2010 Be More Involved Volunteer Award Nominees
The Mason Dixon Be More Involved - Award for Volunteerism ~ This online poll is driven by votes from the general public in the WEDU viewing area. Nonprofit organizations were able to nominate a volunteer, and the community has the opportunity to vote for their favorite. The top five volunteers that garner the most votes at the end of the voting period will be named nominees in the WEDU Be More Awards…Be More Involved category. Mason Dixon, community philanthropist and WRBQ radio personality, will finalize the winner and present the award at the Fifth Annual WEDU Be More Awards taking place on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the A La Carte Event Pavilion in Tampa.
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The WEDU Be More Involved Poll™ is open until end of day December 18, 2009. You can vote for your favorite volunteer once a day!
Organization: Crescent Community Clinic
Volunteer Name: Husam Abuzarad, M.D.
Dr. Abuzarad is the founder & president of the CCC 2 years ago. He along with few other Dr's have been donating their money & time to give quality health care for the under served & uninsured in Hernando county.
Organization: Safe Place & Rape Crisis Center, Inc.
Volunteer Name: Linda Berliner
SPARCC has been extremely fortunate to have had Linda Berliner as a volunteer for the past five years. Linda is a former domestic violence advocate from New York who now lives in Sarasota. In 2004, Linda made a special trip from New York to Sarasota specifically to attend the SPARCC’s state mandated training for volunteers. The training requires 60 hours of core competency classes on domestic and sexual violence. Upon completing the training program, volunteers are state-certified for confidentiality and can work on direct services with victims. Completing the training itself requires dedication and strong commitment from volunteers.
From October through May, Linda volunteers one day per week as a court advocate for SPARCC victims. As an advocate, Linda assists victims with protective injunctions, accompanying them to court hearings and helping them navigate the legal system. Linda donates her time and often stays into the evening completing paperwork to make sure the job gets done and SPARCC’s clients are taken care of. Linda demonstrates compassion and understanding in her work. Last year, one victim that Linda assisted was so grateful for her help that she sent her flowers after her restraining order was granted and we continue to receive letters of appreciation from those Linda helps.
Linda provides crucial volunteer hours for SPARCC and provides excellent service to the she works with. Each year, Linda makes a difference in the lives of many Sarasota County residents who are facing the horrors of domestic violence. Linda does all of this without ever asking for anything in return, she gives quietly of her time and talents and this makes her one of Sarasota’s unsung heros.
Organization: United Methodist Cooperative Ministries/Suncoast, Inc.
Volunteer Name: Doug Brown
Doug Brown has a very compelling reason to do the volunteer work he does with the homeless - he was once homeless himself.
Every night at the St. Vincent de Paul Center in downtown St. Petersburg, Doug coordinates a meal for 350-400 homeless men, women and children. Volunteer groups from local churches and service organizations take turns cooking and serving the meals, all under Doug's supervision. The preparation and serving of the meal must go like clockwork, because the time available to use the center is limited. The schedule of groups must be maintained perfectly so that each night is covered. Doug's organizational skills make all of this possible.
Doug often shares the story of his time on the street with the diners as they eat to encourage them and let them know that it is possible to change their lives and get off of the street. His story has been inspiring to many of the people who have come in over the years.
In recent years, Doug has continued his tremendous efforts while dealing with serious medical concerns. His dedication to the people he serves is outstanding. I think he's a perfect candidate for the Mason Dixon Be More Involved Award.
Organization: The Italian Club of Tampa
Volunteer Name: Joseph Capitano, Sr.
Joe Capitano, Sr. is an exemplary volunteer. He served as President of the Italian Club of Tampa for 8 years. During his administration he led in the restoration of the historical building that was built in 1912. The building was in deplorable conditions. The windows were broken, pigeons were living in the building, and floors were worn through. Joe returned it to its rightful place of elegance in the community. He also led the Club’s Annex building renovation, which at one time housed the medical clinic for its members as the Club was founded in 1894 as a mutual aid society to help the Italian immigrants to assimilate into the American way of life. As President, he further served to unify its members in further embracing their culture and heritage. Joe tirelessly raises money for the Club through private donations and has helped apply for grants to keep the Club running and in good condition. With out his support and dedication the Club would not be what it is today.
Throughout the years, Joe has not only invested his time with the Italian Club, but with many other organizations as well. Since the early 80’s he has been an active participant in the revitalization efforts of Ybor City. He has served as Chairman and today remains an active member of Ybor City Development Corporation (YCDC), which serves to facilitate the development, redevelopment, economic revitalization and general improvement of Ybor City’s historic district. He has been personally involved in the renovations of several historic buildings in the area including the Corral-Wodiska Cigar Factory, Suarez Building, The Ritz Theatre, and Las Novedades. Joe was instrumental in bringing Day Top Village, a drug rehabilitation center to Florida, which today operates under the auspices of Phoenix House. He is the president of Central Park Village Youth Services, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves to better the educational outlook of the inner-city children in our community. Over the years, he has also been active with Tampa Boy’s and girls Clubs, and has supported St. Peter Claver School. Joe also serves on the Board of Housing by St. Lawrence of the Saint Lawrence Catholic Church.
Organization: Key Club Jesuit high School
Volunteer Name: Eileen Charette
Along with her more-than-full time job as the freshman counselor at Jesuit High School, Eileen Charette serves as the sponsor of the school's Key Club. This club is one of the largest and most active Key Clubs anywhere, recently spending Easter break rebuilding homes in New Orleans. In the last school year, under the inspiration, direction, and supervision of Mrs. Charette, the Jesuit Key Club raised the bulk of the money for and provided the bulk of the labor in building an entire Habitat for Humanity home in the Tampa Bay area - HIGH SCHOOL BOYS! This achievement has resulted in local, state and national recognition for the Key Club. More importantly, it has inspired an unprecedented increase in volunteerism among the students at Jesuit and their families. GOOD JOB, Eileen!
Organization: Children's Cancer Center
Volunteer Name: Alexander Coston
Over the past year, Alexander has truly dedicated himself and most of his free time to volunteering with the Children's Cancer Center. Not only is Alexander one of our most reliable and selfless volunteers, he is also a Munitions Crew Member and Color Guard for the U.S. Air Force at MacDill Air Force Base. His weekends typically consist of acting as Honor Guard at a fallen soldier's funeral, working registration at one of our fundraising events and going on an outing with the Children's Cancer Center's Teen Group.
Alexander's first volunteer experience with the Children's Cancer Center was when our group of pediatric cancer patients, their siblings and families came to the MacDill Air Force Base for a private air show. That day, Alexander "fell in love with the kids, staff, parents, cause and what the Children's Cancer Center does." During his application process, he expressed that he had volunteered at more than 15 local organizations, but still hadn't found a meaningful charity that he felt fit him best... until now.
Most of our volunteers choose one program or event to help out with, sometimes on a regular basis. Alexander, on the other hand, has religiously volunteered for countless fundraising events, Teen Group, Oncology Support Group, Sickle Cell Support Group, Hematology Family Connection Night, Family Beach Night and is always there when we need an extra hand. Each Support Group listed above is held separately at least once, some twice, a month.
He simply enjoys the opportunity to help families who need it most. Alexander has become a mentor for the teenage patients who participate in our Teen Group, helping with homework, school-related issues and basically helping the teens forget about their illnesses to have fun and just be a teenager. For the younger children with cancer and their siblings, Alexander can be found in the arts & crafts room coloring, painting and assisting with craft projects or outside on the basketball court making the kids laugh hysterically.
On his own time, Alexander helped a family with four children, one of whom has cancer, move into a new home twice. Through volunteering at our Oncology Support Group nights, a strong bond of friendship and trust had formed between this family and Alexander.
In closing, Alexander once mentioned to be that through volunteering at the Children's Cancer Center he'd learned that, "it takes a lot to become a part of a child's life." He is willing to do what it takes to improve the life of a child and has proven it through his dedication to the Children's Cancer Center. He is truly loved and appreciated by our staff, as well as the volunteers, children and their
Organization: Pinellas County Council PTA
Volunteer Name: Charles Derexson
Charles is entering his third year as president of the Pinellas County Council of PTAs. Charles is a strong believer in the PTA organization its Mission and Purpose statements and its speaking for everychild onevoice. He discovered in a 2007/08 report that everyday approximately 100 children in Pinellas wake up in the morning not knowing where they will sleep that night. Many of them are pulled from their home in the middle of the night, through no fault of their own with little more than the clothes on their backs. Often they must enroll in a new school the next day without any supplies, making a bad situation even worse. Charles believed “We could make a difference” by giving them something to start anew with, something that they could call their own in hopes they would know that someone cares. The outcome was the “2009 by 2009 Backpack Challenge Drive”. He challenged each local PTA unit to collect 25 backpacks full of supplies during the 2009 school year. By asking the local units to complete the challenge as a service learning project with students involved they would learn the importance of helping others. Backpacks were collected throughout the year and delivered to Suncoast Voices for Children, who distributed them. With PTA units working together as well as community partners he well exceeded the goal of 2,009 backpacks. The cost of a single backpack with supplies was given a value of $25.00 bringing the total contributions collected to over $50,000.00. We may never know the positive results coming from something as simple as giving these children a backpack but we can only hope that by doing this they will feel they live in a community that cares. This project was the dream of Charles and he promoted to everyone he met.
Organization: Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay
Volunteer Name: Judy Dickerson
We are nominating Judy, a Big Sister (mentor) with Big Brothers Big Sisters. When we matched Judy with Ashley, Ashley was living in a trailer, had brothers involved with the Juvenile Justice System, a mom suffering from depression, and a dad in prison for molesting Ashley. Ashley was in dirty t-shirt/jeans and did not speak. Without hesitation, Judy started encouraging Ashley to be more active/social at school. Soon, she became more outgoing and made new friends. Judy worked with Ashley on her academics - her grades went up and she made the honor role. We were then informed that Ashleys family was living out of their car. We expected Judy to dropout of the program when they were placed in a shelter 50 miles away but Judy had no intentions of giving up. Judy continues to pickup Ashley weekly and takes her somewhere fun so she can still enjoy being a kid. While Judy could have easily backed out of her volunteer commitment when the situation became overwhelming, she instead stood by Ashleys side. Ashley now takes pride in her self and is always clean and presentable. She changed schools 4 times, however Judy always makes sure that she stays focused and on the honor roll. Ashley talks about the future now and going to college. She wants to be a doctor and told Judy that when she grows up and has her own house, Judy can move in with her and she will take care of Judy just like Judy takes care of her now. Judy was recognized by our local office for being Big Sister of the Year out of over 2250 mentors, and the 16 agencies across the State of Florida also recognized her as the Big Sister of the Year for the State.
Organization: Gulf Coast Dental Outreach
Volunteer Name: Dr. Robert Ettleman
Dr. Ettleman is a dentist who had to give up practicing when he developed Parkinson's disease. His love of dentistry and his compassion for people led him to start a dental clinic for adults who live below the poverty level and cannot afford dental care. The clinic is open on most Fridays and uses space from a dentist in Pinellas County. There is a very minimal charge for care at the clinic. The dentists are all volunteers as are some of the assistants and hygienists. Dr. Ettleman develops treatment plans for all the patients and also helps them to get more extensive care such as oral surgery or endodontics if needed. There is such a great need for this service that the clinic cannot see all the patients who call for care although Dr. Ettleman tries to fit in as many as possible. In addition to hygiene, crowns and fillings, the clinic has been able to provide dentures and partials to patients which has raised their self esteem and has enabled some unemployed people to get jobs and some under employed people to get better jobs. Patients are so grateful to Dr. Ettleman and many say they have been given back their smiles and confidence which has enabled them to enjoy life again. They are able to live without the pain that dental problems can cause. It has been stated many times what a blessing the clinic is to the Tampa Bay community.
Organization: The ALS Association
Volunteer Name: Steve Franks
Steve Franks, all-star volunteer and ALS patient, is a remarkable man that has decided to live life to the fullest in spite of a fatal diagnosis. He has spearheaded The ALS Association Florida Chapter's Piece by Piece awareness campaign. The campaign includes an exibit of 150 limbless mannequins meant to spread the message that "Lou Gehrig's Disease is stealing our loved ones piece by piece." Steve hitches a trailer to his truck and tows the 150 mannequin display to different high-foot traffic locations around the state of Florida. So far, Steve has transported the mannequins to 20 different locations and dedicated countless hours of his time to raising awareness of ALS. He was diagnosed in 2003, and while he is no longer able to work, Steve won't let ALS steal his determination. The disease has begun to impair Steve and rob him of his mobility. Yet, he never hesitates to share his message of hope with other patients who are left feeling discouraged.
After learning of the Piece by Piece campaign last November, Steve volunteered to spearhead the task of transporting mannequins. He bought and sold several trailers on Craig's List until he found just the right one - a 7 x 14 dual axle trailer that has since been wrapped with Piece by Piece artwork and advertisements. Steve has devoted his entire year to the awareness campaign, hauling the mannequins around the state. When he arrives at a location, other volunteers will meet him to unload the mannequins from the trailer and arrange them into rows and columns.
Steve Franks is a special man that reflects the spirit of the organization as he makes a positive difference in the community by expanding awareness of ALS and embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest.
Organization: Morning Star Fishermen
Volunteer Name: Hans Geissler
Hans Geissler could have retired as a wealthy boat dealer long ago. He did not. He could not turn his back on the suffering of people who go to bed hungry. He also knew that simply feeding people was not the answer. People need knowledge and skills. Hans, one of ten children, was born in 1941 and grew up amid the devastation of defeated Germany. Food was scarce and rationed. His father grew enough potatoes and vegetables on an eighth of an acre to feed his family and sell the rest at a farmers market. The family often went hungry, but they did not starve. Hans never forgot those early years. Hans developed a broad perspective on life. As a young man he served in the French Foreign Legion in Africa. The suffering he had seen haunted him: people with no food, no skills, no dignity or hope. He remembered the lessons of his father and the skills that he had learned through years of starting a little earlier, working a little harder, and staying a little later. Hans prospered, but as he tells it, You can have all the money and material things in the world, but you will not have peace in your heart until you help others. If he could help others learn to bootstrap their way out of helplessness, they would have the opportunity to stand on their own. In 1994, Hans and his wife Sigrid started their ministry. They taught aquaponic gardening to poor Mayans in Yucatan. In 2000, they took over an inactive, decrepit fish farm in a rural area outside Dade City, Florida. With hard work and inspired volunteers, he has built Morning Star Fishermen into a beacon of hope and a school for self-sufficiency. Satisfaction is the only pay Hans receives.
Organization: Hilldale Apartments
Volunteer Name: Lorraine A. Hemmings
Let me begin by saying that my mom is on SSI due to scoleosis and osteosparosis. Although she is in pain she never seems to let that stop her. For the last three Christmases she goes out to find toys for children that are in need. The first time she did this she did it within two weeks. She even found a volunteer santa (by the way he has come to the gatherings ever since). Last year a donation of toys fell through the same week of the gathering. My mom prayed and said God will provide. She called someone she knew from the Latin Times and she was told that being the last minute they did not know what they could do but they would try to help. The night of the gathering which was 12/20/08 all she had were the thirty something Christmas stockings that she had bought filled with bottles of bubbles and candy and fruit. My aunt and a couple of other people went out to the Dollar Stores each in different areas and bought presents so the children would not leave empty handed. Santa by the was late due to a road accident. Unknown to my mom when Santa arrived the friend from the Latin Times, Sergio Sodre had also arrived and had Santa call my mom downstairs to surprise her. When she saw the big box filled with toys she could barely stand and Santa had to hold her up. She cried tears of joy and could not quit saying thankyou to her friends and to Santa for his loyalty. And all my mom could say was, "I knew that God would come through". The gathering this year is 12/19/09. My mom who is resident manager at the complex where she lives also encourages the apartment complex tenents to decorate the front of their apartments and Santa chooses the one he likes best. There is a big tree in the middle of the court yard that is decorated with white mini lights and candy canes going around all the shrubs, what a sight. The tenents just love it since they are all mostly from Cuba and this gives them something to send to their families as my mom has photos taken and gives each apartment a photo of the gathering Hopefully the church next door will participate this year. The last thing Santa said to my mom which made her feel really blessed was, "Lorraine out of all the charities I have been to this December this one had to have been the most blessed and God filled". My mom works very hard for this gathering so it can be as near perfect for everyone as possible. So you see that is why I feel my mother deserves some recognition. She never has asked for anything other then to be able to help those in need.
Organization: Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc.
Volunteer Name: Jeffrey H. Luddeke
I would like for you to consider the nomination of Jeff Luddeke for the WEDU Be More Involved Award for his meritorious service by pioneering a program located in Tampa, Florida, called Liberty Manor for Veterans, Inc. Jeff Luddeke has demonstrated exemplary service to his community by promoting the developmental and social needs of veterans who have served our county, fought for our independence, but fallen victim to homelessness. It has been determined that individuals who make up the homeless veteran population have exhausted all reasonable alternatives that will address their immediate financial or residential needs. The mission of Liberty Manor is to provide permanent, supported housing to honorably discharged veterans by establishing long-term objectives designed to attribute to self-sufficiency.
Jeff served six years in the US Army. We consider him as well as all others who served, a warrior, a hero in their own right; Jeff as well as others who served offer us a reminder of how good life is in America and how fortunate we are to be Americans. These men bravely served our country, willing to pay the ultimate price if necessary. Many were forced to leave behind their loving families for months, sometimes years, sometimes forever.
Jeff Luddeke, once a victim of homelessness himself, identified a “void” in the services for veterans by recognizing a deficiency in the number of residential options for veterans in need of housing, as well as the need for other social services that would promote success. The Veterans Administration only provides housing for veterans who suffer from a substance abuse addiction or severe mental health issues. While serving as an Army Ranger, Jeff quoted the Army’s motto “leave no man behind”. Jeff became relentless in his mission to make good of that promise. For that reason, Luddeke made an appeal to a private citizen, Connie Blaney who was willing to support his visions, which lead to the foundation of Liberty Manor for Veterans in 2006.
Liberty Manor presented a unique opportunity for Luddeke to collaboratively identify the multiple needs of veterans and create a seamless community systems of care that was destine to rehabilitate veterans who had fallen victim to homelessness. The infrastructure of the initiative was intended to create strategic partnerships that efficiently share united resources, addressing gaps, eliminating obstacles and increasing accountability by facilitating a residential program that contributes to the restoration of self sufficiency. As a result, he increased community involvement and investment in services which addressed the problematic areas.
Today, due to the implementation of Liberty Manor, our community can enjoy the victorious rewards of a program that is destine to build community solutions while reducing the rampant rate of homelessness. Luddeke continues to maintain a results oriented philosophy that has earned him a respected reputation locally, regionally and nationally. He has made a significant difference in the future of Hillsborough County and undisputedly made Tampa Bay a better place in which to live!
Please consider this true humanitarian for this honorable and highly recognized award as he has given so much to this initiative, which has benefited many veterans as well as the Tampa Bay community.
Organization: West Coast Branch, American Society of Civil Engineers
Volunteer Name: Marty Millburg
The West Coast Branch, American Society of Civil Engineers has been working for the local community since 1951. The Branch has been involved with Toys for Tots, Habitat for Humanity, food drives, community enhancement projects, and provided disaster assistance and preparedness support to local and national government agencies. Another primary function of the West Coast Branch is to support better education for students at all levels.
All the people that carry out the work of the Branch are unpaid volunteers. Over the past several years, there is one volunteer in particular who put forth extraordinary efforts to improve our community. His name is Marty Millburg. His passion, dedication, and commitment are admirable. Marty has participated in almost every activity the Branch has been involved with for the past several years.
Marty became a very active member of the Branch in 1999. He has provided significant support to the technical committee related to his profession since that time. He was President of the Branch in 2006-2007. Marty has increased his involvement since he was President. He took the lead in planning many of the major events the Branch hosted and has coming up. He is helping to form subsidiary organizations that will provide significant benefits for Branch members. Marty has volunteered the past few years to help with our annual golf tournament that raises proceeds for college scholarships. He also volunteered last year in our annual competition for middle school students.
Marty has been serving on the Board of Directors the last couple of years. He exemplifies what it means to be a humble leader. Most of what he does is behind the scenes with little or no recognition. He should be publicly recognized for his many years of sacrifice to improve the community we live in.
Organization: Soroptimist International of Tampa
Volunteer Name: Susannah Miller
Susannah “Susie” Miller lives her life giving to others.
Recently retired from a 40-year career as a Pediatric Nurse, Soroptimist International of Tampa member Susie works tirelessly to support projects which improve the lives of women and girls. Susie coordinates club fund-raising efforts, including growing and selling plants through the USF Botanical Gardens plant sales. These funds support local and international projects to benefit women, including Soroptimist Women’s Opportunity Awards which help women stay in school and learn skills to support their families. She is a regular volunteer at the Centre for Girls which provides after-school care and support for at-risk girls, teaching the girls heart-health and CPR.
Susie’s volunteer efforts extend beyond the Soroptimist club. She volunteers each week in the clinic at Twin Lakes Elementary School and frequently hosts their gifted class which is conducting a water quality research project on her lake. Susie is a long-time Sunday School teacher for special needs adults at her church. She participates in Coastal Clean-up; she starts buying groceries six months in advance for the Thanksgiving food drive to benefit St. Vincent De Paul Food Pantry. She faithfully supports organizations that protect and rescue animals.
Susie’s favorite saying is, “Every little bit helps.” To raise funds for a project which assists women and families in poverty-stricken Sierra Leone, West Africa, Susie baked chocolate chip cookies and set up a piggy bank. Just a little thing, but it raised $65 one weekend to help women half-way around the world. Little things do make a difference; over a lifetime, they make a world of difference.
Organization: Dollars for Scholars of St. Petersburg Thrift Store
Volunteer Name: Michelle Piccione
Dedicated, caring and compassionate, full of energy, driven, unstoppable, and a woman with a vision… these are but a few words that describe volunteer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Michelle Piccione. Michelle is the President of the Board of Directors for the Dollars for Scholars of St. Petersburg thrift store. I met Michelle in May of 2009 when St. Petersburg College (SPC) Human Services students had clothing left over from a school clothing drive. I contacted Michelle to coordinate the transfer of the clothing to the future DFS thrift store. That was the beginning of a truly wonderful experience for me that continues today through my connection to the DFS store and relationship with Michelle. Michelle is a role model, mentor and friend. She welcomes everyone who enters the store with a smile and a friendly greeting. She always takes the opportunity to discuss the mission and goals of DFS and emphasizes the sole focus of benefitting the students. Michelle is an SPC graduate and former President of the Alumni Board. She and another alumni board member developed the vision of this thrift store to provide opportunities to students for scholarships, job opportunities, mentoring, internships, and to provide more access to higher education for individuals of Pinellas County. It is through tireless efforts on Michelle’s part that this dream has come to fruition. She spends six days a week, close to 10 hours a day physically at the store. During her off time she is thinking of ways to improve the store so that we can provide more needed scholarships and opportunities to the students. From June 1, 2009 until recently, very often it would be Michelle alone running the store and making sure all customers were taken care of. Michelle worked with our student manager for countless hours getting the store ready and doing set up for opening day. She coordinated SPC alumni, volunteers and friends who help out on a regular basis. It is a joy to watch Michelle interact with the students who she is mentoring as they earn money working, learn important job and life skills and become more engaged with individuals in their community. Michelle takes pride in the store and the DFS vision. She is in the community promoting the goals of DFS but wants no credit or recognition. You will often hear Michelle say, “It is all about the students” and she sincerely means that. She is the epitome of what a volunteer should be. I highly recommend Michelle Piccione for the Mason Dixon Be More Involved Award for Volunteerism.
Organization: Community Haven
Volunteer Name: Phyllis Siskel
Phyllis Siskel is a giver; a high capacity donor who exudes enthusiasm and genuine passion for the non-profits and people she supports. She expects nothing in return and is always humble in her gift giving. Her philanthropy is deeply rooted in the Tampa Bay area through hands-on volunteerism and substantial financial commitments. As a volunteer at Community Haven for the past 11 years she has devoted countless volunteer hours to help preschool children with physical and developmental disabilities, many of whom live in poverty, to thrive both physically and socially. She purchases educational, therapeutic and playground equipment for Selby Preschool and helped rebuild the Community Haven Plant Nursery destroyed in the 2004 hurricane season. She is the benefactor who is first to purchase tables at a fundraiser or be the lead sponsor of an event. At Community Haven, she helps to underwrite events such as Jingle and Jog, Kaleidoscope Musical Theatre Program and the Mad Hatter Tea benefiting Selby Preschool.
Like an Angelic Superman, her car is her phone booth where she changes into the t-shirt of whichever agency she is helping at that moment! Her dedication extends to the All Faiths Food Bank, Animal Rescue Coalition, TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, Humane Society of Sarasota and Southeastern Guide Dogs with time and financial resources. Through the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc., Phyllis offers camping opportunities for girls who are at-risk and sponsors college scholarships for graduating seniors. Phyllis Siskel brings everything she is and everything she dreams of for our community with every volunteer act. Her kindness, effervescence and vibrancy are contagious. Her personal impact on the lives of people with disabilities and those most in-need in our community is unduplicated. Phyllis Siskel is the perfect example of The Mason Dixon Be More Involved Award for Volunteerism!
Organization: Abilities Foundation
Volunteer Name: Kevin Southcott
Kevin Southcott, an aspiring college shortstop and basketball guard, was severely injured in an auto accident in 1994. He was in a coma for 55 days and underwent grueling rehabilitation to relearn to breathe, eat, talk, and walk. He was mocked because of his disabilities, but vowed to use that as motivation regain his strength, stamina, and coordination.
His family moved to Florida, where he learned about Abilities of Florida, a nonprofit that provides employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Kevin completed a 10-month computer training course and was hired to work at Orbagraph, a bank check verification firm. He could have opted to work from his home as most other employees did, but he I loved coming to work each day and being greeted warmly by the staff and fellow employees. It gave him a sense of respect and belonging that he could never have achieved from home. ‘It felt like family,’ Kevin is fond of saying.
In 2008, he was laid off, and the news hit him hard. Meantime, the Abilities Foundation was entering its frenetic spring events schedule and desperately needed clerical help. It offered Kevin a part-time job, asking him to do whatever was necessary to ease the heavy workload. This was no ‘sympathy hire.’ Kevin was ecstatic and pledged his full cooperation, but Kevin did and to this day, does so much more.
Kevin was the subject of the Foundation’s very successful 2008 Annual Appeal, which included a four-page letter describing his recovery from the accident. He has been the guest speaker at numerous Foundation functions, including the annual Circle of Honor and the Abilities Guild. He has been the subject of TV, radio, and newsprint interviews, and has become one of the Foundation’s foremost ambassadors in the community.
Organization: Suncoast Hospice
Volunteer Name: Irene Southwick
Irene Southwick is a standout volunteer who has devoted more than a decade of her life to enriching the lives of patients and families at Suncoast Hospice. She began her volunteer career in 1998 when she participated in Suncoast Hospice’s volunteer training through her faith community. Over the years Irene has grown from a “once in a while” volunteer to visiting pts/families several times a week and at times daily. Since 2001 she has logged over 6,000 hours of volunteer service; so far this calendar year she has 1,117 hours of service and it’s only October.
Irene has educated herself on all aspects of our agency, availing herself of continuing education classes and becoming a Transition Companion, Bereavement, Palliative Arts and most recently a Mentor Volunteer. As a mentor, she helps new volunteers by showing them the ropes, visiting patients with them, sharing her experiences and just giving them her time. She has taken over 55 hours of continuing education to include but not limited to trainings in Advanced Directives, Heart Disease, 11th hour, Comfort Feeding, HIPAA and Palliative Arts Spiritual Support.
Irene goes out of her way to assist her patients, from walking a caregiver of a hospice patient who speaks a foreign language and is deaf through the process of getting on a local bus and taking her shopping so that she is prepared to be independent when her husband dies, to spending an eight hour day sitting with a scared and confused patient receiving a transfusion. Irene comes when she is called to sit with patients as they take their last breath and to comfort the loved ones, answer questions or just hold a hand. She is calm amidst chaos. She is an anchor and life preserver for those around her that are drowning whether it is self doubt, guilt or denial – she is there.
Organization: Crisis Center of Tampa Bay
Volunteer Name: Chrissy Turner
Christina Turner is an amazing individual, a dedicated volunteer who has been with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay since October 2004, working with sexual assault victims within hours after they have been assaulted. This is a difficult position and takes a very compassionate, knowledgeable individual. The burn-out rate with working with victims of crime is high, and Chrissy has been consistent and dependable since she began volunteering, after attending 40 hours of classroom training.
Chrissy takes call during the nighttime hours when most are sleeping. She meets with the victim and provides support, empathy, information about victim services, crisis counseling, emergency shelter, sexual violence injunctions and safety plans. Her job requires knowledge of community referral sources, sexual assault laws, and what to expect during a forensic exam. As a sexual assault crisis counselor, Chrissy is usually the first advocate for the victim. Chrissy helps victims beginning at age 13 and up, both male and female. Her impact on the victim cannot be measured and has a lasting effect.
As a sexual assault survivor, Chrissy understands the impact this crime has on the victims. She has taken a horrific life experience and turned it into a mission that supports and promotes the healing of a victim, which in turn helps heal our community. Chrissy has dedicated her life to help others who have been sexually assaulted so they can begin to take back their lives. She is able to help the victim see that there is light at the end of the dark tunnel they are in. Chrissy has spoken out on behalf of survivors at many events, including a trip to Washington D.C. this October to work on healthcare reform. Her strength encourages other survivors to speak out and get help. She is truly a role model for all.
Organization: Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County
Volunteer Name: Kristine White
Kristine White is an amazing volunteer for Girls Incorporated. Kristine has volunteered consistently with Girls Inc. for the last five years. She comes in four days a week to work in our Kids Café program feeding close to 200 girls each day a healthy and nutritious snack. Kristine also includes her entire family in hers effort to work with the girls. Each year the White family organizes â??Project White Christmas,â?ť buying gifts for almost all of the families of our girls who are in need. Shopping for this is extraordinary as Toys R Us shuts their doors to the public and opens the store for the White family and their shoppers... loading up a car trailer floor to ceiling and then bringing the toys and clothes back to Girls Inc. where we wrap the gifts and allow mom and dad to shop for their kids. It is an amazing event and our families are always so appreciative of the kindness of the White family. Kristine goes above and beyond to help the girls of Girls Inc. Each day she greets the girls and asks them individually how they are, pulling those girls aside who may not be having a good day. She is humble about her contributions to our organization but her time and effort each day simply cannot be overlooked and that is why Kristine White should be recognized as the Be Moreâ?¦Involved! The Mason Dixon Be More Involved - Award for Volunteerism.
Organization: American Youth Academy
Volunteer Name: Tara Welch Zekr
I speak for every staff-member and parent when I say that Tara Welch Zekri is American Youth Academy’s (AYA) most outstanding volunteer. Her heart, her spirit and her actions embody true community service and support, fully, the school’s mission.
Tara joined AYA’s team of parent volunteers just over three years ago, and has been very active in every way ever since.
As a member of the parent-teacher organization, she set to work organizing meetings; setting up a Yahoo group to improve two-way communication between the school and parents/staff; coordinating and keeping track of volunteer activities and hours; assisting in classrooms; and keeping a keen ear tuned to everyone’s needs and wish lists.
She liaised with the Child Abuse Council to organize Parent Involvement Activities and set up the school’s first Nutrition Campaign, involved the students and including a Nutrition Workshop for parents.
She formed a partnership with Keep Hillsborough County Beautiful and worked diligently with students and staff to set up AYA’s recycling program. She was instrumental in getting AYA to Adopt a Road and supervises quarterly activities to ensure the road is maintained.
This year, she initiated the Eco Club and serves as its advisor. There are 20 members of the club from grades 9 – 12. This year, she also volunteered to be the Newsletter advisor and is working with the 9th-graders to hone their skills: Interviewing, writing, editing and publishing.
In the words of an AYA teacher: Tara has innovative ideas; she is big on cleaning up the environment; she follows through on whatever she starts; she is gracious to other people and great with the kids; she is capable, and is able to handle a lot of responsibility; she is energetic; she is good at communicating with people; and she always has a smile on her face.