Senior Volunteer Services Luncheon

Something to Cheer About Recognition Luncheon Celebrates Volunteer Spirit

More than 1,000 dedicated Senior Volunteer Services volunteers were feted this spring during the
organization’s annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon. Presented with the theme “Something to Cheer About,” the festive affair featured pom-poms, megaphones and even entertainment by the Miami Heat Senior Golden Oldie Dancers!

The true stars of the event were the volunteers, of course. “It’s a great way of recognizing all of the seniors for the outstanding job they do for the boys and girls – and also all the great work they do through our other programs,” said Event Co-Chair Bruce Voelkel, Board Member and principal of Banyan Elementary School. “The event was very exciting.”

Added event Co-Chair Lesley Tobin, who is also a Board Member, “We just want to show our volunteers that we appreciate everything that they do – all their hard work, their time and their compassion. The event was wonderful. Everyone really enjoyed it. Next year it
will be even bigger and better!”
According to Executive Director John Gargotta, the luncheon honored all the volunteers who serve the organization and the community throughout the year.

“Our volunteers provided more than 300,000 hours of service in the last year – a phenomenal achievement,” he said. “These volunteers have served children, frail elderly and people with a disability, incarcerated juveniles, law enforcement, other nonprofits and public agencies to help
solve some of Broward County’s most pressing needs.”

One of the highlights of the event was the presentation of the Third Annual Edith S. Lederberg Wisdom in Action Award to Roland J. Benson, Director of Workforce Diversity/Employee Advocacy for the North Broward Hospital District. In 2006, his department was recognized
with the “Freedom to Compete Award” from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC award recognizes employers, organizations and individuals for initiatives that promote fair and open competition in the workplace.

A former Board Member and President of Senior Volunteer Services, Benson is an active volunteer in the community who has served numerous organizations, including Leadership Broward, the YMCA, Jack & Jill Nursery, Boy Scouts of America and Rotary. He was honored as Leader of the Year by the Leadership Broward Foundation in 2002.


Contact us today if you're interested in becoming one of our Senior Volunteers.