Volunteer Appreciation continues in year 2 of the BLUE Games

Endurance Award:

Cary Fuller – Westfield

Cary Fuller embodies the Endurance Award through years of unwavering dedication that extends far beyond any single campaign. She first became involved in 2023 managing social media for a Westfield City Council campaign, quickly expanding her role to include canvassing, writing postcards, planning events, and rallying volunteers through every challenge. In 2024, she brought that same energy to Josh Lowry's Indiana House campaign, demonstrating a rare gift for authentically capturing a candidate's voice—so well that even the candidates themselves sometimes couldn't tell who had written a given post. Since then, she has taken on social media management for the entire Hamilton County Democratic Party, dramatically growing its visibility, while also mentoring new candidates and supporting local clubs and nonprofits, often working behind the scenes without seeking recognition. Cary's endurance isn't measured in hours alone but in years of steadfast commitment and the lasting impact she's had on Democratic candidates and causes throughout Hamilton County, making her, in every sense, the definition of this award.

Endurance Award Runners Up:

Nocona Canady-Flatt – Noblesville

Nocona Canady-Flatt embodies endurance—the ability to sustain prolonged, demanding effort for a cause—through her relentless work as HamCo Events Chair and beyond. From her early days as secretary of the Noblesville Dems, where she consistently delivered thorough, well-prepared reports, to her nonstop dedication on the Events Committee, Nocona has shown an extraordinary gift for organizing, delegating, and supporting volunteers to bring out their best. She has successfully run multiple "Night of the Blues" fundraisers and handled Town Halls with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring both safety and comfort for everyone involved. Even through frustrating circumstances, she shows up again and again, driven by a genuine passion and vision for what Hamilton County and the broader Democratic community can become. As a campaign manager and trusted force in the community, she puts everything into the organizations she believes in, and HamCo Dems would not be where it is today without her tireless support, vision, and willingness to quietly be the glue that holds everything together.

Lori Hand – Noblesville

Lori Hand has been a foundational presence in Noblesville Dems since the very beginning, serving as a steering committee member since 2023 and earning a reputation as someone who knows everyone and is genuinely liked by all. Her influence was clearly demonstrated this year when she ran for president. Beyond her local leadership, she has spent years contributing to the county-level communications committee, using her sharp editing eye to polish blog posts and other materials to a professional standard. A true gem of the organization, Lori's steady presence and broad respect make her invaluable to both Noblesville and HamCo Dems.

Sara Schmidt – Fishers

Sara Schmidt has been a long-standing pillar of HamCo, serving as a precinct chair, township chair, and dedicated volunteer for many years. Her sustained commitment across multiple roles reflects the kind of steady, long-term endurance this award is meant to recognize.

Deetta Steinmetz – Fishers

Deetta Steinmetz is the engineering force behind Fishers Dems, single-handedly transforming the club from a small group into the strongest city club in HamCo through her limitless energy and innovative ideas. Often described as "17 people rolled into one," she partners with other clubs, creates new pathways for success, and gets things done even amid personal tragedy, interpersonal conflicts, and the chaos of the world—most people never even know she's struggling. From the moment you meet her, she has a way of pulling you into the cause, and while her ambitions can be sky-high and her timelines fast, she never asks for more than she's willing to give herself. Retired and able to live a life of leisure, Deetta instead chooses to fight tirelessly for a better Fishers, Hamilton County, and Indiana so that future generations won't have to, making her an irreplaceable and beloved member of the team.

Sarah Van Bokkelen – Fishers

Sarah Van Bokkelen: has been a steadfast pillar of HamCo Dems for many years, bringing talent, knowledge, and an extraordinary amount of time and energy to every effort she takes on. She has been deeply involved in the GOTV process for both the October 2025 and May 2026 primaries, helping things run smoothly for township chairs and assisting with the staffing of election polling—always patiently addressing questions and concerns along the way. Known as both a dedicated city club member and HamCo office volunteer, she is endlessly available and hardworking, whether that means sorting 5,000 door hangers or showing up time and again for the cause. Truly an "EverReady battery" who just keeps going, Sarah is a wonderful role model and an inspiration to the strong women who make HamCo Dems thrive.

People's Choice:

Carmel

Shelley Carey: As part of the backpack team, Shelley helped turn the program around by visiting every city to drive sales, supporting both HamCo Dems and vulnerable foster children. She's a positive, reliable team player whose contributions go well beyond just the backpack program.

Dakota Crawford: As a club officer and delegate, Dakota stays consistently engaged with HamCo Dems, people who have just been guests at 3 Carmel meetings this year despite living in Westfield indicated recognizing his commitment. Their commitment to showing up beyond their own area reflects strong dedication to the broader organization.

Debbie Dean: Alongside the backpack team's turnaround efforts, Debbie is active across all of HamCo (not just Carmel), donating items, helping in the office, and promoting events and candidates. She's thoughtful, asks good questions, consistently shows up, and is a kind, reliable presence who makes the team better.

Fishers People's Choice-Nominees:

Mary Coyle: Mary is a tireless advocate who rarely says no, consistently showing up to canvass, coordinate, and handle whatever needs doing. She's considered a true Democrat superstar in Fishers.

Chris Dean: Chris serves as an office volunteer, canvasser, and Fishers club volunteer. He contributes across multiple roles to support HamCo Dems' efforts.

Danielle Estridge: Danielle is a key member of the HamCo team, getting her whole family involved, recently cleaning up streets near Ruoff, is a Fisher's PC and Fall Creek elected delegate. She also served as the Fisher's dropoff location for our Holiday donation drive. She and her family support and volunteer for candidates as well.

Shelley Fabrizio: Shelley is the driving force behind Fishers communications and Deetta's operations, handling two weekly emails and all social media with reliability and a great attitude. Beyond that, she helps organize and prepare events and consistently shows up to make things happen, all with unmatched work ethic.

Amy Klozden: Amy has led the Hamilton peaceful protest for 15 months, started a twice-weekly Fishers protest, and organized a nighttime memorial for two citizens killed by ICE in Minnesota. As a state delegate and PC, she's also shown up repeatedly at the Indiana State House to support causes like anti-gerrymandering efforts.

Lisa Olivero: Lisa puts significant work into events, showing up consistently for both her town and the club. She's helped increase participation in Fishers and HamCo events and is well respected for her engaged efforts to elect Democrats.

Noblesville People's Choice-Nominees:

Jen Bishop: Jennifer is a joyful presence who volunteers for HamCo Dems while constantly seeking ways to improve Noblesville. She's a reliable supporter of candidates and a regular at meetings, fundraisers, parades. She is a PC and elected delegate for Noblesville Township.

Kathy Boyle: Kathy serves as an office volunteer and canvasser. She contributes hands-on support to help the organization's efforts succeed.

Justin Canady-Flatt: Justin is the quiet force behind the scenes, handling tech support, setup, sign placement, canvassing, and countless other tasks across all Hamilton County Democrat organizations—often without recognition. His reliability, trustworthiness, and genuine care (like helping an elderly couple find an elevator) embody what it truly means to be a dedicated volunteer.

Nocona Canady-Flatt: Nocona is a creative, organized force who keeps volunteers and events running smoothly, serving on city club committees and in past leadership roles. She's been heavily involved in events like the Torchbearer and Night for Blues fundraisers, and serves as campaign manager for a contested primary candidate, a PC, and a delegate.

Mary Meza: Mary single-handedly filled all the PC roles in Wayne Township, an often-overlooked section of Noblesville, driving significant growth for the area. She also shows up consistently at other events and helps candidates, making her a bright spot for both the county and Noblesville.

Sue Schaffer: Sue stepped up this year by volunteering to run Noblesville's Dems on Drip and canvassing for campaigns. She's become a great asset to Noblesville Dems.

Northern HamCo People's Choice-Nominee:

Dorcia Bradley: Dorcia is a powerhouse in North HamCo who showed up around the county—from Noblesville meetings to baking for Serve's Culture Fest—even before the North HamCo club officially existed, never waiting for convenience or making excuses about "it's not in my city." Bright, direct, and hardworking, she genuinely listens to implement change and has stepped into a leadership role to ensure the club's success.

Westfield People's Choice-Nominees:

Elizabeth "Beth" Anderson: Beth's involvement exploded this year as she took on the role of Westfield Township Chair, working tirelessly to recruit and mobilize PCs for door-knocking while juggling a full-time career and family. As an effective, inspiring organizer also involved in Moms Demand Action, she's been a vital and consistent force behind increased voter turnout and Democratic success in both Westfield and Hamilton County.

Cheryl Austin: Cheryl is heavily active in Westfield, serving as a club officer, events planner, state delegate, and precinct chair while also working in the HamCo office. She's now expanded her efforts to support a local candidate's primary and general election activities.

Roni Cardwell: Roni is a bright spot across HamCo, not just Westfield, co-chairing Westfield events, canvassing, and supporting monthly meetings whenever she's able. As a union worker with a husband running for office, she brings compassion and dedication that make her a true gem to the organization.

Amy Christmas: Amy is a strong supporter of candidates and has helped build up the club in Westfield. Her enthusiasm and dedication contribute to the club's growth and success.

Axel Sundling: Axel has contributed as an office remodel volunteer, canvasser, and precinct chair. He's also stepped up to volunteer in other cities beyond his own.