HEALTH & RESOURCES FAIR

Thursday, April 29th 2010

As so often happens at The Pantry, someone has an idea, we love it, run with it and discover we have no idea where we’re going, but we march forward anyway. Everyone knows about Health Fairs, Job Fairs, and the old reliable County Fairs, but a Resource and Health Fair? Not so much. But that was exactly what our clients needed. They needed to be informed about their health as well as enlightened on the products and agencies that are offered to them in our County. We invited vendors, who accepted and told other agencies. We invited our clients in our database, who attended and took full advantage of the recourses available. We weren’t sure what to expect, but the Vendors came and educated all of us. They set up their tables, displayed their products, brought information and guided our clients from table to table. There were over 16 tables representing either products or benefits available to seniors. Again, due to space constraints, we only have a few pictures here, but the entire photo shoot and list of participating vendors is on our web site. There is already talk of another Health & Resource Fair in the air. Please let us know what you think and if you know someone who could benefit, please let us know. We’d love to hear from you.

1ST ANNUAL VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DAY LUNCHEON

It was a wonderful day. The weather cooperated; McGuire’s Hill 16 set us up in their large private banquet room. The food was wonderful and so many of our amazing volunteers came and were appreciated by our staff and our Chairman of the Board, Steve Adelstein, and Matthew Grant, Board Treasurer. The newest member of our Ambassadors Council, Taylor Taskey was there as well. Of Course Penny and BJ lent their support, but our Mistress of Ceremonies, Lydya Chapman, led the way. What a ceremony it was. Mr. John Hames was awarded the “Out-Standing Volunteer of the year”. He earned this award because of his unflagging loyalty to The Pantry, and the enormous Time, Treasure, and Talents that provides to The Pantry each day of the week. Mr. Bill Vaccaro was our next recipient. His constant servicing and deliveries of food boxes that we have going to our shut-ins, (clients that due to poor health or other extenuating circumstances can no longer come to The Pantry), and the deliveries he makes to our three senior citizen complexes scattered throughout Broward County. Lydya shared many interesting stories about each of the volunteers as they came up to accept their certificates and prizes. Consensus? A good time was had by all, and we can’t wait for the 2nd Annual Volunteer Appreciation Day.
- Article by Veralynne Williams, Staff Writer.