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2009 Service of Excellence Award recipients were announced by Interfaith of The Woodlands at its spring luncheon. Honored for their significant contribution and commitment to the community through volunteerism are: Bunny Benditz – Fine Arts; Heather Montgomery – Seniors; Dr. Joel Reed – Health; Ed Thorney – Education; and Kathy Wojtczak – Youth.

Bunny Benditz has a contagious enthusiasm for her love of the arts. In addition to serving on the Pavilion ’s board of directors in 2007 and 2008, Benditz has served on the Pavilion Partners board of directors for nine years, including a three-year term as president. She is involved with the Pavilion ’s annual children’s festival and is the creator/chair for the Partners’ craft committee, which creates hands-on crafts for hundreds of children as part of the pre-concert activities at the Pavilion. Benditz also helps to raise funds supporting performing arts events, education outreach programs and fine arts scholarships. She initiated and served as chair of The Woodlands ArtFest in 2002 and 2003, now the Woodlands Waterway Arts Festival. “Bunny epitomizes someone who invests herself in our community and the area of fine arts, and who greatly inspires others through her dedication, ” said Jerry MacDonald.

Heather Montgomery is someone who has enriched many lives by her commitment to serving others. Carmen Pellettieri at the Friendship Center shared, “Anyone whose path has crossed Heather’s, whether in her role as a key staff member to Congressman Kevin Brady or whose life has been touched by her service, knows that her dedication, commitment and leadership is from a sincere desire to enrich the lives of others. ” For years, Montgomery has been involved with the Friendship Center, and numerous senior adults have reaped the benefits of her passion. She has volunteered her time in many capacities at the Friendship Center including board of directors officer, member and committee chair, helping to shape policies and guidelines of the organization.

Dr. Joel Reed shows enormous passion and compassion for the health care industry, while exhibiting humility in his profession. A retired pulmonary specialist, Reed is founder of Park Plaza hospital, located at the Medical Center in Houston. Dr. Reed ’s contributions are not limited to the hospital as he has also given more than 10 years of service to patients at the South Montgomery County Community Clinic. He also works with the ALL program, designed for individuals over age 55, at Lone Star College/Montgomery Campus. Reed was part of the original planning team that helped the ALL program get its start in 2000, and he supports the campus by teaching classes on health and staying healthy. According to Bob Williams, “The Service of Excellence Award in Health is a recognition that Reed richly deserves. ”

Ed Thorney is instrumental in promoting success and making a difference in the lives of many young people. He has been a volunteer at Buckalew Elementary for seven years. A World War II veteran, Thorney visits every Buckalew classroom and works with children one-on-one or in groups at least twice a week. He enjoys telling stories and explaining past history to the children as well as providing academic assistance and encouragement to the teachers. Linda Crews, Buckalew principal, stated “Thorney’s energy is an inspiration to us all and even though he is a volunteer, everyone at Buckalew considers him an official faculty member complete with his very own mailbox. The children will always remember Mr. Ed Thorney. ”

Kathy Wojtczak “is a beautiful example of a person willing to give her time and talents to helping the children of The Woodlands, ” according to May Eyman. Wojtczak has joyfully served children in the community for nearly 20 years. She also spent numerous hours working at the Woodlands Children ’s Museum coordinating the Critter Room, field trips and birthday parties. In addition, Wojtczak brings educational opportunities to children through WOW Science Camp, Barbara Bush science lab, tutoring, and serving as Mitchell Intermediate room mom and Sunday school teacher at The Woodlands United Methodist Church. She gives her time to the Rehabilitation Center for physically challenged children, Special Olympics, the Indiana School for the Blind, Girl Scouts and many more. Wojtczak ’s commitment and dedication to youth has enriched the lives of countless young people.