Press Releases
Atlanta, GA – January 15, 2016 – The American Cancer Society recognized two outstanding individuals with the Volunteer Leadership Award, a prestigious national honor for volunteers with extraordinary contributions to the fight against cancer through humanitarian, distinguished service, and leadership.
The Volunteer Leadership Award recognizes volunteers with talents and commitment to make progress against cancer. The awards were presented during a ceremony in Atlanta on January 13, 2016. This year’s recipients include Kathleen M. Bond, Shaker Heights, OH; and Robert R. Kugler, Esq., Beach Haven, NJ.
“We are privileged to present this award to our volunteer leaders for their inspirational accomplishments,” said Scarlott K. Mueller, MPH, RN, chair, American Cancer Society Board of Directors. “We are honored to have such incredible volunteers whose work is substantially helping us achieve our mission to eliminate cancer.”
Kathleen M. Bond has been a volunteer for nearly 40 years, and has impacted all pillars of the Society from local fundraising and leadership, to national research and advocacy. Specifically, Bond made a significant impact on the Hope Lodge® program and worked to establish the successful Pan Ohio Hope Ride, a 328-mile, four-day bicycle event that has raised nearly $4 million since its inception. In her work with Hope Lodge, Bond helped reinvigorate a fundraising campaign to exceed goals, and established a $5 million endowment campaign. She created and implemented practices that are now important criteria for other Hope Lodge locations across the nation.
Robert R. Kugler has been a volunteer for more than four decades and is a leader in the fight against cancer contributing to the lifesaving work of the American Cancer Society and American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). His commitment to reduce tobacco use among adults and youth has led to monumental breakthroughs in the fight against tobacco, including the passing of the Clean Indoor Air Act in New Jersey, and the landmark Clean Air Ordinance in New York City. His vision and leadership also led to the opening of the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Jerome L. Greene Family Center in New York. Through his support and guidance, Hope lodge was able to meet an urgent need for free patient lodging in that area.