Champions, Award Winners Receive Their Day 2019 Volunteer of the Year - Dennis Blair

Champion, Award Winners Get Their Day This fall, two award-winning individuals and one award-winning organization finally got their moment of recognition more than six months after the cancellation of the 2020 State of the Community, originally scheduled in March. Each of the recipients listed below have made exceptional contributions to the community of Westerville. VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR | This category recognizes the good work done by an individual who maximizes generosity and volunteerism for a better Westerville. NON-PROFIT/CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR | Newly introduced for 2020 and similar to the Volunteer of the Year, this category recognizes the good work done by organizations.

CHAMPION AWARD | Originally developed by Westerville Parks & Recreation to honor Westerville’s most notable volunteers and difference-makers.

DENNIS BLAIR 2019 Volunteer OF THE YEAR

NOMINATED BY CHERYL WOOTEN AND HEATHER BLAIR Sunrise Rotary and joining the Arts Council (still an active member of both). He also joined the Westerville Education Challenge Board after being involved with technology labs in the schools (was COSI StemSTAR for the City and GEM Award winner). And he has been active with the MLK Legacy Project for over four years, Uptown Westerville Inc, the Chamber Government Affairs committee and several more.” Saying “yes” to all of these organizations has required a significant donation of his time, talent and resources as a business owner, all of which have been freely and generously given. “As a business leader, Dennis has a ‘can do’ approach to anything asked of him. He leads by example. He is careful to make sure that best practices are implemented to have a quality event or outcome,” said Wooten.

Dennis Blair is a long-time resident, small business owner and special events which help express cultural awareness or

and double nominee for Westerville Volunteer of the Year. His volunteer resume reads like an encyclopedia.

Says nominator Cheryl Wooten: “Dennis seeks ways in which to make an organization or the community a better place to live. He is not self-serving and is quick to determine the best outcome for the organization and his fellow community members.

the overall impact to the community as a whole. If Dennis feels he cannot do something, he makes sure to offer additional positive opportunities.”

That servant leadership commitment applies to WARM, weekend, and most weekdays volunteering and being

the Arts Council, Westerville City Schools Education Foundation, City of Westerville, Westerville Sunrise Rotary and much more.

His daughter, Heather: “For as long as I can remember, my dad has been actively volunteering and helping others. He has been active in Westerville Citizens Academy, which led to the Uptown Review Board, which led to be co-Chair of the City’s comprehensive plan initiative,

Dennis has been instrumental in promoting multicultural initiatives through public art, community conversations fundraising. At WARM, he served on the Great Westerville Food Truck Fest Committee and created resources for the community and workforce development.

Those who know Dennis can vouch for his enthusiasm at being asked to help. He jumps into ideas and opportunities, making them better and within reach for

Perhaps the best endorsement comes from Heather: “My dad has volunteered for most of his adult life … and is the most creative man I know. He spends every “Imagine Westerville,” which led to joining the Westerville

involved in Westerville. … My dad has always emphasized to his family how important it is to be helping your community. He loves Westerville and shows it everyday. He is such an inspiration!”