Member Stories
Karen Martino
2009 Barbara Bennett-Rones Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient
Following in the footsteps of her mother and aunt, who are very involved in volunteering, Karen started her path of volunteerism in the 7th grade. Her involvement with volunteer clubs throughout middle school and high school led her to achieve the Outstanding Service to Community award in college. It is no surprise that she is now being honored at our 2009 Comedy Gala with the Barbara Bennett-Rones Volunteer of the Year Award.
In 2004, Karen learned about Gilda's Club Westchester through her aunt, who was searching for new places to volunteer. She started that summer as a volunteer in Noogieland and has been an active volunteer with our Children and Families program ever since. As one of Gilda's Club Westchester's most energetic and creative volunteers, Karen is always willing to go the extra mile. Her enthusiasm for our work is conveyed to the children, teens and families in everything she does.
As a cancer survivor and member of GCW herself, Karen has a deep understanding of the importance of Gilda's Club. "There are still so many people who don't know about Gilda's. I'm constantly talking about Gilda's Club because if someone doesn't know somebody who could benefit from it now, at least they will have the information for the future," Karen explained.
Karen has also been instrumental in helping us build our activities for high school students. For the past two years, Karen has co-facilitated the Youth Committee Group with Jen Scully, Children and Families Coordinator. During this time, the Youth Committee has recruited many new members, as well as taken on additional activities over the year. In all her tasks, Karen goes above and beyond expectations with this group of high school students.
"I have a passion for working with children and teens," says Karen. "Noogieland allows me to work with the younger children and Youth Committee allows me to work with the teens. I have felt really connected with the children and teens throughout the years. I always think about one of the first boys I volunteered with and how much fun we had. Four years later, we still keep in touch and have a strong connection."
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