Congrats to Rynae Benson for being honored as an outstanding community volunteer!
Name: Rynae Benson
Nominating Organization: Colette’s Children’s Home
Honoree Category: Human & Community
Why Nominated: When Rynae started volunteering with Colette’s Children’s Home (CCH), a home for homeless woman with children, she wasted no time jumping in and becoming involved in any way possible. In her first year volunteering, she worked with CCH staff, and with members of CCH Board of Directors. Rynae worked with the women and children to identify their needs and developed a plan in order for them to have their needs met. In 2010 she started organizing weekly activities for a weekly children’s group program and helped implemented a birthday club for the homeless children. For Valentine’s Day she prepared personalized gifts from the children to their mothers. In Spring, Rynae has put together hundreds of Easter Baskets and eggs for egg hunts for the children and captured their smiles with her camera as they received them. In May she organized a group of volunteers to gather donations of robes & slippers and put together gift bags together for the Mother’s.
In fall Rynae and her son held a Halloween costume drive to donate costumes to the children who would have not been able to celebrate Halloween. In 2012 Rynae joined the fundraiser advisory board where Rynae found another way to dedicate her time and services to CCH. In addition, Rynae has worked passionately to involve and educate others about homeless issues and stewardship activities.
For the past three years Rynae has organized co-workers, family members and friends to adopt families for Christmas. The roles that Rynae has taken on go above and beyond. The energy and enthusiasm she has towards helping is contagious and has played a large role in her efforts to recruit other volunteers. She participates in the Verizon Volunteer Incentive program and has had proceeds awarded to Colette’s Children’s Home. All of her deeds are extremely thoughtful and are appreciated by the women, children, and staff of Colette’s Children’s Home. She is a shining example of the diverse volunteer opportunities within Colette’s Children’s home and we look forward to her continued leadership.
Please write a note of congratulations below!
2015 Spirit of Volunteerism Awards 
Rynae, I’d like to take a moment to tell everyone how amazing you truly are. I met Rynae in 2010. She has volunteered with CCH at our children’s program every Thursday evening and other countless events. She truly is an angel. She is very kind, selfless, and generous.
Rynae, you inspire me to become more involved and to give back to the community by giving one of the most important things a person could have, time. In the time that you have spent with myself, the women and children of the program you have created relationships that will last a lifetime. You are not only a volunteer to me, you are a part of my CCH family, a close friend and an inspiration.
Words cannot express my gratitude. Thank you for being the beautiful person you are, you have touched so many hearts and changed countless lives. 🙂
– Jessica Cruz
Congratulations Rynae~!
Your labor of love is such an inspiration to the children, mothers, and staff of Colette’s Children’s Home~~ Week in and week out your dedication and commitment warms the hearts of many. We are so blessed to have you — a mother and woman full of care and compassion for others.
I have noticed your son having many of the same wonderful traits as you. Coming as no surprise, he reaches out and befriends others easily setting the same examples that we wish for all children growing up in these oftentimes difficult times we live in.
Rynae, thank you for your servant’s heart, and for choosing to share it with those who live and work at Colette’s Children’s Home.
Lisa Escobar
Rynae – I always tell everyone how amazing you are, but anyone that knows you already knows that. You are an amazing mother, you are an amazing friend to so many, an amazing sister, an amazing aunt, amazing at work, so why wouldn’t you be amazing at your humanitarian work too! You have an AMAZING HEART and set such a good example for all of us. You have gotten my kids and myself involved in your many efforts along with their friends too! Your spirit and heart are put into everything you do and we all reap the benefits of that. I’m so happy that you are being recognized because you really go above and beyond what I’m sure Collette’s expects from their Volunteers. And at Easter all the kids and parents smiles and hugs for you shows how much what you give is given back to you. You are a great example to all of us and your efforts are contagious which is why you are always able to get so many involved. I love you and I’m your biggest fan. Your sis, Mel
Rynae- The gift of your precious heart and time that you give to these much deserving mothers and their children will be felt in our community for years to come. You selflessly give so much of yourself to this wonderful organization and I am so very proud of all that you have accomplished. You are truly a super woman, because you so effortlessly seem to balance your career, your family, friends and philanthropy. You make it all look so easy. It’s because its done with such sincerity, love and compassion. You have inspired me to be a better person and I too now volunteer. Thanks for being such a great role model to so many of us. You so totally deserve this award! I’m so very proud of you. I love you and I’m your 2nd biggest fan. Your sis, Lyrae
There don’t seem to be enough superlatives to accurately describe Rynae…she is truely a wonderful person and a great role-model. I have worked with Rynae for 12 years and she brings the same level of excellence and drive to everything she does…..from being the perfect hostess at the perfectly-planned event to organizing yearly wrapping parties for Christmas gifts for the families at Collette’s, she excels at everything she puts her mind to. And all the while, Rynae never fails to share her joy for life and vicious sense of humor!
Rynae…
Congratulations on being nominated and honored as an outstanding community volunteer specifically for Collette’s Children Home! You are truly amazing and are the most self-less person I know. I am glad you are being recognized for your constant giving. I cherish our friendship and appreciate all that you have done for my family and I over the years.
YAHOO!!!!
Congrats, Tommy
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart…and Rynae Benson has a huge heart! I have had the pleasure of being able to call Rynae my friend for almost ten years. In those ten years, I have observed her kindness for her family, friends and co-workers, as well as experienced it directly time & time again. Congratulations Rynae on being honored in such an awesome manner. It is well deserved. XO
Congratulations Rynae! Your dedication and support of Collette’s is so amazing and I am very proud to know you! You are one of the most generous people I have ever met and I have watched in amazement how you have organized the Easter baskets, the holiday party and gifts for the children, the robes for Mothers Day, etc. You are making such a difference in the lives of many people and I want to thank you for all you have done for myself and my family as well. I am so happy you are being recognized for your hard work and dedication, you truly deserve it! Love, Geri
This is a well-deserved accolade for a super star in so many aspects of life. Rynae fills her day with enough activities (centered on and dedicated to her work, family, and community) to send most mere mortals to a physical and/or mental rehabilitation center. She is tireless in her devotion to those things that matter most to her. She’s a true inspiration to all, an unceasing learner, a great and true friend, and a remarkable care-giver. Hal Crookes.
Rynae, it’s great to hear that you are being honored for all your hard work and dedication to Colette’s Children’s Home. I am honored to know such a wonderful person. You are an amazing friend and you have such a BIG heart. Your dedication to helping those in need is inspiring and you truly deserve to be honored.
Love,
Connie
Rynae,
I am excited to hear that you are being honored for all that you do for Colette’s! My daughter and her children have been one of those who had to find shelter there in their Fountain Valley home. She and her children would have been on the streets if it were not for Colette’s and people like you! Your efforts, kindness, generosity for helping those in need touches my heart. You are a true inspiration to me and humanity as a whole. Without people like you in the world, there would be many mothers/families out on the streets and facing the hardships of life.
I am honored to call you my friend and to have known you for all these years! Congratulations! You deserve this honor!
Love Ya,
Noël
Congratulations Rynae!
We always knew you had a big heart. You’ve alway cared about others in a very selfless way.
Colette’s is very lucky to have you on their team. Not to mention how you fine the time to do
all this and raise an Awesome loving son too. You are one person I know who always treats
everyone you meet with love and respect ,very few people can say that. It’s great they are honoring you in this way.
You deserve it !
Luv Teri xoxo
Congratulations Rynae Way To Go… You are one of the Most Caring, selfless,Opened Hearted Person I Know and You Are One Of A Kind….. I Am So Glad To Be A Part Of Your Life and I Am Very HONORED TO KNOW YOU….Thanks For Touching So Many Lifes And Helping So Many People….. Once Again Congratulations Rynae…….. You Deserve It!
Aunt Rynae you are the most amazing person I know! You’re so caring and giving and you’re just a great person! Congratulations aunt Rynae! You deserve to be recognized for all your hard work ❤
I love you,
Madisen.
She’s the most amazing aunt in the world , she does everything for me & i know i can always count on her for anything no matter what. She really deserves this award because she always puts others before herself
Rynae, you being deserving or this honor is a huge understatement.You have a positive impact on everyone you touch, always wanting to put smiles on faces of those who need it most, and the satisfaction you get from caring with your actions inspires. Having the pleasure to work with you over the last 10 years plus, I didn’t realize how much I have benefitted from the example you set, mentoring you provide me, and most important, your belief in me.
You are a wonderful person with an even better heart, anyone who crosses paths with you leaves better for it and most times won’t get the chance to know how special you are. Thanks for being you Rynae, and congratulations for a well deserved honor, Jody.
Rynae,
As I was saying, Rynae, you continue to amaze me with your relentless pursuit of making people happy, not only monetarily, but actually getting involved, getting to know the people who need help and truly caring about what happens to them. I think they know this about you the first time they meet you.
You are so special and carry around with you an aura that most people can’t even begin to understand. I am not a very religious person, but I know there is definitely a place in Heaven for you and HOPEFULLY I will see you there some day in the far off future…along with our menagerie of pets!
Signed,
Your “wanna be” sista, Donna
Rynae, this is just one more reason I am proud to call you my friend. You are a great wife, mother, sister, daughter and friend. We have known eachother a very long time and our memories are of good times. Your heart and your smile always light up the room. This honor could not have gone to a more deserving person… Love you lots !!!!
The Pizza/Wing Man,
Shawn Kirby
Oh Rynae…it was no surprise when I heard you were being honored for volunteering for such a good cause. Or for ANY cause! You were always ready and willing to help any time you heard that help was needed. I know your family is very proud of you, but I wanted you to know that I am too. It was pure pleasure working with you at the DA’s office and it was a special treat when you and your mom came to visit in Minnesota with a trip to the Harley museum in Wisconsin. You are a very special person and are loved by everyone who knows you. Congratulations to you for a well deserved honor!
An awesome person deserving of an awesome award! Congratulations Rynae.
Congratulations Rynae! You are truly a gem and I wish there were more people like you in the world as it would be a much better place! You are job an amazing person and a wonderful role model to Timmy and everyone that has the pleasure to know you! YOU ROCK! OXOXOX Kim
Rynae,
Congratulations! I can see that you truly have a passion for what you do. You’re an amazing woman and they’re lucky to have you!
Love,
Michelle
Rynae,
You are our hero and our angel. We greatly appreciate everything that you do for the homeless women and children that we serve. Your support and endless hours of volunteerism has give hope to women and children that have a had none. You are like a beacon in the night that showers love and care on the most needy and at risk in our community. Colette’s Children’s Home, staff and clients greatly appreciate all that you do. You are a great woman. We are lucky to have you.
Rynae,
Thank you so much for all that you have given of yourself to the women and children at Colette’s Children’s Home over the past several years. The support that you have provided on a weekly basis through our children’s program has made a difference in the lives of the countless children who have celebrated birthdays and holidays in such BIG ways that would not be possible without your support. I am sure that many of the memories that you have created for these children will be the some of the moments they remember when they look back as adults. The support that you have provided through through our holiday programs including adopting families, assisting at the Christmas party, Easter Egg Hunt, and Mother’s Day events has helped these events grow into the amazing events they have become. Our program is truly a stronger program because of the support that you and all of the volunteers you have recruited have provided. I am so happy that your selfless dedication is getting the recogition you so richly deserve. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of the women and children at Colette’s Children’s Home. We all love you very much!
Deby
Congratulations Rynae! Sooooo well deserved! You are such an inspiration to all. You have brightened so many lives and I am sure you will brighten so many more in the years to come! You make our world a better place and I am so proud to call you my friend. Xoxo
You are an angel ❤
Love ya!!!!!
Julie
Congratulations Rynae, this recognition couldn’t be given to anyone more deserving! Your commitment to Collette’s, to children and to volunteering is impressive, contagious and changing lives! The way you take charge and get things done reminds me of something my dad used to tell me: “if you want something done, ask a busy person!” You are busy, and yet you get “things done” and always with a smile.
Thanks for living the Verizon Credo in all of your actions. You cast a powerful leadership shadow. You are making the world a better place, one child, one woman, one heart at a time! I am proud of you. Keep up the great work
Tami Erwin
Rynae, what can I say which hasn’t already been said … you are truly remarkable … and I am very, very, proud of you. We are all so lucky to have you in our world. Love you !!
Mom
Rynae,
We can’t thank you enough for all the time and service you have devoted to Colette’s Children’s Home. You are an amazing woman who is making a profound impact by touching so many lives. You have brought countless smiles to the women and children in our program. Your willingness and desire to help is truly remarkable. We are very blessed to have you as a part of our Colette’s Children’s Home family. Congratulations!
Rynae,
You have the biggest, most amazing heart. It’s full of love and kindness and genorosity for your family, friends and for those in need. You have the ability to give love and support, to all that you meet, and you do so without ever expecting anything in return. It’s a privelege and honor to call you my life long friend. Congratulations Rynae – you deserve this nomination and recognition……and so much more for all the people’s lives you have touched in a positive way!! Myda, xo
Rynae is truly an amazing, one-of-a-kind person. She inspires me in many ways, including her commitment to Collette’s. Even more meaningful than the time and energy she puts into her volunteer work is her heartfelt care and concern for the families she meets through Collette’s. Congrats, Rynae, on this well-deserved recognition!
Rynae, you continue to amaze us everyday with all that you do for your family and for others, again Congratulations!
Your Husband Tim and Son Timmy
Rynae, Wow what can i say your such an amazing and giving women. Always putting others
first. I should know because when im short staffed you have come to my aid and have helped me with many banquets . You have such a compassion in helping others unconditionally you have touch so many hearts and have brought so many smiles to those you help at Collette’s house, you are truly loved Rynae God Bless and congrats love
Alice
I am honored to be Rynae’s colleague and friend. I have seen her compassionate heart and giving spirit time and time again. She does these wonderful things for others not for recognition but simply because it’s the way she is. Thank you Rynae! Love and Hugs, Jill
You understand the meaning of why it is better to give then to receive. You are a person who understands their gifts and talents and uses them to find their purpose. You are living your life with significance which is beyond survival and success. You are an inspiration to me and I am blessed to know you. Your smile lights a room…your heart lights up the world!
Congratulations!
Grandpa “Soapy” is very very proud of you!
I have known Rynae for almost 15 years and she has always put the needs of others before herself. What she has done with Collette’s House is an example of how she lives her life…service to others. We are all very proud of her!
Congrats Rynae !!! You’re honestly so amazing for doing what you’ve done. You’re one of the most caring and hard working person I know! You deserve this<3
Love you,
Bailee Balboa
Rynae, Wow! Congratulations!! You are an example of how we can make the world a better place by giving selflessly. I know you did for those families just because you saw a need. You are truly good hearted. Best wishes to you and yours!!
Rynae
Congrats!!! We are so happy for you! You are an amazing woman whose beauty radiates from the inside out! You give so effortless and make this whole working mom, wife, volunteer, friend, sister thing look really easy! You make me strive to be a better person! I don’t think even you realize the impact you have had on these mothers and children. Where they come from their aren’t any Rynaes! You are that light that hope that life can be different and people really do care! We love you so much and couldn’t be more prouder to call you our sister! Love Kellie, David & Harley
Congratulations Rynae! That’s awesome! Keep up the good work !
Rynae, congratulations you are truly an awesome person. I’m proud call you friend…Congratulations again….Mary
Congratulations Rynae! You are one of the most thoughtful, considerate and giving people that I know. Your work at Colette’s is inspiring. And I have seen how much you love to work with these women and children, and that your giving is truly from your heart. You are a role model to everyone around you!
I will begin with CONGRATULATIONS RYNAE! Although I am truly not surprised you are being recognized for all your hard work, dedication and love for everyone that crosses your path and even the ones that aren’t directly connected to you. I have known you for over 20 years and to this day, you have not changed one bit. Your huge heart for everyone, especially children, shines like no other. Ava and I are extremely blessed to have you, as well as many others in your family, in our lives who make our lives so rich and full of happiness. Often times I think about what you do for your family, friends and community as it motivates me to do the same and teach Ava to have that same love for others. Thank you for your sister-like friendship to me and for the love you have for those around you. We love you!!! Angie & Ava 🙂
Rynae you are truly an amazing woman and friend! You are such an inspiration to all who know you. You always have such a light about you and you shine on all who know you. I have known you since high school and you have always been such a giver in life. Whenever someone is having a rough time in life you are the first to show up and bring support and hugs. Our lives are so much better & brighter because you are a part of it. Congratulations!! You deserve every moment. Hugs and kisses Cathy, Rich, and the Adams family. 🙂
I’m not at all surprised that Rynae’s generous heart reaches out well past her family & friends! It’s just who she is. She is always thinking if others before herself. She’s a wonderful friend to me in so many ways. She has a way of making people feel important. Rynae is, simply put, a BLESSING.
Rynae, congratulations on being honored as an outstanding community volunteer for all the work you do for, and love and time you devote to, Collette’s Children’s Home. You have a huge heart and a very giving soul, and through all the years we worked together, no matter how busy you were, you always made time for the women and children at Colette’s, as well as for numerous other charities and events that needed volunteer support and assistance. Your passion for volunteering to help those in need has always been infectious, and there is no way for any of us to even count the number of times you have led the charge and gotten others involved to support worthy causes. The recognition you are now receiving for the never-ending compassion and support you provide to the women and children at Colette’s is well-deserved. And there is no doubt, that you will continue to be a leader in volunteering for Collette’s and for many other deserving organizations and individuals, because that simply is who you are.
Rynae, you are so deserving of this recognition. The thoughtfulness, love and support you put into not only Colette’s but everything you do is rate and why I’m so happy to call you my friend.
from your friend that can’t spell (rare!)
What a truly wonderful honor to be recognized as an outstanding community volunteer! It couldn’t go to a more gracious and compassionate individual. Rynae you never cease to amaze me with your outward focus on others, always ready to jump in and help where you see a need, truly giving from the heart, your time and your talents, and the never ending empathy for others. You have truly touched dozens of families with the gift of simply you, who you are. What a beautiful heart and soul you have and what a great honor it is to call you my friend. Congratulations!
Rynae,Jim and I want to congratulate you on this amazing recognition. We know your love and devotion to family,friends and CCH goes above and beyond. We are so fortunate to be a part of your life. We love You….. Susan and Jim
Congratulations Rynae on this highly deserved honor! You not only put in your time and effort in giving to the community and those in need at CCH, you have your extraordinary heart in it as well. You are truly an inspiration!