates the importance and value of leadership to Assistance League chapters, while also honoring the accomplishments and dedication of the recipient.

Ruth Ann Koepsel, National Assistance League Board Member, past chapter president and co-recipient of the 2021 Banning Leadership Award, presented the Chapter’s 2022 Banning Leadership Award. Jane Farris completed a three-year term as Vice President, Resource Development along with duties as ALW facilities manager and member of Thrift Shop leadership team. Shirley Wilson chaired/served the Gifts and Grants Committee for four years, served an additional two years on the committee and most recently chaired the Stewardship Committee. Both members shared their knowledge at every step.

THE ADA EDWARDS LAUGHLIN AWARD — 2022 Recipients HELENE LONGHOFER and JUDY ZIMBELMAN presented by Susan Hussey.  (Shown on right, L-R)

The Ada Edwards Laughlin Award is named after the co-founder of Assistance League who filled the role of hardworking “behind the scenes” volunteer. It is in that spirit we present this award to those who simply step up and say “yes, count on me” when asked.

Susan Hussey, Chair of the ALW Thrift Shop, Scholarship Committee member and 2021 co-recipient of the Anne Banning Leadership Award, presented the Laughlin Award to Helene Longhofer, a charter member who has served in multiple roles, and Judy Zimbelman, a chapter past president and treasurer.

Thank you to these outstanding volunteers for their years of dedicated and effective service.

RUTH ANN KOEPSEL ELECTED TO NATIONAL BOARD OF ASSISTANCE LEAGUE
A Past President of Assistance League of Wichita, Ruth Ann Koepsel, is now a member of the National Board of Directors of the Assistance League.  As the first Wichita AL member elected to the national board, she is serving a two-year term from September 2021-2023.  Ruth Ann currently serves on the Chapter Services Committee and Education Special Committee.  ALW is proud to have a chapter member working to guide the National Assistance League.