GLENCOE, Ill. (June 25, 2007)—Winnetka resident, Penny Kohlmeyer, was named the Chicago Botanic Garden’s “Volunteer of the Year 2006” at a recent recognition luncheon. The award originated in 1984 to recognize one volunteer as an exceptional example of the dedication and devotion demonstrated by all the Chicago Botanic Garden volunteers, and to acknowledge the amazing services every volunteer contributes to the Garden year round.

Kohlmeyer began volunteering in 2000 and since then, she has freely given more than 3,100 hours of her time to various areas at the Garden including the volunteer office, living plant documentation, special events and as a member of the “Bloom Cart” team, which highlights plants that visitors should be sure to see on their visit. Kohlmeyer has also played a key role writing monthly volunteer newsletters and training handbooks.

The former Director of Training for the Trust Department of Continental Bank, she has used those skills in mentoring new volunteers and serving as a team leader. She has helped in the Regenstein Fruit & Vegetable Garden, the Visitor Center, and at events like the Antiques & Garden Fair.

“The committee was unanimous in their selection,” said Florence Hart, board of directors, awards committee chairman. "Some of the comments about her were that she is one of the most organized, reliable, creative and hard-working volunteers at the Garden. But she is also the first to give all the credit to others. The volunteers who come in early in the mornings to work the Antiques & Garden Fair appreciate that she bakes the most delicious homemade cakes.”

"What a wonderful honor this is." Kohlmeyer said when accepting her award. "I am grateful to all of you who made it possible. I have to share this with others like Boyce Tankersley, who I work with on the Bloom Cart; Linda Doede, who I met 7 years ago when I started here after my friend Jane Lord suggested I come in for a few hours; Judy Cashen, who is so wonderful to work with; members of the Bloom Cart team; Barb Savitt, who sets such a high standard as a volunteer and a friend; and my husband who has never refused to help me when my ‘computer-reach’ has exceeded my grasp, and never complains when I step out to volunteer just a few more hours."

Kohlmeyer received a gold Volunteer of the Year pin and her name will be placed on a permanent plaque in the Garden’s Regenstein Center.

In honor of her retirement, an award was established in the name of Barbara Whitney Carr. The first Barbara Whitney Carr Excellence in Leadership Award was presented to Robert D. Hevey, Jr., leader of the weekend horticulture volunteer team.

Also honored at the luncheon were volunteers who have been a part of the Chicago Botanic Garden for five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years and those who have contributed a significant amount of hours during the past year. Before the final award was presented, volunteer Richard S. Baer read his original poem, “The Saga of Carolus Linnaeus Or The Pride of Sweden,” a humorous piece on the sculpture in the Heritage Garden, in honor of Linnaeus' 300th birthday.

The Chicago Botanic Garden has more than 1,100 volunteers who contribute their time and talents to the Garden. In 2006, these dedicated individuals gave more than 80,000 hours of volunteer service. For information on volunteer opportunities at the Chicago Botanic Garden, call Judy Cashen, Manager of Volunteer Services, at (847) 835-8392, or visit the Garden’s website at www.chicagobotanic.org/volunteer.