Volunteer Appreciation Day

AHRC Suffolk’s Volunteer Recognition Reception was held on January 18th at Lombardi’s on the Bay.

The event recognizes all of our wonderful volunteers, and awards a select few who’ve gone above and beyond in 2011.

Congratulations to Ryan Davidow, Outstanding Youth Volunteer Award, Dona Gall, Outstanding Volunteer Award, Kevin Tom, New Event Organization Award, DiStefano & Sons, In-Kind Service Award, Reliable Garden & Fence, In-Kind Service Award, Suffolk County Police Athletic League, Facility Organization Award, Holbrook Fire Department, Service Organization Award, and Southampton Youth Services, Partnership Award.

Below is a poem, dedicated to our AHRC’s amazing family members and friends, which was read by Director of Development, J. Andreassi’s daughter, Hannah.

What is a volunteer?
A person with newly found free time?
One who wants to involve themselves in new things—
Meet friends,
Do a good deed?

Perhaps.
But our AHRC volunteers stem from a different breed.

Selfless and giving,
There’s nothing they can’t do,
Agreeable and eager
That is you. And you.

Our agency supporters dirty their hands,
Prepare a BBQ lunch for a bunch of HUNGRY Families and friends,
Shoot hoops with wheelchair-bound Educare kids,
And make crucial Board decisions while securing
Raffle items to bid.

Helpers bake delicious Holiday treats
Bingo Night Volunteers call out B5!
As the ladies stock gift shop shelves with items to buy.

When we need our friend’s supplies, services and time
So many generous businesses donate them In-Kind.
The Auxiliary stands on a platform all its own
Working tirelessly to raise funds for our programs and homes.

Golf Outing players score high to low,
While behind the scenes, you’re running the show.
From sun up to sun down,
And those running for a good cause,

To such amazing volunteers,
You certainly deserve quite the Applause.

So thank you friends,
For all that you do.
Simply put,
We just couldn’t do it without you.