Susan Hodder Volunteer of Excellence Award

Susan Hodder Volunteer of Excellence Award

hodder lg

This legacy award was created in honor of Susan Hodder, a long-time Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute volunteer, who began with the Alpine Ski program in the 1980s. Recognized as a "once in a lifetime volunteer" by Courage Kenny, Susan won the Pearl Hall award, the Malcolm Mackey Tree of Life award and an annual award created in her honor, the Susan Hodder Volunteer of Excellence award in 2019.  Having lived vibrantly and courageously with pancreatic cancer for nearly 6 years, Susan died peacefully on March 21, 2021 with her family & loyal Golden, Banjo, at her side. 

Susan was an outstanding volunteer participating in a number of our adaptive sports and recreation programs and special events, as well as on advisory boards, at fundraising events and as a mentor and trainer for volunteers. Susan demonstrated her passion for the Courage Kenny vision that one day all people will live, work, learn and play in a community based on abilities not disabilities. Each year Courage Kenny volunteers are nominated and one volunteer will be selected to receive this prestigious award.

We are now accepting nomination forms for the 2023 Susan Hodder Volunteer of Excellence Award.

By email: CKRIVolunteerService@allina.com 
Or mail: Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
Volunteer Services MR-78408
3915 Golden Valley Road
Golden Valley, MN  55422
ATTN.: SUSAN HODDER AWARD

Criteria

To deserve consideration for this award, the Courage Kenny volunteer nominee must demonstrate exceptional service, compassion, teamwork, and leadership, and share Hodder’s qualities of dedication, flexibility, resourcefulness, commitment to care, teaching/mentoring other volunteers and value lifelong learning and fun. 

Eligibility

The nominee must be a Courage Kenny volunteer currently active and serving in good standing in a Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute role. In addition, the volunteer must:

  • Have served Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute for a minimum of five years or 500 lifetime hours
  • Not nominate themselves or be nominated by their spouse or family member
  • Not be nominated by a member of the selection committee
  • Not receive this award more than once in five years

Past Award Winners 

  • 2019 - Susan Hodder, Alpine Ski and Snowboard 
  • 2020 - Brad Blanshan, Alpine Ski and Snowboard
  • 2021 - Mark Gray, Alpine Ski and Snowboard 
  • 2022- Donna Brandell, Mercy Hospital and CKRI Therapy