AHS Volunteer of 23 Years Receives President’s Volunteer Service Award

It is with great honor that the Arizona Humane Society announces Gloria Bartelt, a longstanding AHS volunteer, was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award in October of this year.

Bartelt, who lives in Ahwatukee, was awarded this incredible honor after dedicating more than 23 years and 29,939 hours (and counting) of service to AHS’ sick, injured and abused homeless pets.

Bartelt was surprised with this honor during a luncheon featuring her closest volunteer colleagues and AHS employees, including AHS President and CEO, Dr. Steven Hansen, who presented her with this incredibly well-deserved award. Over the course of 23 years, Bartelt has volunteered in almost every capacity possible at AHS from adoptions to media segments, dog walking, events and even helped welcome in dogs that were saved from Hurricane Katrina more than a decade ago. She has especially been passionate about finding special needs pets homes while working in AHS’ Adoptions department.

“I gave up the corporate life and dedicated eight to 10 hours every day to volunteering at AHS for several years,” said Bartelt of volunteering for AHS. “I may not have been paid but in my heart I was rich and fulfilled.”

As a part of receiving the Lifetime Achievement President’s Volunteer Service Award, Bartelt received a Lifetime Achievement token, a padfolio with a certificate and a sealed letter of thanks, both signed by President Joseph Biden. The requirements to receive such an honor included being a US Citizen, a nomination by a credible non-profit with 501C3 status, 4,000+ hours over a lifetime and for the nomination to be accepted by AmeriCorps.

“AHS is so grateful for all of our amazing volunteers, like Gloria, who continue to show up each day and shower our pets with the love and care they so deserve,” said AHS President and CEO, Dr. Steven Hansen. “Gloria’s dedication to matching adoptable pets with Valley pet lovers has resulted in thousands of happy families over the years and this incredible honor is very well deserved.”