Carolyn Achenbach Named United Way Volunteer of the Year

Botanical Garden of the Piedmont is immeasurably proud to report that 2024 United Way of Greater Charlottesville Volunteer of the Year is Carolyn Achenbach for her inspiring service to the Garden! On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the Caring for Community Awards presented by Woodard Properties, Carolyn’s momentous award was accepted on her behalf by her son, Jess Achenbach. Carolyn couldn’t be present in person, but sent in remarks saying, “I am deeply appreciative and honored to receive this recognition, especially considering the number of committed volunteers to the Botanical Garden of the Piedmont who have spent so much of their time, expertise and enthusiasm working to successfully create and build the Garden. I truly believe in the benefits of education, enjoyment and wellbeing that The Garden will provide and that it will have the potential to enrich and enhance the lives of ALL in our community.”

Winning this award is one milestone on a long and scenic journey. When Carolyn was invited to join the Board by a neighbor, “I naively pictured myself digging in the dirt and cultivating flowers. It didn’t take long to realize that creating a Botanical Garden is a gigantic undertaking and much passion, many talents (that have little to do with working the soil) and countless hours are needed before the first scoop of soil can be dug!”

Read More in the Winter Edition of the Newsletter