The CHARGE Syndrome Foundation was built by volunteers — parents, professionals, and community members who dedicate their time to supporting families, organizing biennial conferences, raising awareness, and much more. While we now have a small team of paid staff who help carry out the Foundation’s important work, the spirit of these awards remains focused on recognizing volunteers who go above and beyond in service to our mission.
We will once again honor exceptional individuals and groups during our 17th International CHARGE Syndrome Conference. Recipients do not need to be present to receive an award.
Award Eligibility
These awards are intended to celebrate volunteer contributions. Therefore, current paid staff members of the CHARGE Syndrome Foundation are not eligible for nomination. We invite nominations of individuals (or couples), groups, or organizations who have:
- Made meaningful contributions to the Foundation through service or financial support
- Provided exceptional support to individuals with CHARGE syndrome or their families
- Advanced the understanding, management, or treatment of CHARGE syndrome
Nominees do not need to be members of the Foundation.
There are five categories of awards:
- Stars in CHARGE
- Extraordinary Service
- CHARGE Recognition
- Fundraising
- Certificates of Appreciation
Stars-in-CHARGE
A crystal star engraved with the Foundation logo and recipient(s) name. This is the Foundation’s highest award. It is given for significant contributions over a period of time. The first Stars were awarded in 1999.
Stars in CHARGE 2025: Josh & Nikki Logsdon – CHARGE for Connor
Past Award Recipients – Stars
2023: Susie Morrow
2021: Joanne Lent, Kasee Stratton
2019: Nancy Hartshorne, Martha Majors
2017: Jay Brandrup & the Kinetic Team, Donna Martin, Sheri Stanger
2015: Conny van Ravenswaaij-Arts and Joe & Kathy McNulty
2013: Pamela Ryan, Jody Wolfe
2011: Jeremy Kirk, David Wolfe, Susan Wolfe
2009: Brownie Shott, Lisa Weir
2007: Robert Last, Ogan Family
2005: David Brown, Tim Hartshorne, Neal Stanger
2001: Jim Thelin, Tommy and Robin Adkins, Kim Blake, Steve Sorkin, Bruce & Susan Appell
1999: Meg Hefner, Sandra Davenport, Marion Norbury, Lee Norbury
Extraordinary Service Award
This award recognizes past Board of Directors and Advisors for their years of exceptional dedication and service to the Foundation.
Read More About Extraordinary Service Award RecipientsPast Award Recipients – Extraordinary Service Award
2019: Lisa Weir, 10 years of service on the Board of Directors
2023: Brownie Shott & Pam Ryan
CHARGE Recognition
This award is given by the Foundation for a very significant contribution in any of the three areas listed above.
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Sara Espanet
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Tyler James
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Amanda Kutzura
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Scott Lynn
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Julie Maier
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Alexis Ramirez
CHARGE Recognition Award 2025: Penni Echols
Past Award Recipients – CHARGE Recognition
2023: Lily Slavin, Suzanne Chen
2021: Sandy and Philip Kurby, Minnie Lambert, Jodie Beavers, Megan Cote, Laurie Suter, Institute on Movement Studies for Individuals with Visual Impairment or Deafblindness
2019: Lucy Marcheschi, Amrit Mehta, Joanne Lent, Texas Chargers
2017: Lauren Lieberman, Nikki & Josh Logsdon, Susanne Morgan Morrow, Aubrey Williams, The Team at the CHARGE Center
2015: Donna Martin, Deanna Steinhauser, Kasee Stratton-Gadke
2013 – Tina Prochaska
2011- Nancy Hartshorne; Sabrina and Eric Bluestone
2009: Bryan Hall, Kathy McNulty, Jody & David Wolfe, Susan & Joel Wolfe
2007: Conny VanRavenswaaij, MD, Cheryl & Kenny Moretz, Dennis O’Toole, Pamela Ryan, Seema Lalani, MD, Jeremy Kirk, MD
Excellence in Fundraising Awards
A plaque engraved with the Foundation logo and the name(s) of the recipient(s). This is typically given to people who have made an extraordinary effort to raise funds for the Foundation. This award was added in 2013 and is awarded by the Executive Committee.
Past Award Recipients – Excellence in Fundraising
2023
Top Kid Fundraiser
Hunter Kutzura – CHARGE on for Tucker, Walk and Roll 2023
2021
2019
Diamond: Eric Bluestone, David & Jody Wolfe, Deanna Steinhauser, Brooke & Ryan Fula, Hollie St. Arnauld, Sheri & Neal Stanger, Mary Charlebois, Betsy & Paul Marsolan, Aimee & David Gruber, Tamera Cary, Elizabeth & Ben Berman, Callie Ford & Ryan Dame
Platinum: Julie & Jay Brandrup, Amrit & Poonam Mehta, Sabrina Landau, Trish & Paul Cosenza
Gold: Alison & Jerry Cowling, Tracy Roth, Sharon Herrick for Cole Herrick, Jennifer Kile, Kate Smith for Benjamin Smith, Amy Vyn, Melissa & Matt Coward, Lydia Merrill, Alicia & Josh Wheeler, Anne & Ian Moore, Philip Lassalle
2017
Diamond: Ben & Elizabeth Berman, Micah & Penni Echols, Peter Gagliardi & Caroline Garzotto, Betsy & Paul Marsolan, Kristen & Jason Matthew, Hollie & Chad St. Arnauld, Neal & Sheri Stanger, Deanna & Bill Steinhauser, David & Jody Wolfe
Platinum: Eric Bluestone, Julie & Jay Brandrup, Cynthia Dabydeen, Brooke Fula, Aimee Gruber, Poonam & Amrit Mehta, Team Flat Chuck & His Pup
Gold: Jeff & Patricia Barr, Alexa Burtley, Sam Fawns, Callie Ford & Ryan Dame, Sandra & Phillip Kurby, Ingrid & Christian Lobaugh, Anne Moore, Tracy & Mike Roth, Pam Ryan, The Modified Dolls, Alicia Wheeler
2015
Diamond: Eric Bluestone, Patricia & Richard Cotter, Kelty & Allan Fisher, Lauren & Jason Hubler, Kristen & Jason Matthew, Sheri & Neal Stanger, Deanna & Bill Steinhauser, Jody & David Wolfe; Platinum: Friends Of Eva, Heather & Andrew Chandler, Patricia & Paul Cosenza, Jasmine & Kyle Jervis, Sandy & Phillip Kurby; Gold: Friends Of Ethan, Dayna Hardwick, Teri Radke, Pamela Ryan, Team Ava’s Angels, Team Zoe Bella, Aubrey Williams, Cindy & Michael Archuleta, Patricia & Jeff Barr, Jackie & Scott Bauer, Julie & Jay Brandrup, Audrey & William Dwyer, Colleen & Phillip Feather, Ingrid & Christian Lobaugh, Poonam & Amrit Mehta
2013
Excellence Awards: Emmadell & Wallace Vernon, Jody & David Wolfe, Sheri & Neal Stanger, Poonam & Amrit Mehta, Brownie & Tom Shott, Eric & Sabrina Bluestone, Julie & Jay Brandrup, Michelle & Michael D’Agostino, Bryan Glines, Dayna Hardwick, Suzanne & Ray Koudelka, Sandy & Phil Kurby, Kristen & Jason Matthew, Tina & Rik Menconi, Tracy & Mike Roth, Corki & Chris Roth, Deanna & Bill Steinhauser
Creative Fundraising Award: Minnie Lambert
Certificates of Appreciation
The Foundation recognizes volunteers who have made a significant contribution to Conference. We appreciate their dedication to ensuring that Conference is a success!
Read More About Past Certificate of Appreciation RecipientsPast Award Recipients – CHARGE Certificates of Appreciation
2023: Megan Cote, Peter Gagliardi, Caroline Garzotto, Tim Halloran, Amanda Kutzura, Sarah Lent, The Pedersen Family, Julie Slavin
2019: Randy, Nate, & Jeff Barr, Sarah Lent, Allie Jones, Maggie Poole, Sue & Dan Rossi, Texas Chargers
2017: Michelle Gomez, Carmelo Falu, Barb Zarnikow, Sandy & Janet Buller
