United Way of 1000 Lakes chooses finalists for Volunteer of the Year

GRAND RAPIDS — The United Way of 1000 Lakes announced finalists for its annual Volunteer of the Year Award.

Each spring, the United Way celebrates extraordinary service with the award at its Community Impact Celebration. The finalist announcement coincides with National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, with the organization announcing that it also facilitated more than 400 volunteer connections last year.

This year’s finalists are Shannon Antilla with Great Tails Animal Rescue, Dorothy Duquette with the Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids and Greenway, Madelen Schuemann with Grace House and Anthony Scholler with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity.

The winner, selected by a United Way panel, will be announced at the Community Impact Celebration, 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 22. Admission to the celebration at Timberlake Lodge will be free, but reserving seats is recommended at the United Way’s website.

“National Volunteer Month reminds us that meaningful change is powered by ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” stated Kimberly Brink Smith, executive director of United Way of 1000 Lakes, in a news release. “Each finalist embodies that principle, dedicating countless hours to create a healthier, more vibrant region. Volunteers are the backbone of our work.”

Anttila is a co-founder and president of Great Tails Animal Rescue. She is credited with being the driving force behind its success since 2018, navigating the complex nonprofit status process and helping secure a 7,000-square-foot facility for a permanent animal shelter expected to break ground this spring.

“With a full‑time job, family, and other commitments, she has managed to stay on track, motivating others in the organization and remaining the constant in the organization,” said fellow volunteer Roberta Yates.

About a decade ago, Duquette and others recognized the need for accessible after‑school care in the Bovey/Coleraine area. Partnering with a similar group in Grand Rapids, they launched the Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids and Greenway in 2017. Duquette has been an advisory board member since the club's inception and now serves as board president.

“It’s easy to describe Dorothy Duquette in one word. As a pastor, ‘faithfulness’ seems most fitting. But to the children she works with, her steadfastness isn’t just about her faith — it’s about her ‘presence,’” said Development Director Britta Arendt. “To them, she’s the warm smile, the gentle reminder to follow directions, the helping hand pouring juice or sharpening a pencil.”

Since 2011, Schuemann has dedicated herself to Grace House, the release said. During her six years on the board — including two as president — she helped guide the organization through pivotal transitions, including the purchase and remodel of the current shelter and the hiring of two executive directors.

“Madelen is truly a volunteer extraordinaire for Grace House!” said Executive Director Ron Oleheiser. “We all appreciate her volunteer work so much. She is truly passionate about supporting the guests we serve who are experiencing homelessness and that is why she has given her time and talents for the past 15 years.”

What began as a college requirement quickly turned into a passion, and even after fulfilling his obligation, the Itasca County Habitat for Humanity stated that Scholler remains a steadfast volunteer at its ReStore. Despite moving to Duluth for college, he continues his weekly commute to Grand Rapids, demonstrating his deep commitment.

“He is a shining example of the power of consistent, selfless service,” noted Manager Brandi Malenius. “He reminds us that even the quietest voices can make the loudest impact.”