Burgess recognized as chamber’s top volunteer
Bonner County Daily Bee | UPDATED 2 weeks, 1 day AGO
Greater Sandpoint Chamber Executive Director Joan Urbaniak, left, is pictured after honoring Val Burgess as the organization's top volunteer for June.
Photo courtesy GREATER SANDPOINT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
SANDPOINT — The Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has recognized Val Burgess as its June Volunteer of the Month, honoring her outstanding commitment to service, leadership and community impact throughout Bonner County.
Burgess is in her fifth year as the Bonner County Historical Society & Museum's volunteer coordinator and also serves as a board member. She is the brain behind its successful History Exchange program, where museum members get to share history topics that they're passionate about.
Chamber officials said Burgess is “the glue that holds everyone together,” keeping 70-plus museum volunteers up to date on what's going on and engaged with a huge variety of fun and challenging projects.
“She is Sandpoint's best matchmaker, matching volunteers with projects they'll love, and Val works hard to make sure each person has an experience that enriches their life,” chamber officials said.
Burgess moved to Sandpoint in the 1970s, coached soccer, ran a successful shop called Cotton Mill, moved to Seattle in the 1990s, and moved back about 10 years ago. She has never slowed down. She is also one of the masterminds behind POAC's Arts & Crafts Fair and the Bonner County Garden Association's Garden Tour.
“If you've been to a big, successful local event with lots of moving pieces, there's a good chance Val coordinated the volunteers for it,” chamber officials said. “She also somehow finds time to cultivate one of Sandpoint's most stunning gardens.”