08/18/2026
🗣️ We're back for another installment of 'Voices of the Volunteers' where we shine a spotlight on the amazing folks behind the scenes of the 2026 Iditarod — the dedicated volunteers who return year after year to help make The Last Great Race on Earth® happen.
Today, we're sharing a story from Iditarod volunteers, Kevin Paolini and Denise Jenney from Orchard Park, New York.
🔵 Years as an Iditarod Volunteer: 2 years
🔵 2026 Location & Duty: We volunteered at the Nome dog lot, maintaining the dog lot and providing care and support to the dog sled teams.
🔵 Tell us something about your experience: "Over the years, we’ve experienced the Iditarod in many meaningful ways. It began as a classroom curriculum tool, and through our students making dog blankets for returned dogs. We attended the Teachers’ Conference, watched the ceremonial start as spectators, and later had the incredible opportunity to participate as a Teacher on the Trail finalist—visiting kennels, attending lectures on all things Iditarod, and learning dog handling skills at the restart in Willow. All of those experiences ultimately led us to our next great adventure: Nome.
Volunteering in the Nome dog lot was truly life-changing. The camaraderie among volunteers was inspiring, and the friendships we formed will last a lifetime. We were able to meet the mushers, their handlers, and families on a personal level during moments of exhaustion, determination, and celebration. We shared meals, stories, and daily experiences while helping care for their dogs as if they were our own. Walking historic Front Street, we reflected on Nome’s rich history and imagined what life must have been like during the diphtheria outbreak. We had the privilege of meeting community members who cherish Nome’s traditions, as well as the next generation embracing its future.
One sled dog team shared a Facebook post that perfectly captured the spirit of the volunteers in Nome: “Our favorite thing is waking up in the morning to give our dogs their breakfast and finding a few dogs who may have been chilly overnight tucked in with a blanket that appeared out of nowhere. The love and care shown by the pure-hearted people who go the extra mile to ensure our team is comfortable truly warms our hearts. We may never meet the volunteer responsible, as they work shifts throughout the night and day, but the Nome dog lot fairies will always hold a special place in our hearts."
The Iditarod is far more than a race—it is a community built on perseverance, compassion, teamwork, and heart."
We are so grateful for every single volunteer who gives their time, heart, and energy to support the race and the sled dogs. We truly couldn't do it without you! 💙🐾
