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"This is a national event today: Mayor Bramson is joining 800 or 900 mayors around the country who are all saying how valuable national service is -- programs like Senior Corps, AmeriCorps or RSVP, which is what we're talking about today, and others like that that have a big impact," said Alisa Kesten, executive director of the Volunteer Center of United Way.
The U.S. Conference of Mayors and the Corporation for National and Community Service designated the day to highlight senior service, show support for nonprofit and national service groups, and inspire residents to serve in their communities.
Last year, about 850 RSVP volunteers contributed 93,000 hours of service valued at $2.5 million, and SSMC volunteers contributed 5,500 of those hours, Kesten said.
"These are really dedicated individuals," she said.
During the celebration, Bramson presented SSMC President and CEO John R. Spicer with a proclamation, and each volunteer received a Certificate of Appreciation.
"This is first and foremost an opportunity to express our enormous thanks to this group for all they have done to exemplify what volunteerism can be and for making sure the life of the community is as strong as it can be," Bramson said. "The hours these volunteers have served are an extraordinary gift."
The honorees represent volunteers who have impressive records. One has helped at SSMC for more than 50 years and a number of the others have celebrated 20-plus years. Their support efforts make a difference in many areas throughout the hospital, including Pastoral and Palliative Care as well as the Volunteer Office, Arts and Crafts activities and Recreational Therapy.
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