The 3 Best Community Volunteers Around Winchester

Behind every effective nonprofit or civic group, there’s usually a volunteer who keeps the operation moving forward through consistency, leadership, and a willingness to take on unglamorous work. In the Winchester area and Frederick County, community volunteers often serve as the connective tissue between organizations and the people they support. Recognition in the Star Awards highlights individuals whose impact isn’t measured in hours alone, but in long-term outcomes that shape local institutions and improve lives.

Brad Broy | Ruritan Club of Clarke County

Brad Broy plays a central leadership role within the Clarke County Ruritan Club, serving as both Club President and Chairman of the Clarke County Fair. His work has focused on preserving the fairgrounds’ agricultural legacy while guiding it through modern transitions, including securing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status and protecting the 47-acre property through a perpetual open-space easement. Beyond administrative responsibilities, Broy is directly involved in operations, from coordinating sponsorships to overseeing facility improvements and event programming. His hands-on leadership has helped expand the fairgrounds’ use into a year-round community asset while ensuring its long-term protection.

Alicia Aston | Dakota’s Dream Animal Rescue

Alicia Aston serves as president and a founding leader of Dakota’s Dream Animal Rescue, overseeing a fully volunteer-run organization dedicated to animal rescue and rehoming. She manages a network of volunteers while leading outreach efforts that promote responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering. Under her direction, the organization has maintained a no-kill philosophy, often taking in animals that require specialized care or face lower adoption rates. Her ability to balance organizational leadership with hands-on involvement has contributed to the rescue’s sustained impact and growth within the Winchester area.

Augie Grabenstein | AIDS Response Effort, Inc.

Augie Grabenstein has been a long-standing advocate with AIDS Response Effort (ARE), Inc., including serving as a former Board President. His work centers on supporting individuals affected by HIV/AIDS through fundraising, strategic planning, and community outreach. He has played a key role in expanding access to services such as case management, housing assistance, and testing resources across the northern Shenandoah Valley. Through public engagement and partnerships, Grabenstein has also worked to reduce stigma and strengthen community understanding, helping position ARE as a stable and essential regional resource.

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