Celebrating Community Champions:
Highlights from Chapman Partnership’s Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon
The event held on April 16th, 2024 kicked off with warm a welcome from Candice Myles, Community Relations Manager, and Alina Fernandez, Volunteer & Communications Specialist. They expressed their gratitude to the volunteers for their invaluable contributions. Attendees were then treated to an uplifting keynote speech by President & CEO Scott Hansel, highlighting the importance of volunteerism and the transformative effects of community service.
But the real stars of the show? Our award winners! Ten volunteers and organizations were recognized for their exceptional leadership and volunteerism over the past year. From hosting essential item drives to creating beautiful butterfly gardens and sharing their love of the world through geography classes, each award recipient showcased the true meaning of selflessness and compassion.
Among the recipients were corporate partners like UBS and AT&T Pioneers, recognized for their outstanding commitment to serving our residents. Their efforts in hosting essential items drives and supporting our residents at both Miami and Homestead locations have made a significant impact on our organization.
Individual volunteers like Carley Pina and Kristen Reynoso Jackwin were celebrated for their passion and dedication to our mission. Carley’s active involvement as a nextgen Council Member and Kristen’s decade-long support through annual toy drives and holiday events have been invaluable to our cause.
Students like Sven Stumbauer and Mackenzie Floyd exemplified the importance of youth engagement in community service. Sven’s innovative program, Terra Firma, where he shares his knowledge of geography, and Mackenzie’s leadership with the 20 Little Working Girls demonstrates the profound impact young volunteers can have on our community.
The Civic/Religious Impact Awards were received by Parkway Baptist Church and Kiwanis Club of Homestead South Dade. Their longstanding dedication to serving meals, hosting drives, and supporting our residents reflects their commitment to making a difference in our community.
Service Impact Awards were bestowed upon Kimberley Napoleon and David Nieves for their selfless commitment to empowering our residents and providing essential services. Kimberley’s Wonder Women Wednesdays and David’s efforts with Stand-Up Wireless have had a profound impact on the lives of those we serve. *David Nieves was not in attendance.
At the Luncheon, we had the privilege of debuting the Many Happy Hearts Legacy Award, a testament to the profound impact of meaningful service and heartfelt commitment to our residents. This award recognizes individuals and organizations who embody the spirit of service by creating lasting joy and support for those we serve.
Many Happy Hearts, incorporated in 2007, began their journey by serving meals with friends and family to our residents at the Miami center. Over the years, they expanded their efforts, starting with monthly birthday celebrations for our children in 2009. These celebrations ensure that every child feels special on their birthday, with cakes, pizza, bounce houses, and piñatas bringing smiles and laughter to their faces.
But their contributions extend far beyond birthday parties. Many Happy Hearts has generously provided funds for sneakers for Back-To-School, food and treats for end-of-summer festivities, and yearly passes to the Frost Museum for families. They have also facilitated soccer-training opportunities through partnerships and provided tablets to enhance learning experiences for our children.
In 2023, Many Happy Hearts went above and beyond by sponsoring 50 children to attend Santa’s Enchanted Forest, spreading holiday cheer, and creating lasting memories for our families. Their passion, enthusiasm, and unwavering commitment to Chapman Partnership, especially our children, have been nothing short of remarkable.
We are honored to recognize Jose Garcia and Janet Lorenzo-Garcia for their outstanding contributions and well-deserved recognition with the Many Happy Hearts Legacy award. Their willingness to go above and beyond sets an inspiring example for others to follow, and their dedication has made a meaningful difference in the lives of so many.
We are incredibly grateful for the dedication and generosity of our volunteers. Their selfless contributions are the driving force behind our mission to empower individuals and families experiencing homelessness to build a positive future. Thank you to all our volunteers for your unwavering support, and congratulations to our award recipients for their well-deserved recognition.
Together, we are making a difference, one act of kindness at a time.
Click here to see pictures from the event: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.741726618172420&type=3
To learn more about our volunteer program, click here:
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Writer: Najely M. Deleon
Email: ndeleon@chapmanpartnership.org
LinkedIn: Najely Deleon – Development Coordinator – Chapman Partnership | LinkedIn