By Dana Solomon, Senior Correspondent
The Times Union has inaugurated the Community Service Awards to recognize exceptional volunteers in New York’s Capital Region. In May 2025, the first honorees include The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation, youth volunteer Ryleigh Hotaling, and Reading is Fun, Inc. These individuals and organizations have made significant contributions to education, youth development, and health through scholarships, volunteer work, and literacy programs, showcasing the impactful role of community service in enhancing societal well-being.
A New Era of Volunteer Recognition
The Community Service Awards were established this year as a fresh initiative to honor local changemakers following the end of the Jefferson Awards by Multiplying Good. Sponsored by St. Peter’s Health Partners, the new awards aim to bring attention to volunteers and organizations that exemplify selflessness and leadership.
Each month, the awards recognize three honorees from a diverse field of nominations. A panel of judges selected nine outstanding candidates to be featured across the months of May, June, and July. The May spotlight shines on the extraordinary efforts of The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation, teenage volunteer Ryleigh Hotaling, and the literacy-focused nonprofit Reading is Fun, Inc.
The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation: A Legacy of Empowerment
The Warren & Denyse Mackey Foundation was established to continue the legacy of Warren A. Mackey, who passed away in 2021 due to heart disease. Since its inception, the foundation has directed its energy toward uplifting underserved communities through educational scholarships, youth empowerment, and health advocacy.
One of the foundation’s most impactful programs is the Heart of Hope Wellness Campaign, which offers free heart and cancer screenings to residents regardless of their insurance status. The initiative has already saved over 16 lives through early detection. In addition, the foundation awarded $23,000 in scholarships to high school seniors last year alone.
Each summer, the foundation also organizes a five-week free summer camp for youth in the community, creating safe and enriching environments for children during their school break. These programs are supported by an annual fundraising effort that brings in over $100,000, largely driven by the community and the Mackey family’s dedication.
“We are deeply honored to receive this recognition,” said Denyse Mackey, founder of the organization. “Meeting people where they are, addressing their needs holistically—that is what drives us every day.”
Ryleigh Hotaling: A Lifelong Commitment to Service
At just 19 years old, Ryleigh Hotaling has already accumulated years of meaningful service through her work at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany. Beginning as a volunteer at the age of 12, Hotaling took on responsibilities such as cleaning, organizing donations, and providing comfort items for families staying at the facility.
Over time, she became a teen ambassador, directly interacting with young patients and their families, planning events, and raising thousands of dollars for programming. Her dedication inspired many peers and adults alike, making her a role model for youth community engagement.
Now a nursing student at Russell Sage College, Ryleigh continues to devote time to volunteer work while pursuing her dream of becoming a pediatric nurse. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to give back,” she said. “Helping others is something I’ve always been passionate about.”
Reading is Fun, Inc.: Cultivating a Love for Literacy
Founded in 2012, Reading is Fun, Inc. is dedicated to improving childhood literacy in Schenectady through volunteer-powered reading support. The nonprofit organization recruits and trains more than 100 volunteers—called Reading Partners—who work weekly with elementary school students.
In 2024, the program facilitated over 7,000 one-on-one reading sessions and helped more than 225 students build home libraries through personalized book gifting. Each volunteer commits to meeting their assigned students weekly, fostering both literacy skills and positive relationships.
“The goal is to create a culture of reading and learning,” said founder Al Magid. “Every child should have the chance to discover the joy of books.”
Looking Ahead
The Community Service Awards will continue in June and July, with new honorees featured each month. The celebration will culminate at the Capital Region Gives event later this summer.
By showcasing the efforts of these individuals and organizations, the awards not only recognize exceptional work but also inspire others to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.