Announcements, News, & Press Releases

2005 Compeer Volunteer Recognition Luncheon

Jun 01, 2005

For Immediate Release

June 1, 2005

Silver Creek residents Anthony and Rose Ann Falcone were among the volunteers honored at the recent Compeer Chautauqua Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held at the White Inn in Fredonia. The couple received the Bernice Skirboll Award, given each year for outstanding service to Compeer. The award is named for the founder and past president of Compeer International. At the luncheon, Compeer director Jann Ball referred to Mr. and Mrs. Falcone as “the mainstay of the program.” The couple plays each year in the Compeer for Youth Golf Tournament. They have given back winnings and donated prizes and funds during the seven years the tournament has been held. “We count on them every year,” said Ms. Ball.

Other honorees included Lakeview resident Robert Roth, Adult Male Volunteer of the Year, and Celeste Kerns of Westfield, who received the Adult Female Volunteer of the Year Award. Gerry resident Renee Gardner was the recipient of the Youth Female Volunteer Award. Roth, a volunteer since 1999, has had the same Compeer friend for six years. Upon receiving the award, he said, “I first wanted to give back to the community. What I found out is that I’m receiving as much as I’m giving.”  Celeste Kerns was described as being a strong advocate for the Compeer Program. In addition to volunteering, she has helped out in the Compeer office. As a volunteer in the Compeer for Youth Program, Renee Gardner befriended a young girl who needed a good role model. Although her Compeer friend has since moved out of the area, Renee knows that she has given the child a lasting gift. Compeer Chautauqua offers trained, compassionate volunteers in a one-to-one friendship with adults and children referred to the program by mental health professionals. The program is sponsored by Southern Tier Environments for Living.

CONTACT: Jeanne R. Sears Community Education Consultant 716—763-5079 CUTLINE