Friday, December 14, 2012

Luncheon Recap

7:45 AM | | Edit Post

Last year, whether driving their own vehicles or agency vans, volunteers from Senior Services’ Transportation Program covered over 568,255 miles and donated 55,444 hours of their time. After so much valuable service to our community, it was time to celebrate!


Cindy Zwart, Director, commends volunteers for
their generosity and kindness.
The Transportation Driver Appreciation Luncheon provided the opportunity for us to express our gratitude (once again) for the dedication and contributions of our compassionate volunteers. As our drivers from throughout King County gathered together, they built community with one another, recognized their collective accomplishments, and reinforced their commitment to helping local seniors.
 
Joy Kamstra receives recognition for
her impressive 25 years as a volunteer driver.
Cindy Zwart, Transportation Program Director, opened up the event by speaking about random acts of kindness, or "selfless acts performed by a person wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person." She informed the volunteer drivers, "Whether it be simply holding the door open for a slow-moving client who uses a walker to get around, taking the time to listen to the stories of a senior who is homebound and isolated, or making extra stops at a pharmacy or grocery store, just being there to offer a helping hand, friendly conversation, or moral support means the world to our clients."

Jack Langlais proudly displays his door prize.
After Cindy's heartfelt reflection, we honored drivers celebrating milestone anniversaries. Volunteers who’d been with the program for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years were presented with tokens of appreciation, allowing us to recognize their outstanding service and lasting positive impact. Door prizes were given to lucky drivers, helping create an atmosphere of anticipation and excitement.

All in all, it was a memorable and uplifting occasion—one clearly embedded with the themes of celebration, appreciation, and inspiration.


 
We’d like to thank the following sponsors who helped made this successful event possible: Garlic Jim’s, Walgreen’s, Office Depot, Seattle Chocolates, Vince’s Italian Restaurant and Pizza, Highline Medical Center, Ivar’s Seafood Restaurant, PCC Natural Markets, Starbucks, Washington Dental Service, QFC, Regence, Trident Seafood, Tim Cascade Snacks, Snoqualmie Casino, Virginia Mason Hospital and Medical Center, Donald and Teresa Benedict, Tulalip Casino, and Amtrak. Their support reminds us that our volunteers deserve the very best!
Who wouldn't be inspired by this bunch of
friendly, caring volunteers?!

















**An extensive array of photos from the Appreciation Luncheon can be found here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/30402612@N03/sets/72157632240966844/show/.

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“Behind the Wheel” offers stories, reflections, news and updates about Sound Generations’ (formerly Senior Services') Transportation Program. Throughout King County, our inspiring volunteers provide needed mobility to local seniors, supporting them in their efforts to remain independent, healthy, and happy. Please drop by to read more about the unique experiences of our volunteers, clients and staff!
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