GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Three Brown County volunteers are receiving honors from the state for their commitment to helping the community.
The Governor’s Service Awards were given out during a statewide ceremony in Madison earlier this month, but three local volunteers missed the event. Because of this, the awards came to them Thursday afternoon.
Joe and Audrey Leisgang, coined an “iconic duo,” received the Volunteer of the Year award for their work in the cardiac healthy community.
They received their award during an appreciation event for Bellin Health volunteers. The couple has been volunteering with Bellin for nearly two decades — totaling over 12,000 volunteer hours with the organization.
Apart from their work with Bellin, the couple has also held leadership roles with the Concerned Hearts Club and helped fundraise for over 20 AEDs for the community. They’ve also devoted 25 years to supporting the American Red Cross of Wisconsin. There are numerous other organizations that have benefitted from the Leisgangs’ dedicated support.
Sister Sally Ann Brickner also received the Volunteer of the Year Award. She was recognized for her work with Catholic Charities and the Green Bay Diocese.
The Sister has committed her life to support volunteer efforts for many decades. With her dedication to peace and justice, she directed the Peace and Justice Center at St. Norbert College and coordinated the Office of Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation for the Sisters of St. Agnes. Sister Ally Ann is also passionate about supporting environmental groups and has worked with many sustainability groups, including the Clean Water Action Council.
For the past few years, Sister Sally Ann has supported the Refugee Resettlement program through the Green Bay Diocese. From working behind the scenes with data gathering to being out front and providing needed transportation to refugees, Sister Sally Ann has held several other positions in the Diocese.
