March 11, 2025 – Albuquerque, N.M. – The City of Albuquerque recognized outstanding community volunteers during a special ceremony held earlier this week as part of its ongoing Mayor’s Day of Volunteer Recognition initiative. The event highlighted individuals whose sustained service has made a meaningful impact across city departments and neighborhood programs. Among those honored was Torie Savage, a dedicated volunteer with the Animal Welfare Department, who received the One Albuquerque Award for her work in matching pets with forever homes and supporting animal welfare efforts throughout the city. Her contributions were praised for strengthening the bond between residents and animals in need. Also recognized was Verma Villegas, a long-time volunteer with the Parks & Recreation Department’s Open Space Division, who was named the recipient of the Volunteer of the Month award. Villegas has been instrumental in maintaining and restoring the city’s natural areas, including river and trail cleanups, native plant restoration and community outreach to promote environmental stewardship. “Growing up in Albuquerque, I lived by and played in the river and came to realize that I could facilitate the river environment and inspire other folks to collaborate and steward the river as well,” Villegas said during the ceremony, reflecting on her personal connection to the city’s natural spaces. The One Albuquerque and Volunteer of the Month awards are presented monthly to city workers and community members who demonstrate exceptional commitment to public service. Nominations are open to residents, and more information about the program, including how to get involved, is available through the city’s Office of Civic Engagement and the official One Albuquerque Volunteers website. City officials emphasized that the recognition is part of a broader effort to celebrate and encourage volunteerism across Albuquerque. Recent reports indicate that over 550 nonprofit organizations, businesses, and city departments have collectively tracked more than 88,592 volunteer hours this year, contributing to an estimated economic impact exceeding $2 million. “There are so many opportunities to develop a difference,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “I hope more people will follow the example of these volunteers, finding something that speaks to their heart and also does the city good.” For residents interested in volunteering or nominating someone for recognition, the city encourages visiting cabq.gov/volunteer to explore current opportunities and learn more about the nomination process.
33
previous post