Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual who, over the course of his or her lifetime, has made significant contributions to Utah through volunteer efforts (either as a volunteer, a manager of volunteers, or a combination of both). The judges may elect not to present this award this year.

For more information or to nominate an individual please contact the Utah Commission on Volunteers at 1-888-755-UTAH (Toll-free in Utah) or 1-801-538-8700 (Outside of Utah) or Download the nomination form.

2007 Winner

Governor's Lifetime Achievement Award:

Violet B. Honey

A lifetime of volunteer service has given Violet B. Honey some great memories to look back on over the past 102 years!   During World War II, Violet served her community as a Minute Woman. Later, she served in the Red Cross, 4-H clubs, and the Daughters of the Utah Pioneers, of which she is still a member.  She has given countless hours to her church in various capacities. At 89 years,  she would walk her neighborhoood daily to pick up trash and make sure it was clean. Violet has continued serving and lately has made baby afghans and hundreds of beautiful crocheted scarves for those in need. Her long life of service has been twice blessed, blessing the lives of others and blessing her own life as well.

Past Winners

2006 Winner

Jim Boone

Accepting for Jim Boone

Jim Boon helps others achieve what he values in his life; being active outdoors.  He joined Summit Cyclists in Cache Valley in 1986 and wrote their newsletter as well as a newsletter for the Quaker group for 3 years…On A Typewriter!  IN the early 90’s he became involved with the Boy Scouts.  He went on camping and boating trips and teaches bicycling merit badge classes.  He was troop leader for 2 years for a Navajo Troup.  He is the editor of Boating the Bear, a Bridgerland Audubon Society guidebook for non-motorized recreation on the Bear River.

Common Ground, a non-profit that provides adaptive outdoor recreation for adults and kids with disabilities, began in 1993 and there was no equipment.  Volunteers would bring their personal equipment for activities.  ON the first Common Ground canoe trip, Jim showed up with a trailer full of his handmade wooden canoes to use that day.   For 13 years now, Jim has been an active part of Common Ground.  Jim’s handmade canoes have been donated to the Common Ground fundraiser auctions, as well as bikes to the bike program.  He maintained a fleet of adaptive bikes for a summer spending 20 hours a week on their care.

Jim has provided a welcoming face, dinner invitations, furniture, cycling companionship and much more to people who are new in the area. 

Once, out with a snowshoeing group (some participants must be pulled on a sled if their disabilities required and he was pulling one) He was heard to say:  “Back when I was only 70, I could pull one of these things no problem.  But now that I’m 82, it’s a bit harder.”

Jim embodies the spirit of volunteering.  He shares his love and knowledge with those who are interested.  He has helped Common Ground enhance the lives of people with disabilities through outdoor recreation for several years and shows no sign of stopping.