The Pat on the Back Award is named to honor Pat Shoemaker and to recognize other individuals who have given extraordinary, but often unsung volunteer time in caring for the community. A “pink lady” volunteer for the Boulder Community Hospital for 28 years, Pat also produced monthly original craft displays for the hospital. Pat was the Boulder Community Hospital Outstanding Volunteer of the Year in 1983 and was honored as the Colorado Auxilian of the year in 1984. She was a homemaker and the mother of two daughters, Linda Shoemaker of Boulder and Judy Miller of Tucson, Arizona.

Potential nominees should embody Pat’s dedication and caring. A $1,000 award will be presented to the honoree to be directed to the nonprofit of his or her choice.

The 2002 Pat on the Back Honoree: John Goodenbour.
John Goodenbour is the first to point out that he is just one of many volunteers who makes EFAA, or Emergency Family Assistance Association, available to so many in-need families. But as a tech volunteer, nicknamed the "EFAA Computer Guru," he has saved the agency over $120,000 in computer tech services.

John and his wife, Loretta, came to Boulder in 1991 after he retired from Shell Oil. After finishing a home renovation, he found himself in search of a project. Working through the Volunteer Connection, John answered a plea from EFAA to help make their various donated computers compatible.

His work with EFAA, John says, "Started as a good project. They come up with new problems and I come up with answers. "And oh, he adds, "I even feel good about the work that they do."

EFAA is the safety net in Boulder County for families facing financial crisis. The group’s mission is to meet basic needs and promote financial stability and self-sufficiency for families with children, whose needs cannot adequately be met by other means.

John, who is 71 years old, remains an avid cyclist, participating in distance rides including Ride the Rockies, as well as multi-day trips he puts together for friends. He also loves reading and skiing, especially now that he gets to hit the slopes for free.