Applause echoed through the Hotel Colorado ballroom Monday night as Garfield County gathered to celebrate those who give without asking, lead without demanding, and serve without expecting anything in return.

The 2025 Garfield County Humanitarian Awards recognized four locals whose compassion, service and vision have left lasting marks on the valley. Honorees included Dee Warwick, Patricia Horwitz, Quinn McSwain and Rita Marsh.

Each received one of the night’s signature awards: Heart and Soul, Lifetime Service, Taking Flight and Wellness Visionary. Their stories were told not through resumes or stats, but through emotional tributes, memories and reflections from community members who’ve seen their impact firsthand.

Dee Warwick: Heart and Soul

Dee Warwick was honored for her longtime leadership of Grand River Meals on Wheels. In addition to coordinating the delivery of more than 120 meals a day to homebound seniors, she has become a familiar, friendly face for some of Garfield County’s most vulnerable residents.

“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve the community,” Warwick said. “I’ve lived here for 30 years, and I enjoyed every minute of it. I’m really grateful to all the people who helped me accomplish all the things that I did.”

Warwick, who served on the Humanitarian Awards committee for two decades, said being nominated never crossed her mind.

“I was stunned when I was nominated,” she said. “I’m just glad to be in this group with all these other people who have given so much.”

Patricia Horwitz: Lifetime Service

Patricia Horwitz, founder of Sopris Therapy Services, received the Lifetime Service award for more than three decades of quiet, determined work serving others. Her nonprofit introduced equine-assisted therapy to the region, helping individuals with disabilities experience healing and joy in a ranch setting.

She’s supported at-risk youth, disabled veterans and people overcoming addiction, and has served on the Human Service Commission since 2001.

“I’m very humble, and it’s a big honor,” Horwitz said. “It takes a team, and I’m just part of that team.”

She said hearing her name called brought waves of emotion, especially knowing how many others in the community have done so much.

“I always think everybody needs it more than yourself, and that’s a hard thing,” she said. “So it was very honoring.”

Quinn McSwain: Taking Flight

Glenwood Springs High School senior and JROTC cadet Quinn McSwain was the youngest honoree of the night and received the Taking Flight award for his outstanding leadership, service and commitment to community.

He’s participated in fundraisers, food drives, color guard ceremonies, and even led a 14-mile Memorial walk to honor the victims of the Bataan Death March. Last summer, he completed a rigorous flight training program at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and earned his pilot’s wings, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and near-perfect attendance.

“This is really an honor to be recognized for everything I’m putting into my community and my nation,” McSwain said. “I’m planning on going forth and serving my country in a more widespread way through the military.”

He credited his JROTC instructor, Greg Pfeiffer, for nominating him and mentoring him throughout his high school career.

“So much of the credit goes to him and what he’s taught me,” McSwain said. “That man right there is a great leader.”

Rita Marsh: Wellness Visionary

Rita Marsh was recognized as a Wellness Visionary for her decades of dedication to healing, health and connection. A former ER nurse and certified nurse practitioner, Marsh co-founded the Center for Human Flourishing and helped lead events like Spring into Wellness, plant-based potlucks and sound healing sessions that have touched thousands of lives across the valley.

“She’s not your typical retiree,” Garfield County Commissioner Mike Samson said. “There’s no sign of her slowing down.”

Marsh said the moment felt even more meaningful because of her connection to the other honorees.

“I’m incredibly honored, and the fact that I knew the other three made it even more special,” she said. “I’ve known Quinn since he was a young one running in the alley behind our house. I knew Dee from Valley View Hospital. I knew Pat through her amazing equine therapy work.”

She said the Center for Human Flourishing was created to remind people that the journey to health and healing starts within.

“We have to learn self-love and from that space reach out to our neighbors, to our friends, to strangers, and create a community,” she said. “Garfield County is that.”

In addition to the four honorees, this year’s nominees included Francis Castillo, Gabrielle Greeves and Megan Hurley-Backofen, each recognized for their contributions to the community.

As the ceremony came to a close, guests reflected on the lives and legacies of this year’s recipients and the spirit of service that binds the Garfield County community together.

“For a county our size, the number of people doing this work is incredible,” Garfield County Commissioner Tom Jankovsky said. “And because of them, we’re better for it.”