April is Volunteer Appreciation Month and a time to recognize the individuals who make Food Bank of the Rockies’ work possible — and to celebrate the community they help build every day.
Across our warehouses, distribution sites, and kitchen, volunteers show up with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. We are so grateful to all our volunteers who choose to spend their valuable time furthering our cause of igniting the power of community to end hunger, and each year select individual volunteers and groups to honor for their gift. Now, meet the 2026 award winners for the Denver metro area!
2026 Betty Van Hook Memorial Award Recipient: Blaine Grady
Total Hours Volunteered: 1,440
Shifts: 451
Since 2019, Blaine Grady has been a dedicated and uplifting presence in the Volunteer Center, especially as a Saturday regular. Known for his kindness, positivity, and strong work ethic, Blaine consistently goes above and beyond, supporting staff, mentoring fellow volunteers, and even recruiting others to join the mission.
“Service is my love language,” says Blaine. “Volunteering means I can be part of the solution, and I rarely miss a Saturday — that’s food bank day for me — and I enjoy working alongside amazing people every weekend.”
Trained on specialized equipment and always willing to lend a hand wherever needed, Blaine’s commitment extends beyond his own service. He has brought family and colleagues into volunteering, helping grow a community rooted in compassion and action.
Blaine embodies the spirit of the Betty Van Hook Memorial Award through his generosity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to nourishing neighbors.
2026 Rising Volunteers of the Year:
Jan Butler & Jill Yang
Combined Hours Volunteered: 585+
Since beginning their volunteer service in 2024, Jill Yang and Jan Butler have quickly become essential members of the kitchen team. As “red apron” volunteers, they are trusted leaders — supporting staff, guiding others, and stepping in wherever needed.
“Anywhere you can spread a little joy or sunshine, try to do it,” says Jan. “It helps someone else, and it makes you feel good too.”
Their willingness to take on any task, combined with their warmth and encouragement toward new volunteers, has made a lasting impression. What began as a shared commitment to service has also grown into a meaningful friendship.
“There’s a lot of laughter when we get together to volunteer,” says Jill. “Sometimes people break out and dance. It’s just a really positive environment of giving back.”
Jill and Jan exemplify what it means to rise through service bringing energy, compassion, and reliability to every shift while helping create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.
“Even if it’s once a year, or one shift, any amount you can help really matters,” says Jill.
2026 Corporate Group of the Year:
Charles Schwab
Total Hours Volunteered: 1,854
Shifts: 644
For years, Charles Schwab employees have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service, contributing their time and energy across the warehouse, dock, kitchen, and mobile pantries.
Giving back is part of the culture at Charles Schwab. Their hands-on involvement reflects a deep dedication to nourishing neighbors and supporting communities facing food insecurity. Whether sorting food, preparing meals, or assisting with distributions, their team shows up ready to make a meaningful difference.
“Food insecurity is something that just resonates in every community. The needs are rising,” says Tessa Anderson, Senior Manager of Employee Community Engagement at Charles Schwab. “It really means a lot to our staff, and they are out there rallying their fellow colleagues to get involved.”
Through both consistency and versatility, Charles Schwab has become a valued partner in advancing Food Bank of the Rockies’ mission. Their continued engagement highlights the powerful role corporate partners can play in strengthening communities.
2026 Community Group of the Year: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Mobile Pantry
Since 2020, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Mobile Pantry has been a cornerstone of community support through its food distribution efforts. Hosting 132 distributions, the group has served more than 11,200 families and helped distribute over 823,000 pounds of food.
Their consistent commitment and strong partnership with Food Bank of the Rockies have made a lasting impact not only on the communities they serve, but also on staff and volunteers who rely on their dedication and leadership.
“I came to the food bank at St. Paul’s to give back,” said Barby Engemoen, a regular volunteer at the Mobile Pantry. “I didn’t expect how much I would gain: new friendships, perspective, and a sense of belonging.”
Widely recognized for their reliability and compassion, the volunteers at this Mobile Pantry stand out as a model of service in action. Their work ensures that nutritious food reaches neighbors who need it most, strengthening the entire community.