On April 20, 2013, the Central California SPCA hosted an appreciation barbecue for our dedicated volunteers. We have so many volunteers who generously give their time, support, and love to us and the animals.
The ceremony and barbecue were held at the CCSPCA’s training yard on a beautiful Saturday afternoon. Volunteers and their family/friends were invited to celebrate their many hours of service. A full lunch of hot dogs, hamburgers, and veggie burgers was provided. Nearly 80 dinners were cooked and served. Noah Gomez, Adoptions Animal Care Manager, was staffing the BBQ, trying not to burn the entrees, while CCSPCA staff member, Candy Kuenzli, spread out all the makings. Sherry Minson, our Store Manager, shaved iced and popped popcorn to serve to the volunteers and their guests. Some of the volunteers even volunteered to help with the day’s festivities! We are so thankful for their pure, selfless devotion.
After enjoying lunch, the award ceremony and presentations began. Our Director of Community Relations, was the emcee for the afternoon along with Volunteer Manager, Margaret Goode. We welcomed the guests, made important introductions, and then honored a very special volunteer – Lillian Dutra.
Lillian has completed 3500 volunteer hours! She has dedicated her time to the CCSPCA since the beginning of 1998 and has volunteered in many of our departments included Education, Donations, Volunteer, Special Events, and the Thrift Store. She has assisted in saving lives through all of her duties, talents, and gifts. Dutra’s family also volunteers their time and talents. Thank you to Lillian and her wonderful family!
After presenting Dutra her awards, we introduced CCSPCA’s Humane Educator, Thalia Arenas. Arenas presented the bookmark and essay contest winners.
More awards were then presented to the “500 Club.” This special club is for those volunteers that have dedicated 500 or more hours to the CCSPCA. These volunteers received personalized name badges, certificates signed by the Board of Director’s President, John Brechmann, and gift certificates to Doug-Out Cookies. These notable “500 Club” volunteers are as follows: Lynn Mann, Gary Wilburn, Georgia Vercoe, Sydney Kuenzil, Mary Westenrider, Steve Westinrider, Rose Brugetti, Pete Brugetti, Penny Wilson, Stefani Aluisi, Mona Ahmed, Jen Barker, Chris Schmidt, Marnee Clement, Kathleen Harrison and Jilly Caffrey.
We also honored our foster family volunteers and presented them with award certificates. They are as follows: Penny and Steve Weinstein, Debbie Zambrano, Tiffany Zambrano, Jennifer McLelland and Pharus Hogan.
We wrapped up the event by asking the volunteers to share memories and stories about their experiences at the CCSPCA. A few volunteers shared their favorite story which spread happiness and laughter.
Thank you to all of the volunteers that help support the CCSPCA! With their help, dedication, and servitude we are better able to provide many more forever homes for the homeless animals of our community.
by Sasha Bell