celebrating volunteer excellence: The Jewish Volunteer Network Annual Awards Ceremony

On Sunday, January 14th, we had the honour of attending the Jewish Volunteer Network (JVN) Annual Awards ceremony, a remarkable event held at the enchanting Grove Hotel in Chandlers Cross. The ceremony brought together representatives from various charities, showcasing the outstanding contributions of volunteers nationwide. The event not only highlighted the incredible work being done by dedicated individuals but also underscored the crucial role that JVN plays in supporting the charitable sector.

The Together Plan at the JVN Awards 2024 (from left to right Jack Baum (Trustee), Andy Mihaleto (Events, HR and Trustee), Debra Brunner (Founder and CEO), Hilary Chaplin (Archive Services Team), Mike Boda (Archive Services Team)

For many charities, including our own, JVN is an indispensable ally, providing unwavering support and facilitating connections with volunteers of the highest calibre. Their commitment to service is evident in the training courses and resources they offer, which are nothing short of phenomenal. The Annual Awards ceremony served as a testament to the impact of JVN on the charitable landscape.

The Lord Lieutenant for Hertfordshire, Robert Voss CBE, graced the occasion with his presence, expressing his joy at attending the ceremony. As His Majesty’s only Jewish Lord Lieutenant out of a total of 98, he emphasised the significance of the event for him personally. The virtual presence of Isaac Herzog, President of Israel, added a special touch to the evening, as he conveyed a heartfelt message to everyone in attendance, recognising their dedication to community service. Against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Israel, President Herzog’s words carried poignant and meaningful weight.

The Awards ceremony was not only a platform for recognition but also a moment of pride for The Together Plan. We were thrilled to be acknowledged in two categories: ‘Volunteer of the Year,’ with Andy Mihaleto as the nominee, and ‘Team of the Year,’ recognising our Archive Services Team. Additionally, our very own Jack Baum, a long term volunteer for TTP and now a member of The Together Plan’s trustee board, played a significant role in the new JVN film, which was screened at the awards. The event celebrated the collective efforts of individuals and teams, highlighting their selfless dedication to making a positive impact on others.

The atmosphere was filled with warmth and emotion as deserving individuals received their well-earned accolades. It was a joy to witness so many good-hearted people being acknowledged for the countless hours they dedicate for the benefit of others. Congratulations to all the award recipients, and a resounding bravo to JVN for orchestrating an event that not only recognises volunteer excellence but also fosters a sense of community and gratitude. 

VN Awards at The Grove Hotel

Since we started collecting data in 2020, The Together Plan has logged 16,800 volunteer hours and our volunteer retention is incredibly high. To that end, we extend our heartfelt thanks to JVN for their continuous support which has enabled us to develop and grow as a charity. JVN’s  commitment enables us and countless other charities to fulfill our missions, and we acknowledge that we couldn’t do what we do without them. Here’s to the spirit of volunteerism, togetherness and the positive change it brings to communities far and wide.