A Look Back on 2024...
Event Photo Gallery
Click here to view photos of our wonderful Ambassadors enjoying the event!
2025 Ambassador Award Winners
Each year, Lifeline of Ohio honors a select number of individuals and presents them with awards based on their time and dedication to serving Lifeline of Ohio's mission of saving and healing lives through the gift of donation.
We are truly grateful for the time and commitment of these and all of our wonderful Ambassadors!
Ambassador of the Year
Arliss Warthman
Arliss has been a cherished member of the Lifeline of Ohio family for more than 12 years, contributing nearly 2,100 hours to support our mission. From office projects to Shawls of Support, community events and so much more, Arliss never hesitates to jump in wherever she is needed. Her willingness to lend a hand is matched only by her generosity of spirit and her warmth toward everyone she encounters. Beyond her countless contributions, Arliss has also mentored and inspired new ambassadors, sharing her experience, guidance and encouragement to help others grow and thrive in their roles.
Arliss’ dedication has touched every corner of Lifeline of Ohio and the communities we serve. Her consistent presence, positive attitude and boundless heart are a shining example of what it means to serve with purpose. We are incredibly grateful for all that Arliss has given and continues to give to promote organ, eye and tissue donation. Congratulations to Arliss for making such a lasting impact!
Rookie of the Year
Gerald Heller
Though Gerald has been volunteering with Lifeline of Ohio for just over a year, he has already made an incredible impact, contributing almost 50 hours of dedicated service. Gerald is a force—always the first to jump in and the last to step away. His energy, determination and “can do” attitude set a shining example for everyone around him.
Gerald approaches every task with enthusiasm, whether it’s helping with events, supporting office projects or lending a hand wherever it is needed most. His commitment, reliability and willingness to go above and beyond have made a real difference in our mission and in the lives of the people we serve. Lifeline of Ohio is deeply grateful for Gerald’s passion, hard work and unwavering dedication, and we are thrilled to honor him as our Rookie of the Year. Congratulations, Gerald!
Honey Bees of Hope
Dash for Donation Volunteers
Alison Pleasants and Tamra Werner, our extraordinary Dash for Donation interns, poured countless hours into ensuring this year’s race ran seamlessly. Their dedication, thoughtfulness and teamwork kept everything on track and created a welcoming, organized experience for every participant, volunteer and guest. Alison and Tamra’s tireless efforts are reminders that events like the Dash don’t just happen, but are the result of people who give their time and hearts fully. Their commitment truly embodies the spirit of service and generosity that drives Lifeline of Ohio forward.
Alison managed Packet Pick Up and our race database with precision and care, making sure every detail was accounted for.
Tamra tackled the many tasks leading up to race day—sending emails, organizing Circle of Life Garden signs and coordinating all the behind-the-scenes work that made the event possible.
Donor Family Council
Established in July 2024, the Lifeline of Ohio Donor Family Council reflects our commitment to honoring our generous donor heroes and heroes in spirit and walking alongside their families during their time of profound loss.
Our council is made up of parents, siblings, children and spouses of donors, who have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one and the healing that can come through honoring their memory.
Over the past year, this incredible group has shared their deeply personal insights to help us:
- better support our families throughout the entire donation journey
- shape best practices that ensure compassionate care after donation
- create meaningful opportunities for connection and legacy-building
- provide ongoing grief support
We are immensely grateful for the wisdom and perspective of our council members as we live out our mission more fully, now and into the future.
Pictured: Gretchen Brooks, Bonnie & Don Glass, Sue Skorupski, Scott & Angel Meadows, Nina Miller
Not Pictured: Rachel Beltran, Steve & Mary Chivington, Ronna Dixon-Young, Jodie Haas, Nikki Malo, Gwen Moore, John & Erica Mullins, Len Richards, KeShaunta Scott, Kathleen Sheldon, Adam & Kimberly Stang
Office Support Volunteer
Sue Skorupski brings dedication, reliability and a cheerful spirit to Lifeline of Ohio every week. She consistently lends her time and energy to assist with a variety of office tasks, making our day-to-day operations run more smoothly. She also provides invaluable support to our fundraising team, handling behind the scenes work that allows our programs to thrive.
Her commitment, attention to detail and willingness to step in where needed make a difference every day. Sue’s presence reminds us that consistent, thoughtful service is the backbone of our mission, and her contributions are appreciated by all of us at Lifeline of Ohio.
Quilt Volunteers
Patsy Farmer and Jolene Penny have brought extraordinary care, creativity and heart to Lifeline of Ohio’s Donor Memorial Quilts. Together, they have completed two quilts—each one a labor of love that honors the generous individuals who gave the gifts of life, sight and healing.
Their dedication helps transform fabric into powerful symbols of comfort and hope, inspiring everyone who encounters these beautiful, meaningful works. Through their teamwork and passion, Jolene and Patsy ensure that every quilt tells a story worth remembering, keeping the spirit of generosity alive in all the places these special quilts are shared.
So much to celebrate!
In 2024 and 2025.....
In Memoriam
We would like to remember the Donate Life Ambassadors who we lost in the past year. Their contributions to our mission were invaluable, and their friendship was cherished by so many.
Join us in honoring their memories.
Kathy David
Andy Furr
Leslie Pelino
