“Many people will walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.”– Eleanor Roosevelt
When an impulse comes from the heart, nothing can get in the way–not even a global pandemic. Just ask Hepzibah volunteers Landon Adelstein, Luca Diomede, Shafik Memon and Elliot Zubkus, who persevered in their efforts to mentor, educate, enrich and entertain the children we served while the world was in lockdown.
This year we honored these big-hearted humanitarians with Hephzibah HeartPrint Award. Created in 2001, this award recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to our mission, as well as attributes such as reliability, a positive attitude, and willingness to learn and adapt when challenges arise. We are deeply grateful to these teens for their gifts of time and service—and wish them all the best in their future endeavors!
LANDON ADELSTEIN: Landon volunteered as a Huskie Helper from 2019-2021 and served as an officer for the group. A natural leader with a kind demeanor and an impressive work ethic, Landon really stepped up during the pandemic, leveraging the Zoom platform to connect with his fellow Huskie Helpers, keep the group’s members excited and engaged during a difficult year and brainstorm creative ideas for virtual activities, such as scavenger hunts and trivia nights for the children at Hephzibah Home.
LUCA DIOMEDE: Luca began volunteering as a young child when his mother—a member of our Western Auxiliary Board—brought him along to help out with various projects. When the Western Auxiliary launched a junior board to give teens an opportunity to make a difference through philanthropy and volunteerism, Luca served as the board’s founding president. During his tenure, he recruited new members, came up with creative engagement and fundraising ideas and brightened the lives of the children and fellow board members with his infectious enthusiasm.
SHAFIK MEMON: From 2018-2021, Shafik served as a caring, consistent and creative Big Sibling for a child living at Hephzibah Home. Before the pandemic hit, you could find him playing football or tag in the backyard with his Little Sib and anyone else who wanted to join in the fun. After the lockdown, Shafik checked in on his Little Sib virtually and cheered him on when he transitioned to a foster home. He also helped out during the holidays, volunteered at our Rodeo celebration and served up Sunday Suppers.
ELLIOT ZUBKUS: Elliot started out as a Day Care volunteer and began serving as a Big Sibling in 2019. His relaxed and outgoing personality was just what his Little Sib, who was having trouble building trusting relationships, needed. “During the pandemic, Elliot stayed in touch with his Little Sib, calling often and sending very thoughtful and creative notes,” says a Hephzibah staff member. “He received very little in return from this child, but he continued to reach out which meant more to the child than Elliot may even know.”