Pictured are volunteers and United Way community partners representatives who were honored recently by the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.

More than 100 people attended the recent Shining Star volunteers commemoration at the Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys and Girls Club of Jamestown.

The United Way of Southern Chautauqua County hosts the event annually and the evening kicked off with Chris Colburn, president of the United Way board, welcoming honorees and guests.

“Tonight we celebrate the tireless efforts among our community’s volunteers,” Colburn said.

“I am humbled by the selfless commitment these individuals have made to make our community a better place to live and work.”

The theme of the night was “You’re A Shining Star!” Amy Rohler, United Way of Southern Chautauqua County executive director, shared a quote from writer Parker Palmer, “in times of darkness, we not only need light, we need to BE light for each other.”

She went on to add, “tonight, there is an incredible light that shines bright in this room, and we are grateful for you shining your light and making a difference in our community.”

She also shared a line from the 2018 campaign video about how change doesn’t happen alone. The honorees also received certificates of recognition from Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Congressman Tom Reed and County Executive George Borrello.

Each agency shared a story about how their selected volunteer, who made an impact by giving their time and expertise:

¯ American Red Cross — John Watkins;

¯ Chautauqua Adult Day Services — Paul Leone;

¯ Chautauqua Lake Child Care Center — Jennifer Majewski;

¯ Chautauqua Striders — Kathleen Johnson;

¯ CASA of Chautauqua County — Jane Dickerson;

¯ Family Service of the Chautauqua Region — Gwen Axelson;

¯ Girl Scouts of WNY — Nancy Papalia;

¯ Jamestown Community Learning Council — Deke Kathman;

¯ Jamestown Meals on Wheels — Harold and Ruth Johnson-Soduer;

¯ Junior Achievement — Sean Kilmartin;

¯ RSVP — Barbara and Ed Slumsky;

¯ The Resource Center — Wayne and Elaine Hotelling;

¯ The Salvation Army — Kim Dickerson;

¯ YMCA — Tony Wren;

¯ YWCA — Roberta Thompson; and

¯ Winifred Crawford Dibert Boys & Girls Club — Likeith Saunders and Ellie Maze.