YMCA Honors Volunteers for Their Efforts

Without its volunteers, the Marco YMCA of South Collier simply would not be able to function.

That was the message this past week from CEO Cindy Love-Abounader, who added that many of the organization’s own employees step up to the plate/go over and beyond by volunteering as well when they’re off-duty.

Love-Abounader got straight to the point at an honorary luncheon by naming an incredulous Fritzi Holmes as the Y’s Volunteer of the Year for 2019/2020.

“She had more than 600 volunteer hours in one year,” said Love-Abounader. “She’s a program volunteer, a fundraising volunteer, she gives wellness instruction, she’s involved with the tennis program, and she’s also on the board.”

Modestly accepting the kudos, Holmes simply stated, “The Y’s a great place to be. It keeps me out of trouble.”

Love-Abounader also paid a special tribute to the daily “Bread Run” volunteers who collect bakery items from local grocery stores—as well as a bagel store—and deliver them to the poorer areas of East Naples.

In a neat twist during the proceedings, Love-Abounader named the Y’s Aquatics & Sports Director Morgan Joseph the Employee of the Year, after which Joseph recognized volunteer Kathleen Reynolds for invaluable help with the swimming and “Waterwise” programs.

“I love the swimming and water aerobics,” Reynolds said of the catalysts that prompted her to volunteer. “It’s healthy and helps me live longer. 

The former educator and school district administrator summed it up by saying, “You don’t see kids crying here—at the Y. And, I love the ‘Professional Role Model’ t-shirts worn by young camp counselors.”

In her “acceptance speech” incidentally, Joseph—who gave more than 1,000 swimming and aquatic lessons during the year—said she was thankful to be a part of the Y, and said if anybody had new ideas for programs, she’d be more than willing to entertain them.

Community Relations Manager Tony DeLucia—one of the staffers who volunteers plenty of extra hours—recognized the efforts of The Marco Island Civitan Club.

He said the small club, “which looks for—charitable—things to do,” has been integrally involved with Y volunteerism, particularly with events such as the Taste of Marco and the Seafood Festival. Most recently, they helped at the popular Tour de Marco bike ride.

The Y’s Esta Alliker runs the Y-Reads program, an initiative that benefits kids from the aforementioned poorer neighborhoods in East Naples.

She recognized volunteer Lisa Jess, saying her help was “invaluable” to the program, which over the past few years has shown improvement and growth “all round.”

Aidan Libby represented the Marco Island Academy Key Club; whose members are prolific volunteers all over the island.

“As young people, you’re already becoming leaders and giving back to the community,” Abounader-Love said.

Wrapping up a get-together that radiated positive observations all-round, DeLucia paid special tribute to Dr. Jim Seegers for his involvement from the start in the Tour de Marco ride.

For more on the Y’s wide variety of programs and activities for adults and children, visit marcoymca.org or call 239-394-9622. Follow on Twitter at ymcamarco, on Facebook at marcoymca, and Instagram at ymcamarco.