NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release: Nov. 20, 2020
Media Contact: Renee Bade, renee.bade@labor.idaho.gov
Three volunteers were recognized for their outstanding contributions to Idaho during the annual Idaho Philanthropy Day Awards held earlier this month.
Alina Rahim, Bill “Action” Jackson and Mary Robinette all received the Gov. Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year award in the ceremony, presented by the Idaho Nonprofit Center in partnership with Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. Tracy Andrus, daughter of the late Gov. Andrus, presented the awards to each of the winners during the virtual ceremony.
Rahim of Pocatello was recognized for her volunteer contributions in eastern Idaho. At age 13, she created an organization called Youth Activism Society (YAS) whose mission is to empower local youth to advocate for marginalized communities and volunteer with local initiatives. The organization has expanded with five chapters across the United States. Outside of her work with YAS, Rahim has volunteered with The Idaho Foodbank, her local soup kitchen, the Shoshone-Bannock tribe and in medical clinics in Nepal.
Jackson of Boise was recognized for his volunteer contributions in southwestern Idaho. He created the Idaho Youth Education Recycling Partnership, which recycles scrap metal from around the state. The organization, which has been in existence for 17 years, has provided more than $1 million for academic and performing arts scholarships along with funding for musical instruments and youth outdoor sports.
Robinette of Hayden was recognized for her volunteer contributions in northern Idaho. She has been a volunteer with Family Promise of North Idaho for eight years. The organization serves homeless families with children in the region. Every Wednesday, Robinette helps the organization with everything from answering the phones to training new volunteers and writing handwritten note cards to all donors. Robinette’s giving spirit also includes supplying all homeless shelter guests with new pillows and organizing meal services.
The annual Idaho Philanthropy Day awards recognizes outstanding volunteers and philanthropists from throughout Idaho. In 2020, Serve Idaho combined efforts with the Idaho Nonprofit Center, replacing the previous Idaho’s Brightest Stars event. This is the third year that the Gov. Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year Award was presented.
A full list of those recognized can be found at https://www.idahononprofits.org/idaho-philanthropy-day.html.
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Serve Idaho, a division of the Idaho Department of Labor, encourages voluntary public service and volunteerism throughout the state. The Serve Idaho Commission is funded in part by the Corporation for National and Community Service and the Idaho Department of Labor.