On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Volunteer Alexandria hosted its annual Volunteers are the Heart of Alexandria recognition event—a celebration honoring the exceptional individuals who made a difference in our community throughout 2025. Each year, we highlight the impact of individuals and businesses that support our city’s nonprofits, showcasing the passion and dedication that drive our community forward. Volunteers are the heart of our mission, and their generosity of time, talent, and skills continues to strengthen and connect Alexandria. Thanks to the 4260 unique volunteers who served over 112,000 hours to support our community. This translates to over $3,897,000 in service! A list of names and agencies is available online.

Presenting our 2025 Awardees! Over 70 Stars were Recognized

Brooke Sydnor Curran, Marian Van Landingham Lifetime Achievement Award

Brooke dedicated the past 25 years to serving Alexandria. She recognized the need to highlight the importance of movement in education and founded Move2Learn, now an award-winning nonprofit that works with 20 Alexandria City Public Schools, engaging over 800 educators and 12,000+ children, spreading the message that physical activity fuels learning, boosts well-being, and strengthens human connection. Read full bio here.

Meg Milroy and Autumn Rose, Joan White Grassroots Service Award

For over two decades, Meg has devoted significant time, energy, and skills in service of the Del Ray Farmers’ Market and the Alexandria community. A cornerstone of the market since 2019, she also actively serves Friends of Duncan Library, ALIVE!, Food Rescue US, and The Humane Rescue Alliance. When Meg steps forward to help, she commits fully, consistently, and with extraordinary dedication. Read full bio here.

Autumn uniquely revitalized two cornerstone Del Ray traditions – Pam's Pie Contest at Art on the Avenue and Mount Vernon Community School’s Big Flea – by combining creativity, meticulous organization, and inclusive volunteer oversight. Autumn’s leadership keeps beloved Alexandria traditions not only alive but thriving, strengthening the community while ensuring continued impact for future generations. Read full bio here.

Allyson Castillo, Youth Volunteer Service Award

A senior at Alexandria City High School, Allyson devotes approximately 25 hours per month serving her school and community and has been active since middle school. Her impact spans education support, music, and language arts. Allyson embodies the hope, dedication, and community spirit of a true youth leader. Read full bio here.

Burke & Herbert Bank, Business Philanthropist of the Year Award

Burke & Herbert Bank branch employees support Alexandria through their service on local boards, collection of in-kind donations, and volunteering for nonprofits. Providing far more than just banking services, Burke & Herbert is a shining example of the positive impact a business can make when leadership embraces community engagement. Read full bio here.

Ellen Balis and Pam Goodell, 55+ Award

Ellen is an instrumental volunteer for ALIVE!’s Housewares program, ensuring that individuals setting up a new household receive the basics they need to make their new residence a home. Bringing energy and care to every task she takes on, Ellen is committed to helping families in need, making their experience welcoming and positive. Read full bio here.

Pam is a key volunteer for ALIVE!’s Furniture Program, assisting with the pick up and delivery of donated furniture. Her role grew to include scheduling and serving on the Furniture Committee. Pam’s thoughtful attention to the needs of families and other volunteers strengthened the program, making a meaningful difference in residents' lives. Read full bio here.

Rachel Lotz and Kathy Mimberg, Volunteer Coordinator Award

A pivotal member of the Wright to Read team since 2019, Rachel currently leads a team of over 100 volunteer tutor-mentors who help students build their reading and social-emotional skills. Rachel is dedicated to continuous improvement at every step of the process, resulting in positive outcomes for students and volunteers. Read full bio here.

Kathy, the Volunteer Coordinator at Alexandria City Public Schools, goes above and beyond to ensure volunteers are actively engaged and meaningfully connected to schools and their programs. Her focus on relationship-building and thoughtful placement directly advances volunteer engagement and retention, building successful volunteer campaigns that serve thousands of students across ACPS. Read full bio here.

Above and Beyond Recognition

Demonstrating outstanding dedication, our Above and Beyond volunteers serve across Alexandria.

"Every day, volunteers play a critical role in making sure that every resident has what they need to thrive. From assisting at local food pantries to shoveling snow for seniors to mentoring the youngest Alexandrians, volunteers go above and beyond to support their neighbors.” - Alyia Gaskins, Mayor of Alexandria

"I am deeply grateful to the volunteers who give their time, energy and compassion to serve Alexandria. Every day, you step up to support our neighbors in ways both big and small, serving meals, mentoring young people, helping families through difficult moments, and ensuring that no one in our city feels alone. Your dedication reflects the very best of our community: generosity, kindness, and a deep commitment to caring for one another. Congratulations to this year’s honorees, and thank you for all you have done throughout 2025 to make our community more connected, resilient, and welcoming for everyone who calls Alexandria home." - Senator Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

Thank you to our sponsors and supporters:

Amazon | CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union | Honorable Frank Fannon | Kevin Greenlief

The Jen Walker Team | Lindsay Automotive Group | The Zebra Press

Bittersweet Catering | Chamowitz & Chamowitz | John Marshall Bank | Minuteman Press | United Bank

Amy Anda | Madlyn Hulver | Tami Stukey

In recognition of their contributions, awardees will be honored with a tree planted in their name - a meaningful and lasting tribute to their impact.

L to R: Bibi, Laurie, Michael, Nancy B., Nancy L., Paige, and Janese