(VENICE)  'Celebrating our Essential Pieces,' the 39^th annual volunteer recognition at Senior Friendship Centers, honored the volunteers who have been the cornerstone of this organization its inception in 1973. Since that time volunteers have given 1,240,257 hours valued at $31,114,049.

This year also inaugurated the Founders Award, honoring the late Brother William Geenen, CSC, and Molleen Pust, whose vision and dedication created this non-profit organization. Their belief in the philosophy of “people helping people” through volunteerism, has continued to improve the quality of life and health of seniors in our community for nearly four decades. 

Volunteer Susan Homan, who assists seniors in need with application for Medicare and Medicaid. funded services, received the award  for her compassion and dedication to helping others. A volunteer at SFC for 8 years, she is a retired nurse who began as a volunteer in the health services in the prescriptions assistance program.  She was selected from a field of many outstanding volunteers, including the following recipients of the ‘People Helping People’ Awards:

• Dorothy Fleitman, Caregiver Resource Center.
• Dorothy Garman, Senior Center
• Wilma Harris, Living Room
• Joel Kreiss, DDS, Dental Clinic
• Joseph Solinas, MD, Health Services
• Barbara Marvin, Home Delivered Meals Driver, North Port
• Don Sweet, Home Delivered Meals and Nutrition
• Pam Tatum, Nutrition Program 

Also honored during the festivities were: Volunteers Giving 250 hours or more:

• Richard Beebe, MD, 252
• Arlene Bonda, 374
• Dottie Garman, 315.5
• Bob Kraner, 297
• Jan Lee, 282.5
• David MacMillan, MD, 347
• Tom Madden, 340
• Chaya Perera, 298
• Doug Roach, 307.5
• Joseph Solinas, MD, 398.5
• Betsy White, 332

Volunteers Giving 400 hours or more:

• Peggy Coltan 735.5
• Brad Lawrence, 850
• Maria Merena 690
• Pat O’Neill, 575
• Josie Thompson, 946
• Elva Wallace, 895.5

Fiver Year pins were awarded :

• Arlene Bonda
• Donna Brott
• George Campbell
• Peggy Colton
• Debbie Dale
• Alice Gaites
• Alena Goins
• Bud Hoffman
• Catherine Iklody
• Emily Jennings
• Mary Linehan
• Ike Miller
• Myrna Miller
• Robert Sage
• Bea Sage
• Evelyn Tarricone
• Melody Thompson

Ten Year pins were awarded to:

• Juliana Collier
• Frank Drab
• Ann Lindahl
• Bob Lindahl
• August Paredes, MD

Fifteen Year Pins were awarded to:

• Frank Cavaliere
• Tin Pan Alley Band
• Melodears
• Venice Garden Club

Volunteer Services Manager Caroline Allen coordinated the event, with the assistance of Senior Friendship Centers staff. Sponsors for the event included Tropicana Products. Right at Home, Venetian Gardens, and GA Foods.  The breakfast was prepared and served by  Senior Friendship Centers staff.