PACO winners announced

Shawna Bleecker | Capital Journal staff

PIERRE — A good deed does not go unnoticed — especially in Pierre.

The area’s organization that recognizes Pierre’s volunteers, fundraisers and philanthropists recently selected residents who are making an impact in the Pierre/Fort Pierre community.

Pierre Area Charitable Organization will recognize Colleen Weiss as this year’s Outstanding Volunteer, Joan Likness as this year’s Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser, Seth Lopour as the Outstanding Youth Volunteer and for the first time in the 15-year history of PACO, a state department was nominated and won the Outstanding Philanthropist award.

"We look at their activities, where they volunteer or where they give money to see the impact they have had on the communities," PACO member Ellen Lee said about choosing the award recipients. "It really is looking at the whole history, the whole person."

Outstanding Volunteer Colleen Weiss

Weiss was nominated by the South Dakota Heritage Fund for her "I can do that" response to every call for help at the Cultural Heritage Center and other organizations, Lee said.

"Just like Joan and Seth, she could have been nominated by several different organizations," Lee said. "I’ve seen her in action at the hospital auxiliary. She jumps in with both feet and takes no prisoners."

Weiss has donated more than 150 hours to the Cultural Heritage Center in the past year.

"I volunteer at the heritage center a fraction of the time she puts in there," Likeness said. "She is so deserving of that volunteer award. She’s an amazing woman."

"I was absolutely surprised," Weiss said about hearing she was nominated and chosen for the award. "I didn’t expect it and it sort of came out of the blue."

Weiss, who grew up hearing her father say, "We were put on earth to help each other," volunteers her time at the Cultural Heritage Center, St. Mary’s Hospital Auxiliary, Kiwanis, her church, a sorority and is currently a co-chairwoman trying to establish a food bank in the community.

"I tell people if they are bored when they retire, they are not doing enough," Weiss said.

"There are so many things you can do in the community."

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Joan Likness

Likness was nominated by United Way for a lifetime of volunteer work and fundraising for a variety of events to improve lives of people in the Pierre

"She and her husband James could be nominated by several organizations," Lee said. "They give other people the definition of outstanding volunteer fundraiser."

"A lot of people do a lot of things and aren’t recognized for them," Likness said, humbled to have been nominated. "To be picked out of the population it is quite special. It’s a real honor"

Likness’s fundraising history started with the addition to the Oahe Family YMCA. When the Capital Area United Way was started in 1989, Likness jumped on board and served in a variety of capacities until she was term limited. She has continued to help raise money for the United Way since then. She also has raised money for her church and worked for the concert association for many years.

"I’m not just out asking for money," Likness said. "Rather I hope I present a positive case for a good cause that has benefits for others ... and in this community people are very responsive. It makes my job a lot easier."

Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Seth Lopour

Lopour, a 17-year-old senior at Stanley County High School, is an active volunteer for not-for-profit organizations, an advocate for and a leader in volunteerism. He was nominated by members of PACO after he shared his current community involvements and his future plans at a Rotary Club meeting.

"After Seth talked, a couple of us said he should be nominated for the youth volunteer award," said Lee, who is also a member of the Rotary Club.

Lopour has been involved with Teen Court for five years — most recently as a defense attorney for the program.

"The program redirects teens in trouble from a regular court to Teen Court where they are tried and sentenced by their peers," Lopour said. "The offense doesn’t go on their record — it’s basically a second chance."

Lopour is also a National Honor Society member as well as the student council president.

Lopour’s volunteerism as a defense attorney for Teen Court prompted him to go into law for a career. He was accepted to the University of South Dakota and plans to pursue a law degree.

"It’s an honor to be nominated for this," Lopour said.

Outstanding Philanthropist South Dakota Department of Social Services

The South Dakota Department of Social Services, was nominated by Bonnie Bjork for its support to organizations in Pierre and South Dakota. In 2008, the employees in all 64 offices across the state raised more than $11,000.

"It was an exciting and different kind of application," Lee said. "At first we weren’t sure, but the more we looked at what people in that department have done they are definitely philanthropists and good for the community. It wasn’t that hard of a call in the end."

From chili cook-offs to $1 jean days, silent auctions and toy drives the employees see a need in a community and work to fill it.

"Some of the big things we’ve done are chili cook-offs, department pot lucks where different divisions bring different food and the funds raised go to charity," communications director for DSS Tarah Jahnig said.

The department also participates in giving gifts to foster children at Christmas and raising money for Honor Flights.

"Staff working with folks in the field understand the needs of families," Jahnig said. "They know where the money should go."

"Sometimes the biggest struggle is getting people who work for nonprofits to support the cause they work for," Bjork said. "But I think this group of people not only committed themselves but their own pocketbooks to support their clients and their needs."

"Our employees have really big hearts," Jahnig said. "They have all been extremely generous in helping families in South Dakota and as a department we are honored."

Weiss, Likness and DSS will be given a framed print of Marian Toillion’s Pierre/Fort Pierre bridge artwork and Lopour will be awarded a $100 book scholarship for college.

Awards will be presented at the Philanthropy Day Luncheon, which will start at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, at Ramkota RiverCentre.

PACO members will also honor "Good People, Good Causes" for people who have been nominated for assistance they have given to local organizations.

Tickets are available through St. Mary’s Foundation by calling 605-224-3451. Tickets are for $15 each or a table of 8 for $120.