Heart for the Arts
The Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes efforts of volunteers who, through their time and service, help keep area arts organizations lively and prospering. The award will thank volunteers and show the area a demonstrated commitment and example to inspire others to engage in volunteer service to the arts.
Volunteers of the Year – 2026
Camelot Theatre - Dee Coombs
Griffin Area Concert Association - Sally Peek
Griffin Ballet Theatre - Ben Bloodworth
Griffin Choral Arts - Belinda Shaw
Studio D School of Dance - Jennifer Berry
The Griffin Opera House - Mary Braun
2025 Recipients
Camelot Theatre - The Hoffman Family
Griffin Area Concert Association - Richard H. (Dick) Brooks
Griffin Ballet Theatre - Michelle Cruson
Griffin Choral Arts - Suzy & Bill Pattillo
Main Street Players - Bridget Burpee
Studio D School of Dance - Forrest Barnes
2024 Recipients
Camelot Theatre - Ryan Cummings
Griffin Area Concert Association - Paula Hattaway
Griffin Ballet Theatre - Rie Roberts
Griffin Choral Arts - Suzy & Bill Pattillo
Main Street Players - Keith Potter
2023 Recipients
Camelot Theatre - Kim Irby
Griffin Area Concert Association - Nate Barnes
Griffin Ballet Theatre - Kyanna Bowman
Griffin Choral Arts - Margie King
Chamber of Commerce - Josh Abernathy
Main Street Players - Anthony Seaman
2022 Recipients
Camelot Theatre - Steve Smyly
Griffin Area Concert Association - Lewis Brewer
Griffin Ballet Theatre - Karen Barner
Griffin Choral Arts - Beth Whitmire
Chamber of Commerce - Robert Worely
2021 Recipients
Camelot Theatre – Will Samples
Griffin Ballet Theatre – Krissa Jones
Griffin Choral Arts – Lou Baldwin
2020 Recipients
Camelot Theatre – Colleen Fowler
Chamber of Commerce – Cindy Jones, Alison Pollard, Wanda Smallwood
Griffin Area Concert Association – Paula Hattaway
Griffin Ballet Theatre – Lori Barnes
Griffin Choral Arts – Helen Grayson
Main Street Players – Marian Sorensen
Nomination Process:
Each organization is asked to identify one volunteer to be recognized as your organization’s “Volunteer of the Year”.
Criteria and Eligibility:
Volunteer activities must be centered in the Griffin/Spalding area.
Volunteer must not have received financial remuneration for their efforts other than reimbursement for registration fees, travel, lodging, equipment or supplies.
Number of volunteer years/hours will be at the discretion of the member organization and will be based on the value and impact of the individual’s volunteer contribution.