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Join us for the 40th annual Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards!

The Mary Catherine Strobel Volunteer Awards are Middle Tennessee's largest annual celebration of volunteerism. This inspiring event is held in partnership with the family of Mary Catherine Strobel, a community volunteer best remembered for her tireless, joyful commitment to those in need. Award recipients will be announced at a celebration on Thursday, May 7, 2026, where they will receive $1,000 to donate to the charity of their choice.

Meet the Finalists

2026 Strobel Volunteer Awards Finalists

Youth Volunteer Award presented by Nashville Soccer Club

Celebrate the next generation of changemakers! This award honors young individuals (ages 5–20) who have gone above and beyond — giving their time, energy, and resources to make our community stronger, kinder, and more connected in 2025.

Ily Davis; Inspire with Love, Belle Meade Historic Site, Nashville & Scott Hamilton Skating Clubs, Scott Hamilton CARES Foundation, and more
Sergio Lopez, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee
Aurora Pfeiffer, Painting It Fwd, Inc.

Adult Volunteer Award presented by HCA Healthcare | TriStar Health

Honor the everyday heroes among us! This award celebrates adults (ages 21–59) who dedicated their time, energy, and resources to make a lasting impact on our community in 2025.

Matt Madden, Gilda’s Club of Middle Tennessee
Gaurav Mittal; Catchafire.org, Nashville Software School, America Needs You, and Pathful Connect
Dawn Warner, Monroe Harding

Older Adult Volunteer Award presented by Advance Financial

Celebrate the wisdom and dedication that strengthen our community! This award honors volunteers ages 60+ who gave their time, energy, and resources to create lasting impact in 2025.

David Donoho, American Red Cross & Portland Pay It Forward
Gene Levine, Conexión Américas
Anita Reed, Nashville Shakespeare Festival

Social Justice Impact Award presented by the University of Tennessee College of Social Work

Through advocacy, outreach, and service, this award honors those who have strived to ensure that everyone has access to resources, information, and the chance to participate fully in community life in 2025. Their actions reflect a deep commitment to dignity, inclusion, and positive change.

Nathan Foust, Nashville International Center for Empowerment
Meredith McKinney, The Black Book Project
Allison Quintanilla Plattsmier; ENP, The Congressional Award, ALPFA Nashville, Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, Futuro, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals

Disaster Response Award presented by Kroger

This award honors individuals who stepped up to help communities prepare for, respond to, or recover from disasters in 2025. Whether through relief efforts, prevention initiatives, or rebuilding after crisis, these volunteers bring hope and resilience when it matters most.

Rob Coleman, American Red Cross
Gabe Herndon, Hands On powered by United Way of Greater Nashville
Case White, Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee

The Charles Strobel Legacy of Service Award presented by Amazon

This award honors individuals whose lifelong commitment to volunteerism has left an enduring mark on our community and inspired countless others to create positive change. Named in memory of Charles Strobel—Mary Catherine’s son—who dedicated his life to service and honored the dignity of all people, this award shines a light on those who carry forward that same spirit of love.