GRAND RAPIDS — United Way of 1000 Lakes presented its 2025 Volunteer of the Year Award to Shannon Anttila, co-founder and president of Great Tails Animal Rescue.
Great Tails Animal Rescue works to find permanent homes for stray, abandoned and surrendered animals in Itasca County. Anttila helped start the volunteer-based nonprofit in 2018.
United Way gave Anttila the award at its 2025 Community Impact Celebration on May 22. The award honors individuals who have given their time, energy and passion to making their community a better place.
Anttila was one of four finalists for the award, including Anthony Scholler with Itasca County Habitat for Humanity, Madelen Schuemann with Grace House and Dorothy Duquette with the Boys & Girls Club of Grand Rapids and Greenway.
“Volunteers are the heart of our work,” said United Way Board Member Sara Rose in a news release. “Their time, skills, and compassion make it possible to expand reach, fill service gaps, and support lasting change.”
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