1 Diane Bosek, AmeriCares Foundation 

Diane Bosek joined AmeriCares this past October as a volunteer in the finance department. She and her family have been steadfast supporters of AmeriCares since 2001. After 9/11, Diane and her husband felt more than ever the need to give back. Hoping to instill a sense of social responsibility in their children, they asked them to choose a charity which the family could support. They chose AmeriCares and have been ardent supporters ever since. A resident of Darien, Diane comes to AmeriCares following a successful career in the field of finance and technology. She holds an MBA and Certificate in Accounting and has contributed to various projects for the finance department, working two days a week in our Stamford headquarters. "I've always wanted to become more involved with AmeriCares; it's such a wonderful organization," said Diane. "I am able to use my professional skills and education in a way that makes a real difference."  

2 Dr. Albert Burke, AmeriCares Free Clinics 

Dr. Burke lives in Norwalk and began volunteering at the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Norwalk when the clinic first opened in 1994. His work at the clinic has proved immensely satisfying, as he practices medicine in a patient-centered environment, free from the typical medical field bureaucracy. Dr. Burke's sense of duty and spirit of volunteerism date back more than 50 years to his time as a medical student. While in medical school, he learned that along with the privileges of being a doctor came "the responsibility to use one's skills to take care of those less fortunate." Recently, in a chance encounter, Dr. Burke  treated a patient at the Norwalk clinic he had delivered almost 40 years ago.  

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3 Sonia Kieras, RN, AmeriCares Free Clinics 

A Danbury resident and former nurse at a convalescent home, Sonia began volunteering at the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Danbury 11 years ago. After raising five children, she suddenly found herself with some extra free time and decided she was ready to volunteer her skills as a nurse. "It was time to give back," said Sonia. One visit to the clinic and a meeting with Karen Gottlieb, Executive Director of the AmeriCares Free Clinics, and she was hooked on volunteering. As a mother of five and grandmother of six, some of Sonia's fondest memories of her experience at the Danbury clinic have been of her work treating expectant mothers. Wholly dedicated to her role at the clinic, Sonia cherishes the time she gets to spend with the clinic's patients, staff and fellow volunteers.

4 Maielle Helman, AmeriCares Free Clinics 

Maielle volunteers as an interpreter at the AmeriCares Free Clinic of Bridgeport. A resident of Old Greenwich, she has an impressive array of international experience, living abroad in Mozambique, Mexico and Nicaragua and traveling extensively throughout Central and South America. Her fluency in Spanish and Portuguese proves a tremendous asset in forging relationships with the patients; making them feel comfortable not only by speaking their native language, but talking to them about their lives back home. "When patients are not feeling well they are very grateful to have someone interpret for them," Maielle said. "I always ask where they are from and more often than not I have been to their country. They are so excited not only because I have a knowledge of their language, but because I have an understanding of their world."

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5 Ken Weigand, AmeriCares HomeFront  

When Ken Weigand started running a modest contracting firm following college, he could never have guessed that years later he would draw on those very same talents in his own volunteer efforts for AmeriCares HomeFront. Ken first joined HomeFront in the early 1990s, stepping in at the last minute to lead a project. Eventually, Ken became a District Captain for HomeFront, volunteering his time outside his career in banking to help the program assess homeowner applicants. Since joining HomeFront, Ken has taken a lead role, helping forge long-lasting relationships with corporate partners and faith-based organizations like Webster Bank and the Diocese of Bridgeport. A recipient of HomeFront's "Hope Builders" Award, Ken's contributions are multi-dimensional, serving as an individual donor, office volunteer and spokesperson. Why does Ken continue to volunteer with HomeFront year after year? According to him, it's simple: "You guys pay me with the kind of currency that I can't get anywhere else."

6 Tina Fotu, Camp AmeriKids 

Tina Fotu has been a Camp AmeriKids volunteer since 1998. Every July, she makes the long trip to camp from her home in Brisbane, Australia. Although the trip takes over 24 hours, Tina always arrives at camp with a smile, ready to bring joy and magic to all the children who attend our program. She has worn many different hats during the summer sessions – from dance instructor to sports facilitator – and fills each role with incredible energy and grace. It's through Tina's guidance that so many of our campers are able to explore and showcase their individual abilities during our talent show each summer. Over the years, Tina has introduced Camp AmeriKids to countless artists and performers from New Zealand and Australia. Thanks to her recruiting efforts our program staff is always comprised of extraordinary people who lend their talent, skills and inspiration to everyone at camp. "This is the best part of my year – I can't wait to see the kids and staff," said Tina. "I live for these weeks. They change my perspective on life and leave me on an absolute high every time they come to an end. I can't imagine not being part of camp."

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