-
Greater Macon Women Business Owners – Business Owner of the Year – 1997
-
Volunteer Over the Years Award – Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation – 2007
-
Volunteer of the Year Award – Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation – 2011
-
Macon Arts Alliance Cultural Award – 2011
-
2007 Camille W. Yow Volunteer of the Year Award
Without the support and hard work of our volunteers, the Georgia Trust could not exist.
Named in honor of a long-time volunteer and first-time winner, the Camille W. Yow Award was first awarded in 1978. This year, we honor someone with a lifetime of volunteer credentials at the Georgia Trust, Bonnie Dowling. Bonnie’s volunteering has spanned almost 30 years. She has chaired numerous committees and events, served as a member on the Board of Trustees from 1989 to 1996 and was Vice Chairman from 1992 to 1994 and Secretary from 1994 to 1996.
Bonnie has been a continuous Board member of Macon’s Hay House since 1988 and was the Board Chair from 1992 to 1993 and again in 1995. She also chaired the Beaux Arts Ball Committee in 1994, Christmas at Hay House in 1988 and 1989, and Restoration Committee from 1990 to 1998 and again from 2003 to present.
Bonnie has demonstrated a love of preservation that is still as strong today as it was 25 years ago. We have officially changed the title of the award for Bonnie to Volunteer of the Year. The Georgia Trust is proud to honor volunteers that embody the community contribution that we believe is important to preserving our heritage. Without the help of volunteers like Bonnie Dowling the Georgia Trust would not be able to effectively server our mission.
-
2011 Camille W. Yow Volunteer of the Year Award
Bonnie Dowling’s volunteering spans more than 30 years, during which she has chaired numerous events, committees, and the Hay House Board in Macon. She has also served as a member of The Georgia Trust Board of Trustees, first as the ex-officio Hay House representative and then as an elected member from 1989 to 1996. Bonnie was Vice Chairman of the Georgia Trust board from 1992 to 1994 and its Secretary from 1994 to 1996.
Bonnie first came to the Trust’s attention by winning a membership contest in 1980 and she has been an active volunteer ever since. She has been a continuous Board member or Advisor of the Hay House in Macon from 1988 to the present, serving as Board Chair from 1992 to 1993 and again in 1995. While doing all the above, she devoted long house and two long weekends as the remarkably faithful and continually helpful Chair of the Hay House Restoration Committee from 1990 to 1998 and again from 2003 to present. She has led the extensive restoration efforts at Hay House, including the Ground level and cupola, but her special focus has been on the restoration of the main level spaces, including the Hay-era reception room, the Johnston-era dining room and the Hay-era living room. Bonnie has contributed to Hay House and the Trust many hours of her time and talent.