2002 volunteer award winnersThe winners of RLT's volunteer awards for 2001-2002 were as follows: Charles V. York, Jr. Volunteer Service Award: Glenn A. Miller Technical Service Award:
Al D. Wolfheimer Volunteer Award:
Rich Cottle's commendationSarah Corrin presented Rich's award: A founding member of RLT's Wednesday night computer club, this volunteer helped build the theatres computer system from just three machines to a network with a computer in every office. And when I say build, I mean it. When RLT received donated machines, this volunteer literally pulled them apart and rebuilt them to give the staff the best possible configurations. When machines had problems, he transplanted parts and waved his magic screw driver to get them going again. Without his expertise, RLT would have had to spend thousands of dollars over the years on both equipment AND on maintenance and repair. However, while I cannot imagine life without him in the business office, this volunteers tenure at RLT had started long before. Originally a season member with no background in theatre, this person decided to volunteer at RLT after friends involved with the theatre piqued his interest in it. He started off working running crew and running lights. As his skills increased he moved on to stage manage and to design lights for many RLT productions. He and his wife worked almost every show with their son joining them as an actor for By the Skin of Our Teeth. With such a long and accomplished history at RLT, it is easy to see why he was chosen to receive and award this year. Therefore it is my pleasure to present the Al D. Wolfheimer Volunteer Award to Rich Cottle. Harry Eberly's commendationSarah Corrin presented Harry's award: Board members are usually not the best know volunteers at Raleigh Little Theatre. The work of raising funds and developing and maintaining theatre policies is done in committee or alone. So many hours spent working away from the theatre on RLT's behalf means that most production volunteers, administrative volunteers and front-of-house volunteers enjoy the fruits of the board's fundraising labors without getting to know the board members themselves. Tonight the theatre would like to honor one of these truly behind the scenes supporters. A board member for the past seven years straight and for three years in the early 1990's, this person is known as a pragmatist who always keeps his finger on the theatre's finances. He has given generously of his time over the years to improve the theatre's endowment fund and was a member of the 1997 capital campaign steering committee that raised the funds to build the new Main Stage lobby and renovate the amphitheatre. With his thoughtful nature and sage advice, Harry Eberly's contributions have strengthened RLT and helped it grow. I have heard that every year Harry promises his wife Marion that next year he'll finally retire from volunteering. And so far, he has broken that promise every time next year rolls around. Marion, you have my deepest apologies, however, here at the theatre we are selfish enough to hope that Harry does not keep that promise for some time to come. Harry, I am very, very honored to present this 2001-2002 Al D. Wolfheimer Volunteer Award to you. Please come up on stage to accept the award. Wayne Olson's commendationSarah Corrin presented Wayne's award: The Costume Shop is not where most of the men at RLT can be found unless they're being fitted. However, there are those rare gems who not only appreciate the fine art of surging and patterning, but also have the talent to do it. We, and Vicki in particular, were fortunate enough to have one such hero this season. A costume shop regular who just about lived there, this volunteer did everything from stitching to patterning to laundry to dressing while keeping up with all the general shop maintenance at the same time. When not busy in the shop, he was always willing to lend a hand in other parts of the building. He took care of several computer crises for me last fall and helped Rick with painting on Communicating Doors. Because his wife worked at the Winter Gala this January, this volunteer celebrated his wedding anniversary by dancing with her in the Gaddy-Goodwin Teaching Theatre. Granted, he met and married her at RLT, but it still gives new meaning to the words commitment and devotion. A volunteer in the 1980's and now again in the new millennium, I am pleased to present this Al D. Wolfheimer volunteer award to Mr. Wayne Olson. Traci Pierre's commendationStephen Wall presented Traci's award: When I returned to RLT this past January, I was told that there was someone I really needed to meet. This person first saved the day two years ago when Sarah had a massive mailing that had to get out in record time. She was there in a flash and since then has come to the rescue on numerous occasions, and not just in the administrative office. The costume department is extremely appreciative of her constant willingness to help out as a dresser, over the past couple years. And as if that wasn't enough, this past season, she has been an integral part of the Volunteer Appreciation Committee. That bright shining face at the preview receptions, offering you delicious cake and punch belongs to this winner! Best of all, nothing seems to faze her. She has one of the most positive and dedicated attitudes of anyone I have had the pleasure to come in contact with. They say that some people light up a room by their very presence. That is certainly true of this dedicated volunteer. In recognition of her tireless devotion to the theatre, it is my pleasure to award this 2001-2002 Al Wolfheimer award to Traci Pierre. David Wilkinson's commendationSarah Corrin presented David's award: This year's recipient started volunteering at RLT as a high school student. His friendship with Glenn Miller, the namesake of our technical service award, and his family sparked his work backstage. Over the years his ties to the theatre have only grown stronger. In 1978, he met his future wife during a production of Fiddler on the Roof. And when his mother retired in the early 1990's, he introduced her to the Costume Shop where she has volunteered steadily ever since. Over the past 30 years, David Wilkinson has taken only one sabbatical from RLT. According to his wife Judi, David has worked in every area of the theatre, except possibly the costume shop. Though his contribution of his mother, Jean, as his surrogate, wins him credit even there. David's quiet and unassuming nature sometimes hide the endless amount of work he has accomplished here. In addition, to working in every technical area, David was RLT's show photographer for two years. He has helped with the theatre's computer system for almost as long as I've known him. And he is a former Cantey judge. When new carpeting was ordered for the Main Stage auditorium several years ago, David pulled out all the seats then reinstalled them with a volunteer crew he organized himself. More recently, David has won the title of "popcorn prince" for his work in the amphitheatre concessions booth. This season David designed show posters, created a Main Stage seating chart for RLT's web site and developed a theatre bumper sticker among other things. Just last week, David added theatre projectionist to his many credentials as he ran The Princess Bride for last week's Friday Flix after being trained by past York Award winner, Al Wolfheimer. It should also be noted that, despite David's quiet demeanor, he has even managed to appear on stage - as a corpse in Arsenic and Old Lace. David Wilkinson has always been, and continues to be, one of those people who always get the job done. It doesn't matter what the job is or who asks him; David will always lend a hand and then go one step further. It is my greatest pleasure to present the 2001-2002 Charles V. York, Jr. Theatre Service Award to David Wilkinson. Delia Parks's commendationKathleen Rudolph presented Delia's award: This next volunteer first became visible at RLT as a young child, when she began taking classes in our Youth Program. Because of her family's involvement at the theatre, she started her lighting career at the age of 10. The following shows have been lit to perfection because of the talents of this young individual:
just to name a few... This is an individual who jumps in whenever needed, without needing to be asked. She always has a positive attitude and is willing to try a variety of new things. I am proud to award this Wolfie to Delia Parks. You are here: Home > The RLT volunteer awards > 2002 volunteer award winners |
