“Welcome to the celebration of you – all of you who believe in all work and no pay,” said Peggy Cunningham, executive director, Alzheimer and Parkinson Association of Indian River County, at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon at the Oak Harbor Club.
“These volunteers are very special people; very special indeed,” said Joyce (Joy) Steggles, who underwrote the luncheon. Steggles also continues the legacy of her late husband John, funding a respite program for caregivers who cannot afford private care.
“Joy Steggles understands that appreciation must be expressed because it raises all of us when we offer it,” Cunningham said.
“There’s a lot of positive energy in this room today, and it’s much appreciated,” said new board chairman Bruce McEvoy. “We’re fortunate to have a board with such a diversification in their backgrounds. When those experiences collide, you see some very creative solutions. It’s dynamic.”
After praising her dedicated staff members, Cunningham recognized former board member and five-year chairman George Bryan, who was unable to attend. “He had the qualities that a chairman should have. I was very lucky to have his support and to have his counsel, and when I needed it, his compassion.”
Volunteers are an essential component of the organization’s programs and services, many of which are strictly volunteer-driven.
“You’re our culture,” said Cunningham. “It’s our culture of joy, compassion and pragmatism that makes us so distinctive. It’s probably one of the purest groups I’ve ever seen in terms of your motivation.”
Citing their collective impact, she noted that attendance grew from 4,000 in 2011 to 11,000 in 2014. The number of support and social groups, classes, memory screenings and respite care programs has greatly expanded. Their Virtual Dementia experience has been administered to caregivers, nursing staff and every member of law enforcement and first responders in the county, and they continue to collaborate with Treasure Coast Pilot Club and the Sheriff’s Department on the Project Lifesaver program.
“And yet, our operating budget remains about the same as it was five years ago. That tells us that you are the major part of our work force,” said Cunningham. “That’s a tremendous amount of power that you have helped us grow that much in just the last few years.”
Special recognition was given Norma Oringel, who assists with the exercise classes; to Jeanne and Robert Buttner, who volunteer with Project Lifesaver and with programs in Gifford; to Barbara Nolte, who assists wherever she is most needed; and to Bob Benac, who runs the essential tremor support group and the men’s group.
Sue Teague, named this year’s Volunteer of the Year, was unable to attend. Teague stepped in last year to run the Virtual Dementia program, is on the Walk to Remember committee, where she was in charge of the Forget Me Not baskets which had their highest sales ever, and runs a support group. “Basically, Sue has kind of moved in. She’s got her own desk at this point.” said Cunningham.
“This is such a wonderful group,” added Cunningham to all the volunteers. “Everything we do is because you make it happen.”