From the Stuart News,  Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Martin County volunteers with Pink Tie Friends received President's Volunteer Service Awards at Volunteer Florida's quarterly meeting on Tuesday, April 14th. 

The 15 awards came on the day when Congress gave approval to a compromise version of the President's "Serve America Act," which broadly expands the AmeriCorps national service program and will mean more money for the work of the Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service (Volunteer Florida).

Wendy Spender, CEO of Volunteer Florida, praised the recipients for their "tireless work on behalf of individuals newly diagnosed with breast cancer who are uninsured or under-insured.
 

"They not only raise funds but often negotiate with care givers on behalf of patients.  In one instance, they were able to reduce medical bills from $120,000 to less than $20,000," she said.                                                                                      

"These recipients are role models for all Americans," Spencer said.  "Each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others."

Four of the 15 recipients also received the President's Call to Service Award, given for a life time of service.  They are:

•    Deborah Hollister and Patricia Harrison, both of Stuart
•    Nancy Sailer, Palm City
•    Cheryl Caldwell, Port St. Lucie

To receive this award, a volunteer must have logged at least 4,000 hours over a lifetime.  These four have given a total of more than 20,000 hours of service to others, Spencer said.

The other award winners were Cindy Allen, Valerie Collins, Madeline Herman and Rob Kunkle, all of Port St. Lucie; Tasha Chen, Marylou Hawkins, Ruth Woodbury, Stephanie Kumara and Connie Karol, all of Stuart; Carolyn Wilsey, Jensen Beach; and Judy Schilder, Palm City.