The Annie Hertweck Golden Grabber Award – started in 2025

The Annie Herweck Golden Grabber Award honors the spirit of commitment, heart, and community pride that defines Walking For Rochester. Named after one of our organization’s earliest and most devoted supporters, Annie Herweck, this award recognizes an individual whose actions go far beyond picking up litter, someone who embodies what it means to lead by example and inspire others to care for their city.

Annie believed in Walking For Rochester from the very beginning. On the day the organization was founded, before there were sponsors or partners, she was the very first person to donate. But it didn’t stop there. Every year, she continued to champion this movement, telling friends, family, and even new people she met about our cleanups and the mission behind them. She showed up, encouraged others to get involved, and always reminded us that community pride starts with simple, consistent action. Her faith in the mission helped launch what would become a citywide movement, and her enthusiasm for service continues to shape the culture of Walking For Rochester today.

As the inaugural recipient, Annie represents the very values this award was created to celebrate: humility, perseverance, and the belief that every person can make a difference. The Golden Grabber Award will be presented each year to a volunteer, partner, or community member who demonstrates extraordinary dedication to the cause of a cleaner, more connected Rochester, just as Annie did from day one.

To nominate a potential recipient for next year’s Golden Grabber Award, please email their name, contact information, and a short explanation of why they should be considered to info@walkingforrochester.org