Audio-Reader celebrates volunteers at annual banquet

As a volunteer-driven organization, Audio-Reader is grateful for the over 250 people who take time out of their schedules to read to print-disabled citizens of our community. It is their voice talents that bring news, entertainment, information, and connections to thousands of listeners across Kansas and Missouri. Their impact is deeply felt by people with blindness, low vision, dyslexia, and other conditions which make reading standard printed material difficult. 

This year, Audio-Reader had the honor of recognizing four outstanding volunteers who have been volunteering for over 35 years: May Mayse and Elaine Roberts (35 years), Karen O'Keefe (40 years), and Darcy Schild (45 years). Achieving these incredible milestones demonstrates the dedication of Audio-Reader volunteers and their flexibility with changing along with modern technology. When Darcy Schild began as a volunteer, she recorded onto reel-to-reel tape and now records on a computer. Yet, listeners have consistently looked forward to hearing her voice over the decades.

The following volunteers also celebrated 5-year milestone anniversaries:

Joshua McCloud and Aruna Subramaniam (5 years)

Karen Braman, Carol Cole, Michael Cornelius, Susan Craig, Sallie Downing, Lyn Fields, Stephen Grimm, Tracy Harrison, William Hawkins, Mary Jo Hobbs, Rob Johnson, Melinda Kearney, Thomas Kearney, Wake Mitchell (10 years)

Michael Hauber, Peter Knutson, and Kelly G. Loeb (15 years)

Terry Betzen, Debra Kirmer, Fred Miller, and Betsy Parker (20 years)

Ann Chapman, Marilyn Daniels, and Lisa Hallberg (25 years)

Gavin Bruce and Rex Buchanan (30 years)

It is inspiring to celebrate volunteer milestones and learn about the difference they have made to our community over the years. Thank you, volunteers!

Find more images from the event on facebook/audioreader.