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MorseLife Celebrates Those Who Generously Open Their Hearts To Seniors In Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
MorseLife Celebrates Those Who Generously Open Their Hearts To Seniors In Annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon
West Palm Beach, FL (February 8, 2010) - Nearly 600 people of all ages and back-grounds annually give generously of their time and energy as volunteers for MorseLife and its entities serving the needs of seniors of Palm Beach County. In recognition of their acts of caring, MorseLife recently held its annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, paying special tribute to those who have given more than 2,000 hours of their time, and those who have reached 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 year milestones.
Twenty-five year volunteer honorees Honey Plisskin of West Palm Beach and Lee Wolf of Palm Beach Gardens (second and third from left), along with Nadine Greenberg, MorseLife Director of Volunteers (far right), presented a symbolic "check" to MorseLife Chairman Beatrice W. Bloch (far left) for $553,473 which represented the estimated value of the 27,332 hours achieved by all volunteers in the 2009 year. This was part of festivities at MorseLife’s recent Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, which honors the spirit and dedication of more than 600 people who volunteer regularly at MorseLife entities and in the community.
According to Nadine Greenberg, MorseLife Director of Volunteers, individual and group volunteers from throughout Palm Beach County gave more than 27,000 hours in the past year, working in various capacities at Morse Geriatric Center, The Tradition of the Palm Beaches and MorseLife Home Care/Kramer Senior Services Agency.
"MorseLife offers many enriching opportunities for adults and youth who are willing to give of their time and talents to others through volunteering," said Ms. Greenberg. "We are so fortunate for their love and dedication - for their willingness to open their hearts to the seniors we serve on our campus and throughout the community."
In joining in the presentation, Beatrice W. Bloch, Chairman of MorseLife, made note of the Jewish commandment, Tikkun Olam, which means "repairing the world" through social justice. "MorseLife’s 'world' is a relatively small one in comparison to the needs we see on this earth, but it is our world - our community," she said. "People say that it doesn’t matter how many lives you make better - just that you do that. In combining our strengths, talents and dedication, you do, in fact, take responsibility for the welfare of a larger community."
"So, I thank you for all that you do in support of the seniors that we serve - both on our campus and out in the community," Ms. Bloch continued. "You inspire me every day through all that you do."
In his presentation, Keith Myers, President/CEO for MorseLife, encouraged people from the audience to discuss the rewards of volunteerism and to encourage others to follow their lead. "As volunteers, you touch so many lives through your willingness to make a difference to those we serve at Morse Geriatric Center - at The Tradition of the Palm Beaches - and out in our neighborhoods," he said. "You truly make a difference through your time and your talents - through your kind voice and willingness to listen - and ultimately through your caring nature. We cherish all of you as essential members of the MorseLife team - and I thank you for your incredible, selfless contributions."
Nadine Greenberg gave special recognition to two 25-year honorees, Honey Plisskin of West Palm Beach who volunteers for MorseLife Foundation, and Lee Wolf of Palm Beach Gardens of the National Council of Jewish Women, who for the last quarter century has been bringing birthday cards and gifts to residents of Morse Geriatric Center. At the end of the program, Ms. Greenberg presented a symbolic "check" to Beatrice Bloch for $553,473 which represented the estimated value of the 27,332 hours achieved by all volunteers in the 2009 year.
Ms. Greenberg notes that volunteer opportunities include everything from visiting with residents, sharing talents and skills, working in the Morse Geriatric Center or The Tradition of the Palm Beaches Gift Shops and the Nearly New Thrift Shop, to delivering kosher meals to homebound seniors, providing clerical support and assisting with religious activities. "The goal of the Volunteer Department is to match people with their specific talents, experience and interests," she said. "It is wonderful to see so many individuals of all ages and backgrounds willing to make a difference."
For more information about volunteer opportunities at MorseLife, call Nadine Greenberg, Director of Volunteers, at (561) 687-5871, or email her at nadineg@morselife.org.