ABQ Times

Mayor Tim Keller, First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller, and the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board recently hosted the ninth annual Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition in Albuquerque. The event aimed to celebrate the exceptional efforts of individual volunteers and volunteer groups who have contributed significantly to the betterment of the community.

Michele Montoya, Chair of the Albuquerque Volunteers Advisory Board, expressed her admiration for the volunteers, stating, “I am honored to be a part of recognizing such outstanding volunteers in the Albuquerque. Their time, effort and passion for making this city great continues to inspire me and others.”

First Lady Elizabeth Kistin Keller emphasized the importance of acknowledging and learning from the volunteers, saying, “Our city is full of individuals and groups who devote their time to making Albuquerque a better place for all of the families who call this place home. It’s so important that we take time to honor them, highlight their work, and learn from them to find our own unique way to serve our communities.”

During the event, various awards were presented to deserving individuals and groups. The honorees included Grandma Frances Sanchez for National Service Individual, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Commission for Volunteer Group of the Year, Ryan Anish McKee for Youth Volunteer of the Year, James Jackson for Older Adult Volunteer, Cilena Trujillo for Volunteer of the Year, and Ruth Montoya for the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Mayor Tim Keller commended the volunteers and groups recognized at the event, stating, “This event, and the people we recognized, are a powerful reminder of the commitment to service that runs deep in our community. The stories of these dedicated volunteers and groups showcase the One Albuquerque spirit, and remind us of what’s possible when we work together to support our neighbors and build a safer, more inclusive Albuquerque.”

Kristin Hsueh, Executive Director of Serve NM Commission, expressed pride in partnering with the 2024 Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition, highlighting the essential role volunteers play in addressing community needs. Hsueh stated, “We recognize the vital role that volunteers play in addressing our communities needs and are excited to celebrate their impact and importance.”