The 7th Annual Volunteer and Donor Appreciation Breakfast was held at The Bradley Center to celebrate National Volunteer Week. A crowd of nearly fifty volunteers, donors and staff gathered to celebrate the generosity and kindness of the Bradley supporters. The patrons were greeted by some of Cornelia Harlovic’s class and followed the smell of a delicious buffet breakfast into the Atrium. The kitchen staff received many compliments for the fantastic food and they all were well deserved.Lisa Fox, CEO, opened the program by thanking everyone for their support and letting them know what a difference they make in the lives of our residents. Dr. Craig Taylor, Chief Medical Officer, focused on the Bradley programs and how the residents are taught to live a safe and healthy life. He also mentioned that all donations were welcome, and that plea hopefully will be taken back to the attendees’ workplace, church or organization. Gina Edwards, Executive Administrator of Operations assisted Ms. Fox in presenting the awards for 2011. Volunteer of the Year award went to Amy Schafer, Northwest Saving Bank manager whose personality lit up the golf course as well as the classrooms where Amy reads. PTI was the first volunteer recipient to receive their award for a second time. Well deserving with PTI’s consistent presence at Bradley for holidays, birthdays and assemblies. The award was accepted by Mark Bellemare and Melissa Gnoth. Bradley is thankful to have PTI as a neighbor. Clean up was conducted by Lonnie Nolker’s classroom.
Much preparation went on in the weeks preceding the event. Charissa Rychcik, school principal, prepared schedules while Tom Clark. child development specialist, busily coordinated making name tags and placemats that were generously donated byKaren Markofrom Medical Records. Cornelia Harlovic’s class prepared table tee’s and bookmarks as Natalie Thomas’ class practiced their songs and jokes. And the housekeeping and maintenance staff polished the Atrium till it shined. Carolyn EgnosakandPatty Canaanwere busy working with Karen Zimmerman to give everything just the right touch. The day before the event,Dana Conleyand Shana Benson’s classrooms set up the Atrium in preparation of the next day’s event.
The highlight of the event was Natalie Thomas’s class performance. A few songs and lots of funny jokes brought out the best in the audience – applause and laughter rang throughout the Atrium during the performance. And a few tears were speckled throughout; these youngsters certainly pulled at the heart of many.
Events like this showcase Bradley in the community. Everyone working together to provide the best in care for the children is what we are all about and what these donors help to make possible.