Giving Back

Giving Back

2011 VERMONT DESERVING COUPLE WEDDING WINNERS

The winners of the wedding are Kelly Pulawski and David Waterhouse of Rutland. Kelly grew up in foster care system, aged out of the system and has obtained goals some only dream of. As a single mother she earned two bachelor degrees and one associates while attending CCV and The University of Vermont. After taking a position with COTS family shelter she was inspired to give back even more to the community. As a result of this passion she joined the National & Community Service Group otherwise known as AmeriCorps State and lived off a small stipend while serving the homeless and those at risk of being homeless as a case manager for 2 years. She was awarded the Governorʼs Award in 2009 for going above and beyond the requirements of her position offering hope for those experiencing homelessness. When her term at AmeriCorp State was over she did something extraordinary. Kelly selflessly volunteered again as an AmeriCorps VISTA case manager, earning even less than before, helping to make it easier for those in need to access services within the community. She also volunteers at her daughterʼs school as a classroom parent and helped to bring them a Daisy Girl Scout Troop. And if this was all not enough, she decided to give back a little bit more in 2008 to the system that raised her by becoming a licensed foster parent in hopes or giving a child someone to look up to.

David is a para-educator working in a school for students with learning disabilities. He has been serving his community by working for the Rutland Town Fire Department for the last 15 years. And now David too is a licensed foster parent with the hopes of making a difference in another childʼs life.

Silver Toad has teamed up with several of Vermont’s premiere wedding vendors along with some of friends from Rhode Island and Massachusetts to provide an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime, opportunity for a deserving couple to receive complimentary services for a wedding on June 12, 2011 in Burlington, Vermont.

We were seeking a Vermont couple who is experiencing hardships and serious challenges in their lives, yet still find time to give back to their community. In the face of adversities, this couple stays positive and continues to pour their heart and energies into helping others. Since helping others is important to them, helping this couple is important to us.