It takes a special person to not only come up with new ideas for fundraising, but see those ideas all the way through to the end. However, Judie Kanten, of Crookston, is praised for making it all look effortless as she helps prepare for and carry out these fundraisers as part of the RiverView Health Auxiliary.
For those efforts, Judie was recently awarded the RiverView Health Auxiliary’s 2023 Alta Hermodson Heart and Soul Award for volunteerism.
“Judie works tirelessly to ensure fundraising events are well prepared for and are as successful as they can be,’’ stated one of the nominations in her honor. “ She comes up with new fundraising ideas and puts them into motion. She serves at many different organizations and her actions appear effortless. She can persuade many people to be a part of any team she is on, and she makes it fun.’’
Currently, in her second term as a member-at-large on the Auxiliary Board of Directors, Judie is also a longtime volunteer at the Limited Addition Gift Shop, serving well over 25 years.
“Judie is an exceptional volunteer and is one of the first to lend a helping hand,’’ another nomination stated.
The annual Heart and Soul Award goes to a RiverView volunteer(s) who exemplifies the Auxiliary’s mission of volunteerism and service to RiverView Health, just as Alta Hermodson did. Hermodson was a lifelong resident of Hammond Township, located east of Eldred and Climax. She was involved in her church, library, hospital, nursing home, and museum. She truly gave of herself and volunteered at places in which she believed. The award in Hermodson’s honor was created in 2003. Hermodson passed away in 2006.
