By DAVID CLOUSTON
Salina Journal
This year's volunteer of the year for the Salina Area United Way, Tom Sydow, looks at community service both as a commitment to a better community and, he said, "as a lot of fun."
Sydow received the award Thursday at the United Way's annual awards lunch, which recognized volunteers, donors and agencies.
Sydow, regional operations director for Westar, served on the United Way's board of directors from 2002-08 and served as president of the board in 2006.
He volunteered as chair for corporate giving for four years and was instrumental in securing Westar grants to support the annual county Back to School Fair. He also is a Rotary member and serves on Westar's community relations team, the Kansas State at Salina Tech Management Advisory Board, the Saline-Ottawa Economic Development Committee and several other Westar and Salina Area Chamber of Commerce committees.
Sydow moved to Salina in 1998 and now oversees four divisions of Westar, including Emporia, Hutchinson, Manhattan and Salina.
As a member of United Way's board of directors, Sydow said he and other board members focused their attention on fulfilling the agency's goals.
"It comes down to fundraising and making sure the principles of United Way are adhered to," he said. "We want to make sure the money is going to the right spots. The bottom line is, is the money going toward what it's meant to go for?"
John Quinley of Great Plains Manufacturing will serve as 2008 campaign chairman.
Other awards presented Thursday included:
n Jason Gage, Cindi Benke, Jeff Daily, Brigid Hall, Mike Hismith, Wally Holmes, Brenda Landis, Nicole Lanoue, Chad McCary, Toni Miller, Keith Rawlings and Diane Turner, all employees of the city of Salina, were presented awards for Outstanding Campaign Team of the Year for their strategies to increase employee participation and giving.
n Bonnie Sanderson, Woods & Durham, received a Campaign Volunteer of the Year Award for her role in contacting local businesses and asking for donations. An award for the most organized campaign packet was given to Erin Casey, Wilson & Company Engineers & Architects, and the Most Improved Employee Campaign Award was given to Bank VI for its increase in participation and giving.
n Awards also were given to United Priority Panel Council Chair Kim Brown and United Priority Panel chairs Jeannie Blue, Mark Speer, Lisa Jackson, Bob Holston, George Troutfetter and Tama Davidson.
n Daran Neuschafer, American Family Insurance, received the Community Initiatives Award for his role in securing funding for the Back to School Fair.
n Reporter David Clouston can be reached at 822-1403 or by e-mail at dclouston@salina.com.
©Salina Journal