Cindy Schmehl Named 2022 Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year
With over 10 years of volunteer experience, Schmehl’s efforts impact individuals both locally and internationally
SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize Cindy Schmehl with the 2022 Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year Award. Schmehl will receive the award at the Chamber’s 103rd Annual Dinner on May 17.
“Our impact sector greatly benefits from individuals like Cindy Schmehl,” said Todd Shimkus, president, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. “Cindy’s tireless dedication to To Love a Child, as well as numerous other Saratoga County organizations, ensures our neighbors throughout the community are supported and provided with the services they need and deserve. We look forward to honoring her and her efforts to make a difference in our community.”
The Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes and honors one community member annually who embodies a spirit of dedication, passion, innovation, and commitment to improving our community by working or volunteering for more than one non-profit organization.
For more than ten years, Schmehl has dedicated her time and energy to helping people not only in Saratoga County but also in less fortunate parts of the world, including Zimbabwe and Haiti. Since founding the organization in 2009, Schmehl has acted in the volunteer position of executive director of To Love a Child, leading the organization’s effort to provide humanitarian assistance to impoverished children and their families to help create a better future and quality of life for all. Through To Love a Child, Schmehl has spearheaded the construction of a school in Zimbabwe and worked with other team members to provide medical care, education, solar, gardens, food and other opportunities for people and families in remote villages.
Along with her work with To Love a Child, Schmehl has volunteered in a variety of capacities with local organizations, including, but not limited to, serving as past president of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club where she currently remains a charter member and originating its Pumpkin Pals for Pediatrics project; acting as an active member of the Saratoga-Wilton Kiwanis; participating as an active member of Soroptimist International of Saratoga County; and serving on the Episcopal Diocese’s Mission Committee. Through her participating in the Livestrong Program at the Saratoga YMCA, Schmehl is now a mentor for Livestrong and Beyond where she meets with fellow cancer survivors to provide compassionate support, understanding and friendship during challenging times.
Schmehl will be honored at the Chamber’s 103rd “Stronger Together” Annual Dinner the evening of May 17, 2022. She will be joined by Ellen Sax who received the award in 2021.
This will be the first time in two years the Chamber has hosted its Annual Dinner in person. Due to the pandemic, Sax was unable to accept her award in person last year and will be appropriately recognized in person this year.
As vice president of Community Engagement at MVP Health Care, Sax works to develop and implement MVP’s philanthropic focus, expanding MVP’s presence in the community through charitable giving, employee engagement, and partnerships with non-profit organizations and community groups. Sax’s extensive involvement in the community includes serving as board chair of the B’nai B’rith Gideon Foundation, acting as trustee for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation’s Upstate Northeastern NY Chapter, helping found the Alliance for the Creative Economy (ACE), and serving on the Board Emeriti of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region.
“Ellen’s volunteer work across various organizations within the Capital Region and Saratoga County have helped countless individuals,” said Shimkus. “Her dedication to building partnerships and connecting the community benefit so many and makes Saratoga County even stronger.”
For more information on the Chamber’s 103rd Annual Dinner, to reserve a table, or become a sponsor, please visit: https://bit.ly/3Omr4XO
About the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce: Since 1918, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has been opening doors and closing deals for businesses throughout the Saratoga County community. Guided by a strong and sustainable vision, the Chamber leads the way in maintaining and strengthening a healthy business climate, initiating constructive community action, and creating a community where all can thrive.
