James J. Byrnes Award Nominees honored for dedicated volunteering

At a small ceremony on the evening of Monday, May 21, at Tompkins Trust Company several individuals and a well-known local organization were awarded for their dedication and service through volunteerism here in the community. The James J. Byrnes Awards for Excellence are given to winners that “make a significant contribution towards improving the quality of life for others either as a major component of a non-profit organization or through individual philanthropic efforts,” and “Generously volunteer time and effort, on an ongoing basis, to activities which help others in Tompkins County,” according to a release.

Along with the award, the winners were given the chance to designate funds from a special Tompkins Trust Company Endowment towards an organization of their choice.

This year’s winners: Anne Haus, a tireless volunteer at the Trumansburg Food Pantry; the Hangar Theater Board of Directors, an entirely volunteer group that has dedicated themselves to the local art scene; Dan Krall, a dedicated volunteer and landscape expert with the Ithaca Children’s Garden; and Karli Buday, an outstanding volunteer for the Area 17 Special Olympics Program.