Manes & Motions Volunteer, Karlyn Lempa Awarded 2021 Hospital for Special Care Volunteer of the Year
April 22, 2022NEW BRITAIN, CT – Hospital for Special Care (HFSC) recognizes the contributions of its volunteers during National Volunteer Week (April 17-25) by awarding Volunteer of the Year.
Hospital for Special Care has awarded Karlyn Lempa 2021’s M. Gertrude McCue Volunteer of the Year Award. This award, which began in 1991, honors an individual’s dedication and compassion to making a difference for HFSC’s staff, patients, visitors and community.
Karlyn has volunteered at HFSC’s Manes & Motions Therapeutic Riding Center for eight years. Karlyn assists with many needs, primarily serving as horse leader, prepping and leading the horses during lessons, and team captain, teaching and mentoring new volunteers. Her peers say she shows incredible dedication and is a positive role model for new volunteers. “Karlyn always brings a smile and a can-do attitude,” says Jeanna Pellino, program coordinator, “In all the years I’ve known her, there has not been one day that she isn’t ready to step-up for our riders and horses.” Karlyn also contributes regularly to the program’s operating costs through the gift matching program and picks up extra volunteer shifts to support the horses, riders and fellow volunteers.
Over 150 volunteers at HFSC provided more than 10,000 hours of service at the hospital and Manes & Motions in 2021. “Volunteers are an incredibly important part of our team,” says Olivia Reed, volunteer services and community relations coordinator, “We are very appreciative for Karlyn and all of the individuals who volunteer their time and talents to serve our patients and participants.”
Karlyn was presented a token of appreciation by staff during National Volunteer Appreciation Week.
About the M. Gertrude McCue Award
The annual volunteer award was launched in 1991 in honor of the late M. Gertrude McCue, who volunteered at Hospital for Special Care for over 45 years, both as a patient advocate and friend. Gertrude’s spirit of giving, compassion and dedication is the foundation for this award. Gertrude McCue helped found the hospital’s Auxiliary in 1952, as well as the gift shop and our thrift shop. She also served on the hospital’s Board of Directors, and was personally involved in patient care.