Marianne Venute: This Week’s I AM, YOU ARE, WE ARE Honoree

To meet Marianne Venute, you would think she is a Vermilion County lifer. Her passion for community organizations and volunteering is incredible. However, Marianne (Mair to her friends), is from the Chicago suburbs. “From the time I was a child, it’s always been about land…I’m not a city kid. I had this dream of living in the woods.” Mair saw an ad about Vermilion County, which led her to visit. “We came down and it was absolutely wonderful – everything I ever dreamed about. Now I live here with the critters. It’s marvelous.” She now, and forever will, calls Oakwood her home. “The people are wonderful. I have said it from the day we moved in – Vermilion County is a hidden jewel. People just do not understand how amazing it is. It’s a wonderful place.”

Marianne has been involved in several organizations in the county, but primarily is involved with animal shelters. She started her involvement with the Danville Humane Society because she raises German Shepherds and they had a Shepherd that needed evaluating. Her involvement with the Vermilion County Animal Shelter started because someone dumped cats near her development. “I met them and got involved with the volunteers and the people.” From there she went on to be involved in just about every animal organization Vermilion County has to offer. “These are my people. If I can help an animal, I’m going to do it.” She has even gone so far as to say to stop buying her gifts for any special occasion – instead she says, “Spay an animal for me or give money so we can keep these organizations going.”

Mair is also a huge part of the Vermilion County Museum giving school tours. “The animals are my heart, but I love kids too.” Marianne was previously a teacher before moving to Vermilion County. Through her work at the museum, she became involved in the local quilt guild. The guild completes all kinds of incredible projects through quilting, such as making blankets for police officers to give out to accident victims, making animal bandanas, cat cradle blankets, etc. All of these items are donated free of charge to those in need.

“I do things, but it’s really all about the people in the trenches. They are the real heroes in the animal stories. Yes, I am humbled and pleased, but they should get the real glory.”

Thank you, Marianne, for being such an amazing and important asset to Vermilion County. The people (and the animals) are very fortunate that you call Oakwood, Illinois your home. As you provide a home for others, thank you for letting us provide a home for you.

visit https://forms.gle/deCPiQ1cxn1pDLhZ9

or contact Ashton Greer, City of Danville agreer@cityofdanville.org or

Nicole Van Hyfte, Vermilion Advantage nvanhyfte@vermilionadvantage.com.