Senior adults who give time without pay to the community were lauded for their service at the annual Burbank Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday at the Castaway’s Starlight Room.
Louise Brown, 96, was recognized for serving 25 years.
“It’s wonderful I can serve people and my community,” said the Burbank resident who is retired from the International Publicity department at Universal Studios.
Brown assists at Joslyn Adult Center, one of the three senior facilities in town that provide those over age 55 with a place to socialize, learn new skills and have fun.
“I answer the phone, clean up tables and just anything they have for me to do,” she said.
Dee Call, RSVP director, welcomed the more than 300 volunteers, city officials and staff and guests and thanked those who give so much time to the community.
“You generously give your gift of time to make contact, provide support, encouragement and perhaps provide humor to make someone’s day a bit more bearable because you have taken the time to care, to listen and to serve,” she said. “You give of yourself and bring with you your time, life experiences, skills, abilities, compassion, intellect and humor and ask for nothing in return and yet receive friendship, appreciation and satisfaction.”
This year 141,114 hours were served by 656 volunteers. An enlarged check was presented to Council member Emily Gabel-Luddy, displaying the total $3,716,942, which illustrated the amount that it would cost to pay the volunteers for all the work they do during the year.
Council member Gabel-Luddy thanked the volunteers, saying their contribution is appreciated throughout the entire community.
“There are no words to express the appreciation for the enormous amount of commitment that you continue to exercise in your lives and make this community the great community that it is, so thank you very much!” she said.
Those receiving the President’s Call to Service Away for having served 4,000 hours and more Lifetime Volunteer Hours were Diane Austin, Sondra Elwell, Gloria Gowdy, Coleen Henry, Peter McGrath, Dorothy Murray, Betty Negri, Kay Samuelsen, Patricia Scully, Robert Struble, Gloria Teper, Ken Truitner and Margie Uruski.
Volunteers honored for 20 years of service were Jo Ann Franklin, Eric Harrison, Barbara Marks, Jane Mulder, Dora Navarro, Mary Ramsey and Velia Thomas.
More volunteers were honored for 15, 10 and five years of service.
Funds raised by the Senior Advisory Council throughout the year go to the cost of the RSVP Recognition Luncheon, said council chairwoman Judy Pike.
One-man-band keyboardist and RSVP volunteer Terry Lupton provided music throughout the luncheon. His repertoire included favorites from the 1960s and 1970s.
