Betty Cotton of Purchase Wins Chairman's Award from Volunteer New York!

Pictured are: Betty Cotton (center) of Purchase, NY, winner of the Chairman's Award; her husband Stuart; and Alisa H. Kesten, executive director of Volunteer New York!, at Volunteer New York!'s 34th annual Volunteer Spirit Awards at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel in Tarrytown, NY, on April 24. 

If you ask Cotton why she is so devoted to giving back, she’ll say it seeped into her DNA during an influential time of her life. She recounts the thrill of hearing President Kennedy’s call to action, “Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country,” and took his words to heart. After college, Cotton went right to work in President Johnson’s poverty program. When she and her husband Stuart moved to Scarsdale, she found ways to stay involved while juggling family commitments.

Cotton became the ultimate community organizer around issues and passions she cares deeply about. She credits her term as President of the Junior League of Central Westchester as the time when she honed her leadership skills. She stays committed for the long haul to nonprofits and groups whose missions speak to her. She currently serves as a member of the National Board of Governors of American Jewish Committee and president of its New York Region. She is a member of the New York State Commission on National and Community Service, the Greyston Wisdom Council (former chairperson), the Westchester Community College Foundation Board, the Jewish Council of Public Affairs Board, and the Westchester Not-For-Profit Leadership Summit Steering Committee.

It is no wonder that Cotton has been such a steadfast supporter and advisor for Volunteer New York! She believes that people instinctively have a deep calling to give back and once hooked, can do their part to change the world.