Bostocks Honored with Mountford Volunteer Award

John and Bethann Bostock of Red Cloud were recently recognized by the Willa Cather Foundation with the 2016 Miriam Mountford Volunteer Award. The Bostocks have been volunteering for the Willa Cather Foundation since the opening of the Red Cloud Opera House in 2003. Consistently conducting their volunteer service in an upbeat manner and with a smile on their faces, they can often be found operating the popcorn maker at Opera House performances.

“We would like to express our sincere thanks to John and Bethann and numerous other volunteers in the Red Cloud community who graciously give their time to assist with our activities and programming,” said Executive Director Ashley Olson. “Without the selfless support of friends and neighbors, it wouldn’t be possible to conduct the events and preservation activities that are central to our mission.”

Each year the Willa Cather Foundation recognizes a volunteer who has been especially dedicated to helping the Foundation meet its mission. Volunteers are vital to the success of the Willa Cather Foundation, and the family of Miriam Mountford recognized the importance of a strong volunteer core when they established the Miriam Mountford Volunteer Award.

Mountford was the Foundation’s first volunteer, alongside its founding board members and the first president after founder Mildred Bennett. She also assisted in devising the first guided tours of the Cather historic sites. The Miriam Mountford Volunteer Award was established in her memory to recognize individuals for outstanding volunteer service.

The Willa Cather Foundation has a variety of volunteer opportunities available, which include assisting with programs at the Red Cloud Opera House, landscaping at historic sites, and greeting and providing information to visitors and guests. If you are interested in volunteering, please call the Red Cloud Opera House at 402-746-2653 or email Rachel Olsen at rolsen@willacather.org.