CHARLESTON, W.VA. – The phrase “life of the party” has a whole new meaning when Karen Haynes is involved. Without her leadership and involvement, people say many community activities and progress on the new Putnam Animal Relief Center wouldn’t be so successful.
“She’s the driving force behind all new ideas,” Scott Williamson of the Putnam County Parks and Recreation Board, said. “She’s involved in everything and is the brains behind all the youth activities.”
Governor Joe Manchin will honor Haynes for her service with a Governor’s Service Award on Wednesday, July 16 at the Charleston Civic Center. Haynes will receive her award at a banquet held as part of Faces of Leadership, the annual state volunteerism conference.
Presented annually since 1995, the Governor’s Service Awards honors youth, young adults, adults, seniors, families, organizations and businesses who exemplify outstanding dedication to volunteerism and community service in West Virginia. Haynes will receive her award in the adult category.
Haynes has worked tirelessly as a volunteer for the Putnam Animal Relief Center since 1985 and is currently raising money for a larger, more visible home for the animals. The current shelter was originally built to last two years while a permanent building was to be built. That permanent building never came. Plans for the new shelter include up to 75 dog runs, 65 cat cages, and an on-site veterinarian and groomer. She has helped coordinate multiple fundraising events to support the new shelter, including the Bark in the Park, the Fur Ball, Hogs for Dogs Motorcycle Run, and Jamaica in the Moonlight.
In addition to her work with the animal shelter, Haynes has dedicated much of her time to coordinating and volunteering for numerous community events. The Princess Tea Party, an event for young girls in the Putnam County area, brings together multiple generations of women, including more than 600 youth. Kids Fun Day at the Park, an event offering outdoor activities for youth, is free of charge and in its second year. Haynes also coordinates the annual West Virginia University/Marshall University tailgate in Putnam County, which brings more than 600 community members together for a day of family-friendly activities.
Haynes also volunteers for the Putnam County Civil War Days, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau’s annual Haunted Barn, Putnam County Parks and Recreation’s Yuletide in the Park, the Junior Achievement program, local and county science and social studies fairs, and area high school portfolio expositions.
“She never stops volunteering,” Linda Bush, director of the Putnam County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, said. “Putnam County is very lucky to have her energy and motivation.”
The Governor’s Service Awards are administered by the West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service to honor outstanding individuals, organizations and businesses solving community problems through volunteer service. A panel of volunteer judges, including past awardees, choose the recipients on the basis of achievement, community needs, continuing involvement, innovation and impact of service.
Other recipients of the 2008 Governor’s Service Awards include, by category:
- Lifetime Achievement: Harold “Kitty” Wilson, Calhoun County; William “Sarge” McGhee, Wyoming County; John “Bill” Dillon, Summers County
- Youth: Emily Boggs of Charleston
- Senior: Laura Sevy, Fayette County; G. Lee Fisher, Braxton County
- Organization: Jonathon Powell Hope Foundation, Mercer County
- Business: Verizon, statewide; INSITE, Kanawha County
For tickets to the awards banquet, or information about the conference, contact Moya Doneghy at (304) 558-0111 or 1-800-WV-HELPS, or by e-mail at Moya.Doneghy@wv.gov.
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