2021 MindsEye Volunteer Awards

June 29, 2021July 7, 2021 Audio Description

Every year we celebrate our AMAZING volunteers who make our mission possible and recognize a few who’ve stood out throughout the year. After having to celebrate virtually in 2020, it was great to be back together in 2021 for an outdoor volunteer appreciation morning with coffee and donuts! Congratulations and a BIG thank you to all of this year’s winners!

MindsEye MVP- Greg Conroy

Greg is in his 4th year as a MindsEye volunteer. He’s the retired general manager of 88.7 WSIE, where he first met Jason. On the Broadcast side, Greg reads the “Funny Pages” and “Catholic Today.” Last year he also recorded Audio Description for the Way of Lights and Soldiers Memorial Museum.

Greg Conroy holds his glass volunteer award and stands with Jason Frazier in front of the MindsEye studio. — Greg Conroy and Jason Frazier (MindsEye President and CEO)

Rookie of the Year- Kelli Fienen

Kelli started volunteering for MindsEye in early 2020. She volunteers remotely from Independence, KS, where she works as a VP for Bank of America. Since taking over as reader for the Broadcast program “In the Kitchen,” she has made the program uniquely her own. She also reads USA Today on Tuesday mornings.

Broadcast Volunteer of the Year- Steve Walden

Steve has been a broadcast volunteer for over 10 years. For the past year, he has been recording two shows from home each week. He wakes up especially early on Saturdays to record the news before it airs at 10 am. In fact, he’ll be doing just that before he comes into the studio to enjoy Volunteer Day!

Steve Walden holds his glass volunteer award and stands with Tom Williams in front of the MindsEye studio. — Tom Williams (MindsEye Broadcast Director) and Steve Walden

BeepBall Volunteer of the Year- Ryan Hune

Ryan has been the Gateway Archers head trainer since the team’s formation. He’s been playing BeepBall in MindsEye tournaments for the last 8 years. He often forms a team representing STL Fitness Club, where he works as a personal trainer. He was also the first pitcher to assist in community BeepBall demonstrations.

Ryan Hune holds his glass volunteer award and stands with Mike Curtis in front of the MindsEye studio. — Mike Curtis (MindsEye Director of Special Initiatives) and Ryan Hune

Mission Impact of the Year- Marge Sanders

Marge is a new MindsEye Board member, having served for a little over a year. Before that, she actively served on Soiree committees for several years. She has been a very active supporter of MindsEye’s mission. She’s also recruited several volunteers including award winners Kelli Fienen (2021 Rookie) and Ann Jackson (2020 Super Remote Reader).