Clearwater resident Mary Abraham has been named one of Wright Co.’s two 2024 Outstanding Seniors. She and her fellow winner, Eugene ‘Gene’ Bauer of Monticello, were recognized at Senior Day during the Wright Co. Fair on July 26.

Abraham has long volunteered in her community, starting when her kids were young. She was involved in everything they were involved in, from their school activities to their church activities. One thing led to another and she continued to give of her time and talents, Today she’s involved in numerous volunteer opportunities around the community. 

“It’s been a journey, but a rewarding one,” said Abraham.

Abraham has been involved in the Lions for 25 years, serving as secretary during some of them. She’s also the club’s ‘Tale Twister’, whose duties are to instill enthusiasm and good fellowship in the meetings. In this role, she enjoys planning fun activities for the group each month. 

She’s spent 20 years volunteering for Clearwater’s Heritage Days, of which the Lions are heavily involved. Along with other duties, this year the club hosted a Senior Social and Bingo. Abraham was one of six volunteers who planned Clearwater’s sesquicentennial celebration in 2005.

She also volunteers at her church and was part of the planning committee when the local bike trail was being developed.

“When you volunteer to help someone you get a good feeling,” said Abraham. “Whether it’s donating money or donating your time, it’s what you’re doing that’s important.”

Of all the volunteer activities Abraham is involved in, one that is especially important to her is the Clearwater/Clear Lake Area Food Shelf. She’s been volunteering there for over 15 years and has served as board president for the past nine of them. 

“Food security is a big issue in our community,” she said. “Because of rising food costs, we’ve seen a significant increase in people needing to utilize it.” 

Because of the increased need, a new food shelf building was desperately needed. Abraham has been heavily involved in the planning and fundraising of the new building that will soon be built in Clearwater. 

“We took a leap of faith and away we went,” she said. 

Her husband, Ken, also volunteers his time; he’s very involved with the Lions and volunteers at the food shelf.

“Anything I ask of him, he’s there,” said Abraham.

She encourages everyone to consider volunteering their time with a cause that’s important to them and suggests kids be exposed to volunteering right from the beginning.

“Parents, if you start your kids volunteering with something small it gets to be part of their life,” she said. 

Wright Co.’s Outstanding Senior Volunteer Selection Committee and the Wright Co. Fair Board select each year’s Outstanding Seniors. The program’s purpose is to recognize the valuable resource senior citizens are as they continue giving their time and talents to their communities.