The volunteer spirit of Marley Park is incredible. Many Marley Park residents contribute their time, effort, and talent giving back to our community. They lead clubs, host community events and contribute to our clubs and groups. Outside Marley Park, our volunteers spend time at soup kitchens and food banks, they host charitable clothing drives, volunteer at Marley Park Elementary School, and organize fundraisers for various Northwest Valley charities.

Since 2007, the spirit of empowerment to create positive change has been honored at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. This year on April 22, close to 50 residents of Marley Park visited Uptown Alley to recognize the many individuals who give so much of themselves.

The 2015 event recognized the following extraordinary individuals:

Volunteers of the Year – Steve and Sherry Herrala
Steve and Sherry Herrala are members of Marley Park Leadership and Park Leaders for Arbor Park. They help host Welcome Brunches and deliver welcome gifts to new residents. Steve and Sherry serve meals to the homeless at St Vincent de Paul and volunteer their time assisting at events throughout the community.

Youth Volunteer of the Year – Tya Rowitz
Tya is a seventh grade Cambridge student at Marley Park Elementary School and a member of MPES Junior Honor Society, Rachael’s Challenge and the Cheerleading Team. She volunteers outside Marley Park for Benevilla and participates in the Warming Hearts Making Blankets event and decorates all the Christmas stockings for Angel Tree.

Behind the Scenes Volunteer of the Year – Molly Davis
Molly Davis is one of the bright lights in Marley Park, energizing and lifting our community up. Molly mentors young teachers at the Teach America program, imparting her wisdom and love of the profession. She also inspires fellow residents through her love of reading as the co-leader of the Marley Park Book Club, and coordinates the large local mom’s group, MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers, which meets twice a month at our Heritage Club. Molly participates on many levels at Marley Park. She helps organize events like the Pawstume Parade and contributes to the Marley Park Matters newsletter.

You’re Amazing Award – Tyler Ewing
Tyler is in sixth grade and enjoys helping his neighbors with chores. He volunteers weekly at Radiant Church with the lower elementary kids (k-2). His respectful and caring attitude, and generous heart makes him the ideal recipient for the You’re Amazing Award.

Up & Coming Volunteer of the Year – Jill Blesch
Jill is a member of Marley Park Leadership and Park Leader of Bumblebee Park. She led the Chili Cook-Off at the 2014 Boo Bash and participates in Marley Park Leadership’s Philanthropic Committee serving meals to the Homeless at St Vincent de Paul and raising money for a New Leaf at Bingo for a Cause. In 2015, she co-hosted the annual Mosaic Block Party, supported Art in the Park, hosted a Marley Park resident campout in Sedona, and co-hosted our Date Night Movie.