Honoring
Volunteer Nonprofit/ Charitable Organization of the Year
Each year, the City takes time to recognize the many outstanding volunteers who make valuable contributions to the community through service. The need for service above self was never more apparent than in 2020. As a pandemic rocked the world, many in Westerville dug deep and did what was necessary to spread kindness and support those who were most in need. Typically announced at the annual State of the Community, (canceled due to public health requirements) these volunteers were honored at Westerville City Council meetings in May. It is our honor to recognize Karen Koch, Volunteer of the Year, and The Westerville Education Challenge, Nonprofit/ Charitable Organization of the Year.
KAREN KOCH
2020 Volunteer OF THE YEAR
NOMINATED BY MIKE HERRON own bad luck, Koch wanted to help them accomplish their mission, as her former employer had through an annual drive. Koch was struck with a sweet idea. She would help raise money for WARM with her “famous” baked goods. She set the goal of raising $1,000. With a few text messages to her friends and a post to social media, Hillcrest Coffee Cake project (named after the Westerville neighborhood in which she was raised) was fully baked with a clear mission: support the important work of WARM.
As the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered the world of events, sports photographer Karen Koch found herself among the millions of Americans who lost their jobs. A lifelong resident of Westerville, Koch’s thoughts went to those less fortunate than herself who were experiencing food insecurity during these uncertain times. “School children were forced to stay home, away from the access to a healthy school meal. People who never dreamed they would need to ask for help were suddenly searching for community resources to put food on their tables. With time on her hands and orders to stay-athome, Karen wanted to make a difference,” said Mike Herron, who nominated Koch for the award. She thought about the Westerville Area Resource Ministry (WARM). From 2019-2020, WARM provided 343,745 meals to Westerville families in need. The organization also provides other critical services like workforce development. WARM staff and volunteers worked tirelessly to continue services during a time of increased needs. Despite her
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With the help of her family, Karen got to work baking, packaging and selling coffee cakes in exchange for cash or food donations to WARM. Her family, which covered the costs of the operations, realized her original goal in just two weeks and continued on for another nine weekends. The effort picked up momentum and she added to the menu all for the benefit of helping residents in need. In two months, Koch’s efforts raised nearly $10,000 for WARM (including monetary and the value of food donations). One-hundred percent of all money raised from her baked goods was donated to the organization. In all, her family produced 594 coffee cakes and 125 dozen brownies across 576 volunteer hours. “During a time of social isolation, social distancing and the fears of gathering, Karen’s fundraiser has helped make our corner of Westerville as well as the world a happier place. She started this fundraiser as a way to make a difference and help other families in need. It also allowed her to spend invaluable time together with her family in her favorite place, the Koch family kitchen,” Herron said. Karen Koch took a situation that for the world was decidedly bitter and transformed it into something sweet. The City is honored to name her the 2020 Volunteer of the Year.
WESTERVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT • (614) 901-6500 • www.wester ville.org
