As the guests arrived, they were welcomed by the melodious tunes of pianist Dawna Catlin McKittrick who continued to provide the guests with dinner music until the program began. Lisa Randall, a life coach from Northway Group, welcomed the attendees and moderated for the evening. Dinner was prepared by Wylde Thyme Catering and served by Hill City High School students from the Kids Plus Grad Blast Committee.

Following dinner, five members of the Duluth-based vocal jazz ensemble Fermata Nowhere provided an energetic and musically expressive program featuring secular, pop, and off-beat pieces that moved the audience to a standing ovation. The program continued as guest speaker David Marty, president of the Reif Center in Grand Rapids shared his views on the importance of volunteerism with passion and humor. His message was reinforced by a video produced by On The Wind Video Productions which highlighted many of the Jacobson volunteers in 2007, working together to make a difference in our community.

Anticipation and excitement grew as Lisa Randall recognized each and every volunteer of the participating organizations who were later presented with a certificate of appreciation award for their service. Once its volunteer members had been honored, each organization's Volunteer of the Year was introduced and presented with a unique award featuring their named etched in glass and a gift certificate for "dinner for two". The Volunteer of the Year for each organization is as follows: Jacobson Busy Bee Seniors recognized Doris Pearson; Jacobson Charitable and Civic Club chose Elva Boatman; Carmel Lutheran Church identified Rodney Lentz; Jacobson Volunteer Fire Department selected Dale Thompson; Jacobson Community Center honored Roger Boatman; and Jacobson Landing Recreation Area picked Dale Gould.

After all of the certificates and awards were presented, the guests were surprised with the announcement of the Jacobson Community Volunteer of theYear. This special honor was given to Rodney Lentz who has contributed to this community for so many years and in so many ways. Rodney, who was moved to tears as he accepted his distinctive award, graciously thanked the community for the "gift" that was bestowed upon him.

Major contributors supporting this event were Blandin Foundation, Kenneth L. Kellar Foundtion and Lake Country Power. Michelle Nelson, Vickie Herman and Myron Ekstrand made up the committee who planned the evening. Their goal was to say "Thank You" to all of volunteers by not asking them to do a thing, an uncommon occurrence in a small community that relies heavily on their volunteers for almost every activity. After meeting weekly since January to plan the celebration, they were able to do just that.

Copied from Aitkin Independent Age Newspaper 2008