The Sullivan Volunteers held its annual Recognition Event at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, marking the first time the celebration has been held under the “Sullivan Volunteers” name, following its rebranding from RSVP earlier this year.

Called Peace, Love, & Volunteers, this is the luncheon’s 52nd year, according to Lise-Anne Deoul, Director of the Sullivan County Office for the Aging. 

“We are very grateful that the Sullivan County Legislature and New York State Office for the Aging have made it possible for us to continue our volunteer program, even though we are not going to be branded as RSVP anymore because, as many people know, AmeriCorps grants changed back in January,” explained Deoul.

Deoul said recognizing volunteers is essential. 

“The reason people volunteer is because they want to give of themselves, but I ... and I think many people feel, the least we can do is recognize them. Part of retaining volunteers and attracting volunteers is showing that we appreciate them.”

This year also saw the presentation of the first Nellie Culligan Award, honoring the late Sullivan County resident and volunteer. Culligan’s granddaughter, Courtney Culligan-Johnson, reflected on her grandmother’s legacy.

“It looks like showing up, even when you’re tired. It looks like doing dishes after the party, staying to sweep the floor and calling just to check in,” stated Culligan-Johnson. 

“Her loss has left a big hole in our hearts. But this award and all of you being here today reminds us that her spirit is still so present. If she were here right now, I think she’d be very proud, but mostly, I think she’d be happy to know that what she did mattered, that the little things weren’t so little after all.”

Kim Eckerson, the Volunteer Coordinator at Bethel Woods, spoke about the partnership between Bethel Woods and Sullivan Volunteers, noting the importance of the services provided.

“Our volunteers constantly go above and beyond,” Eckerson said. “Sometimes it’s a large project that touches hundreds of lives ... or simply showing up when someone needs a hand. Every act of service creates a ripple, and those ripples together create a positive change within our community.”

Rose Golden, Deputy Director at the New York State Office for the Aging, shared the wider impact of volunteerism across the state.

“There’s just about 900,000 individuals in New York State that provide just under 5 million hours of volunteer service, generating an economic value of about $13.2 billion,” explained Golden. “In Sullivan County 2,680 individuals over age 55 volunteer. They contribute 1.4 million hours of service, and a value of $39.8 million annually.”

“You reduce social isolation and you help with loneliness. I don’t know if you know but loneliness has been declared an epidemic.”

State Senator Peter Oberacker also addressed the gathering. 

“Thank you for your job. Thank you for your commitment to volunteer,” said Oberacker. “Folks, we all came together on 9/12 (after 9/11). We gotta get back to that. We can get back to that, and we will get back to that. Volunteerism is a core in us.”

The day also included recognition of volunteers for their years of service, as well as opportunities to tour the Bethel Woods Museum following the event.