| Volunteers are served brunch at the Museum of the San Rafael. |
Lou Sansevero welcomed the RSVP volunteers to a special program to recognize and honor them for all their hard work; with a special thanks to the San Rafael Museum staff, the staff and advisory council of RSVP, the senior band and the Live, Laugh and Love line dancers. Marvin Gardner gave the blessing on the food and the seniors were treated to brunch catered by Critters
Country Kitchen. Commissioner Gary Kofford first said what a pleasure it was to be at the program. He expressed his appreciation for all their work and told them to celebrate their success. Commissioner Kofford went on, “You are the lifeblood of this county and this organization. Keep up the good work, you are doing great things.”
Laurie Pitchforth, the coordinator of the RSVP Program, thanked everyone for being there. “We couldn’t have done it without you,” said Pitchforth. She thanked Natalie Blackwell, the RSVP Office Manager, and the two Emery County Senior Citizen Center Directors in attendance, Betty Hatch and Sharon Allridge for all their hours of hard work, and also the RSVP Advisory Council for helping get the door prizes together.
A representative of Volunteers of America, Utah, Foster Grandparent Program spoke to the group about a program for seniors 60 years old or older and who are on a limited income. It averages about 15 hours a week and provides a stipend of about $200 a month. It’s a good program for those who need a little extra money and enjoy spending time with children.
Door prizes were given to the volunteers. Generous contributions were given by Horn Creations, Dugmore Appliance, Castle Service South, Emery County Historical Society, Gordon Floral, Castle Valley Co-Op, Ward’s 4×4, Paper Works, Curves, Stewarts, Pat’s Sew N Stuff, Loretta’s Beauty Salon Cut & Style, Museum of the San Rafael, Sylvia Nelson, Chute Supply, Millsite Golf Course, Kitty Kropf, T.C. West, Boyd’s Family Pharmacy, Ferron City, RK Gardens, Gilly’s, Nancy Espanet, Grant’s Foodtown, Hometown Market, Star Theater, Magnuson Lumber and Variety Video. Pitchforth said, “We know that in a small community businesses get hit hard for donations, so we are so grateful for all of them.” Over 70 door prizes were donated. Vice President of Volunteers of America, Utah, Mark Manazer encouraged the volunteers, “You all have a tremendous impact on Emery County, and we cherish your friendship and work.” Debbie Draper, Director of the RSVP Programs in Davis, Emery and Tooele counties said, “I want to thank all of you volunteers, I’m amazed by all you do and the number of hours of service you volunteer. We all have a purpose and sometimes we are the only one who doesn’t know it. Until we are told.” She ended by quoting Martin Luther King, “We all can be great.”