Governor Glenn Youngkin recognized eleven individuals and organizations for their service to communities across Virginia at the 2025 Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards. The ceremony took place on November 13, 2025, at the Executive Mansion in Richmond. The awards honor Virginians whose dedication and leadership have contributed to strengthening communities and improving lives.
Governor Youngkin said, “Service is the heartbeat of a strong community. These honorees embody the Spirit of Virginia—neighbors helping neighbors, expecting nothing in return. Their compassion, creativity, and commitment remind us that lasting change begins when we step forward to serve.”
First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin added, “The First Lady’s office has thoroughly enjoyed partnering with Serve VA to ensure that volunteerism remains at the core of our communities. Today we get to say ‘thank you’ to some of the countless Virginians who exhibit kindness, compassion, and generosity while bringing hope to the Commonwealth.”
This year’s honorees include Samuel Sachs (Youth Volunteer), Esha Venkat (Young Adult), Eliot Carlson (Adult), Bob Gilbert (Senior), VITA Tax Clinic Volunteers at TAP (Independent Group), The Grove on Patterson (Community Organization), Trails to Recovery (Community Response Organization), Fauquier County and Vicinity Ministers Coalition (Faith-Based Organization), Adaptive Gymnastics at Virginia Health Sciences (Educational Organization), CVP Windows and Doors (Small Business), and Publix Super Markets (Corporation).
The Governor’s Volunteerism & Community Service Awards have recognized exceptional service for more than three decades. They are presented by the Office of the Governor with support from the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism and Serve Virginia.
Janet V. Kelly, Secretary of Health and Human Resources, stated: “Volunteerism is where compassion turns into action. Every act of service—whether mentoring a child, helping a neighbor, or caring for those in need—strengthens the fabric of our communities. These honorees remind us that government can build programs, but it is people who bring hope.”
Virginia Department of Social Services Commissioner Kevin Erskine commented: “These awards shine a light on the people who make Virginia stronger through their service and leadership. Each honoree shows what it means to lead with heart, and their example reminds us to bring that same spirit of service and compassion to the people we serve every day.”
Joel R. Morgan, Chair of the Virginia Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism said: “Virginia’s volunteers lead by example, proving that service is not just an act, but a way of life. Their dedication strengthens our communities, inspires others to get involved, and reminds us all of the power of working together for the common good.”
Leaders from around Virginia attended this year’s ceremony honoring volunteers whose efforts have had tangible impacts on individual well-being throughout the state.
More information about this year’s award recipients can be found at https://ServeVirginia.org/news-and-events/2025-governors-awards.
The Governor’s Advisory Board on Service & Volunteerism supports initiatives aimed at building stronger communities by involving diverse volunteers in addressing local needs such as education, health care, economic development, environment issues and other social challenges; details are available at https://ServeVirginia.org/about-us/governor-advisory-board.
Serve Virginia works toward creating a culture centered around volunteerism by inspiring engagement among individuals and organizations statewide; additional information can be found at https://ServeVirginia.org.
