Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce Volunteer of the Year award winner Jennifer Barrett, with Marie Clifford, interim executive director, at right, and at left, Gina Garavaglia, social media and event coordinator. Photo provided

BY KATHY SHELTON
Special to the Clarkston News
When Jennifer Barrett’s grandmother passed, her family honored her memory by adopting every long-term care patient at the facility her grandma called home.
During the holidays, they delivered gifts, care packages, encouragement, and joy to each resident.
“Our grandmother instilled in us the joy in being able to give back and know you made a difference, in giving of yourself and not expecting anything in return,” said Barrett, who was honored by Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce with the Volunteer of the Year award.
“She is wonderful, a real sweetie,” said Gina Garavaglia, chamber social media and event coordinator. “She is always willing to help out, join new committees, give of herself and her time.”
Barrett was well deserving of the honor as someone who is always willing to pitch in and help out in any way she can, Garavaglia said.
“It’s a real honor,” Barrett said about the accolade she was not expecting, but very humbled by.
She currently serves as a Clarkston Chamber ambassador, a representative of the welcoming arm of the organization reaching out to new businesses.
In the role, she serves as a conduit to community members, and a source of information and assistance to new businesses.
She volunteers at all of the chamber-sponsored events, ribbon cuttings, open houses, and chamber functions, lending a helping hand, ready to assist with whatever is needed.
She also serves on the planning commissions of some of these events.
Barrett volunteers in her hometown of Montrose as well, but says Clarkston, where she works at Comerica Bank, is much bigger than her tiny town, and “offers more opportunities to give back,” which is what she is all about.
“It’s definitely a close knit community,” she said of Clarkston, one she loves being a part of and wholeheartedly supports.
As do her two children. She enlists their help when she can, passing the inspiration of her grandmother along to them.
They really enjoy being involved, because giving back and helping others when they are able is a part of who they are, she said.
Barrett and her daughter will be at Clarkston’s upcoming Holiday Market, doing just that, offering whatever help is needed, with a warm smile and outstretched hand, engaging in what she loves to do, giving back.
The Chamber honored Choice Awards winners on Nov. 8 at the Pine Knob Carriage House, also including Brandon Gentile, Rising Star of the Year; Aubrey Emerson, Small Business Leader of the Year; Jacob Burke, Young Professional of the Year; and Knights of Columbus, Non-Profit of the Year.