United Way’s Executive Director Helen Meyers introduced the Yes! Award saying, “There are special volunteers who are critical to our success, and do not necessarily receive nor would they expect the special recognition they so deserve.  In this day of self-help books that teach us how to say ‘no’ when asked to do something, every once in a while a volunteer like Patti Ayers comes along.  Not only did Patti say ‘yes’, but she also organized, reminded, pursued, followed-up, and still smiled.”

To celebrate the life of a very special person, on February 17, 2004, the Orrville Area United Way Board of Directors established the Patti Ayers “Yes!” Award to honor a special volunteer each year who models that behavior and reminds us of Patti’s extraordinary gifts to our United Way and community.  Previous award recipients were Steve Seifried, Peg Miller, Rod Steiger, Chris Davis, Annette Fejes, Amberly Wolf, David & Kerry Pickett, Patricia Carr and Patti’s sister Denise Rehm.

This year Meyers presented the honor to Patti Ayers’ son Jason, a member of the United Way’s Citizen Review Committee, helping to decide how the dollars are used in the community, an important member of the United Way employee campaign team for the Orrville Elementary School, where he teaches.

“His gifts of time and talent truly honor his mother Patti’s memory and example,” added Meyers.