Key Volunteer of the Year Award

On Monday, November 14, Chris Booth was presented with the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce’s 2022 Key Volunteer of the Year Award.
During the Chamber’s annual banquet, where Booth was presented with the award, emcee Damien Marotz shared that the Key Volunteer of the Year Award recognizes someone who provides exceptional commitment and assistance to Chamber programs as their mission.
“The Key Volunteer award dates back to 1995, recognizing a person, or persons, who is of significant assistance to the chamber, it’s mission and particularly in program development,” he said. “He’s a ‘yes’ person who is happy to help in any way possible. He’s not afraid to take on new and big things, all while leading a successful nonprofit himself.”
Marotz added, before announcing Booth’s name, that Booth is chair of the Spring Folly, co-chair of Leadership Kernersville and an incoming Chamber Board member.
When asked if he was surprised by the award, Booth commented, “Absolutely. Our dinner had just arrived at our table. I was cutting into a perfect steak when a couple of my table mates suggested I might should listen closer to what was being said from the stage. About mid bite, I heard my name and I almost choked.”
The award means a lot to Booth. He said it was a humbling honor.
“They say that time is one of the most precious commodities that we all have. I want to make sure that I invest my time wisely. It is such a humbling experience anytime that you are recognized for your efforts,” he said. “There were many people in attendance that night that could have easily been recognized and received that award as well. I was chosen and do not take that for granted.”
He continued.
“While it is an award and now hanging proudly in my office, it is also serving as a daily motivation to continue the work and look for ways to deeper engage myself and others.”
Booth grew up on a small farm in Rural Hall, NC. His dad was a school principal and his mom was an accounting clerk. He noted that they have now both retired to the farm. Booth added that his brother is a teacher at Atkins Academic & Technology High School.
“My family has always been heavily involved in church and volunteering in our community. My parents are both revered by so many people because of their faith, work ethic and ‘can do’ attitude when it comes to helping people,” he said. “Their influence was a heavy factor in my desire to continue their legacy of service.”
Booth and his wife, Mauri, have twins, Harper and Miles. Mauri is an occupational therapist and Harper and Miles are third graders at Sedge Garden Elementary.
While his degree is in broadcast communications, Booth works at the executive director at the Kernersville YMCA.
He noted that after a brief time in the broadcast communications industry, he didn’t feel it was what he was called to do. So, he said he began his career in ministry and then the YMCA as a bi-vocational youth minister, where he worked in a church. During that same time, he also worked as an athletic director and coach in a number of different schools.
“After my twins were born, I actually stayed at home with them for a time and eventually came to the Kernersville Family YMCA as the sports director in the fall of 2014,” he said. “I’ve had the privilege to serve the YMCA of Northwest North Carolina for the past eight years, mostly in Kernersville.”
While he’s always been involved with the Kernersville Chamber of Commerce, Booth said that commitment has grown over the past several years.
“Much of that was due to my desire to connect with my community in a deeper way,” he remarked. “While I have a tremendous platform to do that through my work with the Y, there is more that can be done when we get outside our walls and connect with other individuals and like-minded organizations.”
When it comes to the Chamber, Booth said what he enjoys most is the people.
“Involvement in the Chamber has exposed me to a lot of great people. Many of these have made a profound impact that I’m not quite sure how to translate into words. I’ve received just as much or more than I’ve given,” he explained.
Booth said the one thing that he holds near and dear to his heart within the Chamber is Leadership Kernersville.
“In many ways it was my first experience with the Chamber and has allowed me the opportunity to get to know many wonderful people that I wouldn’t necessarily work with on a daily basis,” he shared. “I got to know our town much more in depth. I’ve seen others experience that as well through Leadership Kernersville. In fact, several of them now are serving as day chairs to help us lead a new class each year.”
Booth said he has also had the chance to volunteer with the Kernersville Kiwanis Club and Kernersville Rotary Club. He also served as the chair of a camp board and his homeowners association.
“While I always champion the efforts of the Y, I am also very proud when we can partner with another non-profit to increase the impact,” he said. “A good example of that is during this time of year when we take on providing Christmas gifts for kids through the Angel Tree program of The Salvation Army.”
Booth said he also coaches his own kids’ sports teams at the Y, which takes him back to when his parents did the same thing for him and his brother.
As a volunteer in the community, Booth said what he enjoys most is bringing joy to people’s lives, whether through the Rotary’s Study Buddy Program at Cash Elementary School or providing kids with school supplies and clothing through the YMCA’s Bright Beginnings program.
Another reason for Booth’s interest in volunteering stems from his faith in Jesus Christ.
“When you closely examine His story in the Bible, He lived a life a service. It was more than words; it was action,” he said. “Serving the community is a big part of who I am because it was a big part of who Jesus was and still is today.”
He continued.
“My hope now is that I can inspire others to be more involved, especially my children. I hope they will see what their mom and I do for them and for others. I pray it will be their desire to serve as they grow and mature.”