SEBASTIAN — A highlight of the year for the Sebastian River Area Chamber of Commerce is its annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, an event that honored 10 people last week.
The event honors volunteers chosen by the chamber’s non-profit members, who name an individual from their volunteer corps who has been shown to be a “star among stars.”
The luncheon was held at the Disney Resort in Wabasso, which was wonderfully decorated for Christmas.
Chamber President Beth Mitchell told the gathering her organization is proud to honor the vital service volunteers provide, allowing the area’s many non-profit, human service organizations to successfully carry out their diverse missions.
Honored this year were:
- Mickey Capp, chosen by the American Cancer Society, as the organization’s “go to guy,” who steps up whenever and wherever he is needed. The Relay for Life and Making Strides Against Breast Cancer are two of the efforts he has successfully led. “There are few who match his quiet, kind and generous spirit,” society officials say about Capp.
- Rhonda Marples, a RN from Sebastian River Medical Center, was the United Way pick. A long-time UW volunteer, with nine years of service to her credit, she as a campaign coordinator, “has increased employee participation and made a significant difference to United Way,” helping double UW contributions through the workplace campaign, which she considers a science and which she conducts with great care and dedication.
- Doug Clement, a retired international marketing consultant with clients such as Coca Cola, Pepsi and General Motors, was chosen by Sun-Up ARC. After 30 years, he “decided it was time to … give back to the community.” He is an event coordinator with the Spring Swing Golf Tournament and the (now) annual Jason Vieaux Concert among them. “He goes above and beyond and gets the job done,” SunUp officials say.
- Megan Mash is the Sebastian Boys and Girls Club volunteer of the year. She shares her musical talent with the club members, teaching music and heading the annual holiday pageant. Without her, say club officials, the program would likely be non-existent. Her greatest impact “is instilling joy and excitement (in the young people) when it comes to music.”
- Colleen Audette was Indian River Habitat for Humanity’s choice for this year’s honor. She helps wherever she’s needed, in many areas of habitat, mostly “under the radar, without fanfare. She’s teachable and willing to learn.” From administrative office tasks to hands-on jobs in the Home Center ReStore, Audette shines. And, habitat added – “she bakes!”
- Shirley O’Connell was chosen from among Friendship Christian Community volunteers as a tireless Prayer Warrior who, “every single day for these past five years has spearheaded that tireless band, maintaining that connection between those in need and the one who can supply that need. She is our chieftain – a prayer warrior princess, if such a designation exists.”
- Eileen O’Donnell of Douglas Health Services, is a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Association. “She just fit right in. Her personality simply fills the room and she jumped right in to help the organization.” She has been a “mover and shaker as a highly successful fundraiser, a Project Lifesaver volunteer, and a member of the Day of Hope Committee.”
- Kathy Falzone is the Exchange Club of Sebastian’s choice this year. She supports the club’s dedication to child abuse prevention and, as chairman of the Youth of the Month and ACE – Accepting the Challenge of Excellence – she has led the club in honoring outstanding students and those who have overcome great personal obstacles.
- C.J. Bryant is a member of the Disaster Action Team of the Regional Volunteer Management organization, and is on call 24/7 monthly, ready to respond at any time to anyone who loses their home to a disaster, such as a fire. She serves in both disaster assessment and logistics, often brings birthday and get-well cards for other volunteers and “is always upbeat and willing to do whatever is asked.”
- Devon Steele is called a volunteer extraordinaire with the Florida Equestrian Foundation. She helped form the organization’s policies and procedures, and initiate programs. She develops training manuals, rides in parades, mucks stalls and has set the foundation above and beyond our years.