Thanks to all Shelter Volunteers, Especially our Annual Service Award Winner

2011 Shelter Service Award: Debra Nichols

Since 2003, the Orcas APS has bestowed Volunteer of the Year Awards (now called the Shelter Service Award) to people who have rendered extraordinary service to the shelter and its mission. This year’s recipient is Debra Nichols, who has served on the board of directors in various roles, from President to Treasurer to Fundraising Committee Chair.

During nearly six years of service, Debra has overseen efforts to take the shelter’s finances to a new level of soundness and professionalism. With her eagle eye for detail, business savvy, and dedication, she has seen to it that the organization’s accounting, reporting, nonprofit status and tax filings comply with changing laws and industry best practices. Sexy stuff? To some, maybe not. But sound finances are the lifeblood of a healthy nonprofit, and Debra has helped raised the organization’s standards with unflagging energy and zeal.

Debra has devoted countless hours to providing for the shelter’s continued operation through various fundraising activities. She organized the last two annual wine-pairing dinner auctions, and has also made possible our perennially best-selling auction item, the renowned and coveted Trisha Loop/Debra Nichols gourmet dinners. These dinners have, indirectly, fed and comforted hundreds of dogs and cats.

She does it all because of her passionate love and concern for the animals that the shelter exists to protect—with a special soft spot in her heart for black labs, especially her beloved Druzy and Opal and their less fortunate counterparts on Orcas and beyond.