Volunteers with the Alzheimer & Parkinson Association of Indian River County were thanked for their dedication and tireless service at a Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon last Thursday at the Oak Harbor Club.
“I look at you and I see an incredible source of power. You power our mission,” said Executive Director Peggy Cunningham to the invited guests.
Joyce (Joy) McKay Steggles underwrote the event and, in thanking her, Cunningham said that she has watched Steggles turn purposeful thoughts into results-oriented actions. “She is the poster child for true philanthropy,” said Cunningham.
She also thanked receptionist Carol Smalley for her invaluable assistance, saying of her, “She has that sixth sense whether to joke, to gently guide, to offer support or information. I am grateful every day that we are a team.”
Cunningham shared that they recently hired Judy Lemoncelli as their new development director, and soon plan to hire a program director. “We are growing, we are stabilizing and we are going to be able to increase programs throughout the whole county for those people who need it.”
Volunteers remain the backbone of many of their services, which include support and social groups, movement classes, memory screenings and respite care programs, the newsletter, the Virtual Dementia experience, Project Lifesaver program, health fairs, the Day of Hope Caregiver Conference and Walk to Remember fundraiser. Cunningham and Board Chairman Bruce McEvoy also praised the supportive members of their diverse board, as well as the M&M’s – an advisory group who help spread the word about what they do.
“Each one of you is doing something that you can do to help your community. I think that it’s extremely important that each of you know how much you are appreciated,” said Cunningham. “It makes a difference to how our organization works. It makes a difference to the people that you’re helping.”
Special recognition was given to volunteers Blanca Caputo, Nancy Alderman and Mary Orticelli, and Cunningham announced that there was a tie this year for Volunteer of the Year.
Charlie Brashears assists every day with the Social Respite Group, talking to participants and leading them in activities. “Charlie has become our most reliable gentleman volunteer. Whatever the task is that needs to be done, Charlie is agreeable to give it a go. We’ve nicknamed him Charles in Charge.”
Theresa Baxter has been instrumental in launching the Social Respite program, Memory Screening and Caregiver classes in Gifford. “She gathered, organized and motivated a cadre of volunteers. She single-handedly found the space, gathered the program supplies and did everything in her power to launch the Social Respite for her community.”
Board member Trudie Rainone also had high praise for Cunningham, saying, “She has really grown this organization. She doesn’t get enough recognition and she deserves it; she has done so much. I’m so proud to be on this board.”
