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U.S. Nationals
Meet the Volunteers
October 24, 2009
Ann Kennedy
Take Me Home, Awards Room
Ann Kennedy of Spokane, Washington, has called the awards room her home each October during U.S. Nationals 1996.
Kennedy did not know what to expect in her first year as a U.S. Nationals' volunteer. "It was overwhelming," she recalls. That year, the awards room was tucked away in the ladies locker room at the facility. Hence, trophies and garlands were strewn and placed all over benches as well as hanging off of shower rods and doors. That year, only two people were working the awards room.
There was something about working the awards room-perhaps it was the fact people coming to see her were always excited and happy to pick up their wins-that stuck with Kennedy, though. She has returned every year to help for the past 13 years.
Besides U.S. Nationals, Kennedy also works in the awards room at Youth Nationals and Sport Horse Nationals.
Each October, Kennedy looks forward to volunteering. She enjoys the people she works with, as well as looks forward to seeing the exhibitors that she has made friends with through the years. "It has been a really wonderful experience being involved with Nationals."
Kennedy and her husband started out in 1980 with a small breeding operation. She said she enjoyed the foaling process, showing their stallion and also getting her granddaughter involved in showing.
Now in retirement, Kennedy spends her time helping her husband of 48 years, who lost his sight about five years ago. She also spends time with her four children and five grandchildren.
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