TIME GIVERS: Volunteers appreciated during celebration day
Many folks who have given their time and effort for the betterment of the island community received a well-deserved ‘thank you’ by the Town of Fort Myers Beach during a special picnic-style event at Bay Oaks Recreational Campus last Saturday.
Town volunteers, who have been appointed to advisory committees and task forces or who have freely shared their expertise and commitment at Town parks and cultural resources facilities such as Mound House and Newton Park, were applauded for their self-less dedication.
“Today is the Town’s day to say thank you to all of you who volunteer your time and help advise Council on many, many matters,” said Beach Mayor Alan Mandel. “We really, really do appreciate all your efforts.”
Town officials designated May 4, 2013 as Volunteer Appreciation Day and later declared the particular Saturday as Roxie Smith Day due to the mega-volunteer’s recent passing and devotion through her tireless sacrifice. A proclamation was read in her honor.
“This is also an extra special day because Council members voted to name today Roxie Davis Smith Appreciation Day,” said Mandel, before reading the proclamation. “It’s amazing how she helped thousands and what she contributed to on this island. This is a wonderful challenge to all of us in what we should try to achieve.”
Invitations for the volunteer appreciation day were sent out to 126 volunteers. Town officials have seen a rise in volunteer participation during recent years.
Town Manager Terry Stewart applauded the Town staff for putting the event together, especially Town Clerk Michelle Mayher and Finance Director Evelyn Wicks. He also thanked Council member Bob Raymond for coming up with the idea of changing the volunteer appreciation event format from a formal dinner to a more social and casual event to celebrate and accommodate the increase in the volunteer force.
During the four-hour event, participants enjoyed open pool time, games such as horse shoes, volleyball, Frisbee golf, and catered food from Rib City.
At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were given to each of the attendees.