The YMCA of the Palms wouldn't be able to offer quality programs, provide excellent service or build strong kids, strong families and strong communities without our dedicated, gifted and generous volunteers.
Our volunteers bring their expertise to almost all areas of the YMCA. Though their roles are as varied as supporting community programs, greeting members and participants, coaching and watching over children, each has one thing in common - commitment to the YMCA of the Palms. We are grateful to each and every volunteer who donates their time, energy and talents.
This year, we have selected a group of outstanding volunteers who give of themselves to make a difference in our community.
2009 Volunteers of the Year
Pioneer Preeminent Award: Paul Ciccarelli
Paul Ciccarelli, of Ciccarelli Advisory Services, was honored with the recognition of Pioneer Preeminent, an award presented each year to a volunteer demonstrating service above and beyond. Paul had a vision for the Y, a plan to make a difference. Grateful to the YMCA for the dance where his parents first met, he had felt as a Member of the Endowment Board of Directors that he could have a greater impact.
Through his extreme dedication, Paul helped the YMCA of the Palms meet a matching challenge grant from the Naples Children and Education Foundation for the YMCA Gaynor Child Development Center that solidified his vision and passion for the children and families we serve. Paul initiated a tea and tour for his friends of the Gaynor Center and helped orchestrate the largest grossing concert of Paul Todd, a local phenom of music and signing. Knowing that the concert would absolutely have to be volunteer driven due to the severe reduction in staff, Paul accepted the challenge and rallied his “troops”, family members and friends, who came along willingly in support of the YMCA.
Paul’s unique dedication to the Y and his support from his wife, Neri, and family fueled a significant charge in meeting the challenge match and paying down over $1 million in debt on the Gaynor Center
Bonita Springs YMCA Volunteer of the Year: Tom Schreck
Tom Schreck is active on the Bonita Springs Board of Directors and was instrumental in raising the $7.2 million capital campaign that built the Bonita Springs YMCA. Tom has served on the Bonita Springs Branch Board as well as on the YMCA of the Palms Endowment Board for several years where he has helped us change the way we fundraise. Also serving on the Fund Development Committee, Tom is the Chair of the Advisory Committee for our 21st Century Program (Bonita Club Y) and helped to get this after-school program off the ground.
Tom leads by example and gives generously of his time, talent, and treasure. Tom has a beautiful heart and is passionate about helping the children and families of our community. We are truly blessed to have passionate volunteers like Tom Schreck!
Greater Naples YMCA Volunteer of the Year: Just Like Family Home Care
Jacob Nassberg and his wife, Lis, along with their business partner, Niki Stillman, turned a relationship from participation at the Greater Naples YMCA to that of a donor in support of the Y.
Touched by the scholarships they once received for their sons in the YMCA’s child care program just four years ago, the Nassbergs and their partner, Niki, decided to pay it forward in the way of an annual scholarship for other children and families participating in programs at the YMCA Gaynor Child Development Center. Their Corporate Sponsorship on behalf of Just Like Family Home Care was a generous gift of support in addition to their service in the classroom, coaching, and at special events.
Just Like Family Homecare became a Premier Corporate Sponsors in 2009 and also joined numerous committees and volunteer groups in hopes of furthering the mission of the YMCA. Examples of their Volunteerism include: Membership Committee, Program Committee, Youth and Teen Committee, Y Connect, Active Older Adults, Silver Sneaker Potlucks, Coach, Naples Board Member, Childcare Parent Group, Y Member, and user of all programs within our facility.
Corporate YMCA Volunteer of the Year: Board of Trustees
In 2009, the entire Board of Trustees of the YMCA of the Palms came together with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on our YMCA and community. Giving generously of their time and resources to ensure the success of the YMCA, they guided our organization through major changes and challenges, helping the YMCA of the Palms to emerge stronger and positioned to remain a vibrant and vital organization in the community for man years to come.
