Exceptional Guilford County Volunteers Receive Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards
Vicki Miller receives Lifetime Achievement Award
The Guilford Nonprofit Consortium is pleased to announce the 2025 recipients of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards, including Vicki Miller—the 2025 Guilford County winner of the Governor’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Miller, of High Point (NC), is one of 12 Guilford County residents who will receive special recognition at the Carolina Core FC’s soccer game on September 27, 2025, at Truist Point Stadium in High Point.
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Award honors the spirit of volunteerism by recognizing individuals and groups that make a significant contribution to their community through volunteer service. Prospective recipients are nominated by the organizations for which they serve, and the Guilford Nonprofit Consortium coordinates the awards for Guilford County.
Vicki Miller was nominated for the Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award by the Community Collaboration for Children, an organization she founded in 2021 to bridge the gap between what children and families need and the local organizations that provide these resources. Since 2021, Ms. Miller has devoted more than 40 volunteer hours a week to this organization. A former Guilford County principal, Vicki Miller never truly “retired” but began volunteering in nonprofits dedicated to helping children and families.
Ms. Miller’s nomination reads, “What sets Vicki apart is that she knows everyone who can help a family. She’s helping families navigate a world of resources [that] only a handful of people in our community truly understands. She is tireless and dedicated because she believes every one of these kids deserves nothing less.”
The Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards are given in 12 categories. Along with Ms. Miller, the Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement honoree, the following are the Guilford County 2025 winners in each category and the nonprofit organization that nominated them:
2025 Governor's Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award
Vicki Miller
Nominated by the Community Collaboration for Children
“What sets Vicki apart is that she knows everyone who can help a family. She’s helping families navigate a world of resources [that] only a handful of people in our community truly understands. She is tireless and dedicated because she believes every one of these kids deserves nothing less.”
Health & Human Services
Rick Adelman
Nominated by Second Harvest Food Bank
Rick Adelman, of Greensboro, shows significant dedication to those in need through his volunteer work at Second Harvest Food Bank. “Rick has single-handedly grown our volunteer force, forged relationships, managed volunteers and made a huge impact on the community that we serve. All with a smile.”
Disaster
Dr. Cheryl "Cherry" Callahan
Nominated by American Red Cross
Dr. Cheryl “Cherry” Callahan is recognized for her remarkable volunteerism for the American Red Cross in Greensboro. “Cherry ignites a passion for service and preparedness in countless volunteers. Cherry’s dedication to serving her community and the mission of the American Red Cross is unwavering.”
Individual Volunteer
Margaret Erga
Nominated by American Red Cross
Margaret Erga, of High Point, is recognized for her individual contributions to the American Red Cross. “Margaret Erga joined the Red Cross over 20 years ago while serving as a High Point police officer. Upon retirement, she threw herself into her volunteer role. Margaret is a Disaster Leader for the Red Cross and is trained in many areas such as Disaster Action Teams, Sheltering, and Supervising a Volunteer Workforce. We often refer to her as the Swiss Army Knife.”
Historically Underserved Populations
Cheryl Huskey
Family Room Foster Care Resource Center
Cheryl Huskey, of Greensboro, shows noteworthy dedication to assisting marginalized populations through her work with Family Room Foster Care Resource Center. “Cheryl is kind, compassionate and goes above and beyond for foster families. They love her, the volunteers aspire to be like her, and the staff knows they can depend on her.”
Environment
Aiden Loretz
Nominated by 7 Directions of Service
Aidan Loretz, of Greensboro, is honored for exceptional commitment to environmental stewardship through their work with 7 Directions of Service. “Aidan hosts informational workshops and meetings that empower neighbors to participate in their impacted community. They have a passion for environmental justice and community participation as well as front facing leadership skills that inspire and enthusiastically spread awareness.”
Senior Volunteer
Dan Maner
Nominated by Community Housing Solutions
Dave Maner, of Greensboro, is recognized as the outstanding volunteer aged 65 or older for his service with Community Housing Solutions. “Dave has a unique and important perspective that is invaluable when making decisions as a member of the Home Repair Committee. He engages in prioritizing the criteria of homeowner’s needs. What sets Dave apart is his unwavering dedication to our mission and his compassion to those he is in interactions with.”
Youth Volunteer
Madeline Richardson
Maddy’s Place, The Children’s Miracle Network
Madaline “Maddy” Richardson, of High Point, is honored as an outstanding volunteer aged 19 or under for her creation of Maddy’s Place, support of The Children’s Miracle Network, and work with children at Title 1 schools. “Maddy has an outstanding commitment to community service that aligns with her passions and values. Maddy hosts quarterly workshops for kids with the intention of empowering them through confidence building and personal development. Passionate about education, she reads to students at Title 1 schools, ensuring that every student has access to books and positive role models.”
Seniors
Gary Steeley
Nominated by Senior Resources of Guilford
Gary Steeley, of Greensboro, shows significant dedication to assisting older adults through Senior Resources of Guilford. “It is evident to our staff that Gary does not seek recognition for his service. He simply sees a need and steps in to fulfill it. A common theme among those who have worked with Gary is that he is well-respected, admired, and appreciated for his many wonderful qualities.”
Veterans/Military
Scouts BSA Troop 600, Scouting America
Oak Ridge Unit of Scouting America
Scouts BSA Troop 600, an Oak Ridge unit of Scouting America, provides notable service to military families and veterans. “During Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, the Scouts placed about 800 flags at the graves of local veterans. The troop led the Stokesdale Founder’s Day parade and participated in flag ceremonies for the Town of Oak Ridge in 2024. Troop 600 has gone above and beyond expectations in its many projects and accomplishments, honoring the true spirit of volunteerism in our community.”
Youth Service
Gerard Truesdale
Nominated by Crossroads: Pathways to Success
Gerard Truesdale, of Greensboro, demonstrates extraordinary commitment to mentoring youth with Crossroads: Pathway to Success. “Gerard’s leadership encourages young men to pursue personal goals through education and positive [growth mindset, vision, and accountability] interactions. The mission statement Gerard created for Crossroads is ‘We believe in empowering our students to take charge of their future, overcome challenges, and strive for greatness in every aspect of their lives.”
Group
Xtern Software Employees
Nominated by Action Greensboro
Xtern Software, of Greensboro, is recognized for fostering volunteerism in its employees, who work on a variety of community projects. “Every year 100% of Xtern Software employees participate in at least one volunteer opportunity based on their personal passions and interests [such as] hosting computer literacy courses in underserved communities. Xtern adopted the city park across the street from its office and cleans and maintains it on a quarterly basis. Their involvement with the local community continues to grow and deepen.”
The Guilford Nonprofit Consortium (“the Consortium”) started in 2003 as a collaborative to build the capacity of nonprofits and increase collaboration within the nonprofit community. The Consortium serves 350+ nonprofit organizations, large and small, in Guilford County, NC by fostering mutual assistance and support. The Consortium provides opportunities for education, collaboration, networking, celebration, and advocacy. The Consortium is funded by foundations and other institutions from across Guilford County. For more information, visit guilfordnonprofits.org.
The Community Foundation of Greater Greensboro is a charitable organization that inspires giving, maximizes opportunities and strengthens communities for present and future generations. With assets of over $300 million and 700+ charitable funds under management, it promotes philanthropy by addressing emerging community issues, managing permanent endowments, and collaborating with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations, and nonprofit organizations in achieving their charitable objectives. In 2024, it received $18.2 million in contributions and granted $17.7 million to area nonprofit organizations and beyond.