Last month, Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties honored longtime volunteer Carol Dunn posthumously with the 2023 Norman Bungard Lifetime Achievement Award. Habitat President & CEO Mike Sutton presented the award to Carol’s family on June 30th at Habitat’s Open House and End-of-Year Celebration. Carol passed away unexpectedly on May 7th at the age of 88.
Carol began volunteering with Habitat in 1997. She was a member of the “Weekday Warriors,” a group of dedicated individuals who volunteer with Habitat regularly, acting as an extension of the Habitat team. Carol also served as a Homeowner Selection Committee member. In this volunteer role, Carol walked alongside countless homeowner partner families from the moment they applied to the program through their dedication day. Carol’s favorite Habitat moments were watching how homeowners changed from when they were accepted into the Habitat program to when they earned their keys on the day of their home dedication. In addition to supporting our local affiliate, Carol traveled to advance the Habitat mission as a global volunteer.
“We wanted to make sure that Carol was always with us and also show how much she meant to all of us here at Habitat,” said Mike Sutton as he presented the award to Carol’s family. “This award ensures that Carol is here at Habitat forever. She left an amazing impact and legacy.”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was created as a legacy award in honor of Habitat Historian Norm Bungard. Norm has been involved with the affiliate since its inception in 1985, serving as the first board chair. Norm has traveled worldwide, working on Habitat homes and advocating for affordable homeownership for all. He has worked alongside Habitat for Humanity International founder Millard Fuller and met Habitat’s most famous volunteer and advocate, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. This Lifetime Achievement Award reflects Norm’s continued dedication and passion for Habitat’s mission to build homes, communities, and hope. Previous Award winners include Norm Bungard, the inaugural recipient recognized in 2016, and Tom Oberhober in 2017.
“This is so special to us,” said Diane Murray, Carol’s daughter. “She loved Habitat and loved what it did for people and families.”
