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Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded 12-year-olds Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.

Governor Scott said, “At such a young age, Chase and Vance have devoted their time to giving back and making a difference in their community. Their incredible work to deliver books to students across the state makes them worthy recipients of the Champion of Service Award today.”

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteer Florida is honored to give this award to Chase and Vance for their outstanding work in collecting and distributing thousands of books to those in need throughout the state. It’s inspiring to see their commitment and dedication to helping others at only 12 years old.”

About the Champion of Service Recipients
Chase Hartman and Vance Tomasi are two 12 -year-old boys from Tampa, Florida, who created “read. repeat.,” an organization that collects gently used books from companies and individuals and distributes them to those in need. So far, they have collected more than 40,000 books of all kinds. Their most impactful deliveries have been to 10 local Title 1 schools in Florida where they donated a total of 13,000 books, including Sheehy Elementary School, which suffered from a flood and lost classroom libraries, and Lee Elementary School, which burned down days after Hurricane Irma moved through Tampa.  Under the leadership of Chase and Vance, “read. repeat.” makes monthly donations to the James Haley Veterans’ Hospital, with more than 3,000 books donated so far.

Volunteer Florida, Uber Collect 3,540 Items for #SuitsForSession

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Volunteer Florida and Uber today announced that the third annual #SuitsForSession service project at the capitol collected 3,540 donations of professional attire for job-seekers statewide. In addition to collecting items at the capitol, Uber drivers picked up items across Leon County for free this past Tuesday.

Highlights include:

  • Total items: 3,540
  • Number of suits collected: 373 (237 women’s, 136 men’s)
  • Number of women’s items collected: 2,270
  • Number of men’s items collected: 743
  • Other items (shoes, belts, etc.) collected: 527
  • Number of bags of clothing donated through the Uber app: 27
  • Number of participating organizations which collected clothing: 26

Florida leaders including Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson, General Michael Calhoun of the Department of Military Affairs, Department of Juvenile Justice Secretary Christine Daly, Surgeon General Celeste Philip, M.D., Department of Management Services Secretary Erin Rock, Secretary of Elder Affairs Jeffrey Bragg, Commissioner of the Office of Insurance Regulation David Altmaier, Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Jonathan Zachem, Secretary of the Lottery Jim Poppel, Department of Revenue Director Leon Biegalski, VISIT FLORIDA CEO, along with legislative staff and members of the private sector, stopped by the #SuitsForSession display throughout the day to donate their items.

Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteer Florida is happy to co-sponsor this wonderful event again this year.  #SuitsForSession is a great and convenient way for all those involved in the legislative process and to give back. The people of Tallahassee matched these donations by bringing and sending in their own business apparel. Uber has been a tremendous partner to Volunteer Florida and we are so thankful for their participation in another successful year of #SuitsForSession.”

Uber Florida General Manager Kasra Moshkani said, “Tuesday’s third annual #SuitsForSession capitol service project was a tremendous success, and we are proud to have played a role in making the donation of items easy and convenient for Uber users. We are thankful for the generosity of those in Leon County, who came together to collect thousands of items for the local community.”

Senate Majority Leader Wilton Simpson said, “It was great participating in another #SuitsForSession clothing drive. My staff and I are always proud to support this service project that helps job seekers throughout our state.”

Florida State University Unconquered Scholars Program Director Lisa Jacksonsaid, “The purpose of the Unconquered Scholars program is to lift up and support our youth who need it most so we are delighted to be a recipient of the #SuitsForSession campaign and extremely grateful for the generosity of so many in our community.”

Dress for Success Tampa Bay Executive Director Katie McGill said, “We are so grateful to everyone who worked together to make this event such a success. Dress for Success is delighted to be able to distribute so many items of professional attire to our job seekers. The clothing gives them a critical boost of confidence as they enter the workforce.”

Chapman Partnership President and CEO H. Daniel Vincent said, “For residents at Chapman Partnership, self-esteem is an essential component to empowering our homeless.  Daily we see how lives are changed by helping to augment the outward appearance of our residents, coupled with hard and soft employment skills that give them the confidence needed to re-enter the workforce. Thank you Volunteer Florida and Uber for once again organizing this meritorious event.”

ECHO Outreach Ministries Executive Director Freddy Branham said, “ECHO is honored to participate in #SuitsForSession for a second consecutive year. These donations are an invaluable resource for our clients who are working or seeking employment as a path to lift themselves out of poverty.”

Donated items will be delivered to Chapman Partnership in Miami, Dress for Success Tampa Bay, ECHO Outreach Ministries in Tallahassee, Bridges of America (statewide locations), and the Florida State University Unconquered Scholars program in Tallahassee throughout the coming days.

Volunteer Florida, Uber Co-Host Third Annual #SuitsForSession Service Project at Capitol Tomorrow

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MEDIA ADVISORY

Media are invited to attend #SuitsForSession, a Capitol Service Project co-hosted by Volunteer Florida and Uber, tomorrow from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the Plaza Level of the capitol. Legislators, capitol staff, the private sector, local non-profits, state agencies, and others can drop off gently-worn professional attire to the capitol at the Volunteer Florida and Uber display on the Plaza Level. For those unable to visit the capitol, Uber will pick up and drop off clothing donations for free. Simply tap the GIVE option in the Uber app on Tuesday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Items donated to #SuitsForSession will be distributed to the Chapman Partnership, Dress for Success Tampa Bay, ECHO Outreach Ministries, Bridges of America and the Florida State University Unconquered Scholars program.

WHAT:
#SuitsForSession Capitol Service Project of Volunteer Florida and Uber

WHEN: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2018

9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Florida State Capitol
Plaza Level
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, FL

HOW:
Drop off at the Capitol or via Uber in Tallahassee by tapping GIVE in the app

For additional information and to arrange interviews, media are asked to contact Amanda Prater, 850-766-0679, [email protected].

Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Awards

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari Smith with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize Zakary, Gracyn and Ari with the Champion of Service Award today. Their commitment and compassion to help fellow children in need is admirable and sets an example of outstanding service for every Floridian, especially during this holiday season.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari illustrate that it’s never too early to start volunteering. Volunteer Florida is honored to recognize them for creating Smith Smiles Toy Donation. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari, and their work to serve children in hospitals.”
About the Champion of Service Awardees:
In 2011, Zakary (age 11), Gracyn (age 9), and Ari (age 6), created Smith Smiles Toy Donation, a nonprofit organization in Boynton Beach that donates items to children in hospitals. Smith Smiles Toy Donation, Zakary, Gracyn, and Ari host donation drives throughout their community in order to collect items such as toys, books, puzzles, games, and craft supplies for children and young adults who are in hospitals.
To date, Smith Smiles has donated over 4,000 items to hospitals throughout Florida and has recently donated to hospitals in Massachusetts, Ohio, and Tennessee. Smith Smiles Toy Donation also recently made donations to hospitals in Florida that were damaged by Hurricane Irma.

Governor Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Awards

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Vivian Myrtetus awarded Maggie Barnick, Stephen Rocca, and Scott Lewis with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to recognize these dedicated volunteers with the Champion of Service Award today. These individuals represent the thousands of people who volunteered their time to help families following the recent hurricanes, and I’m grateful for their service.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “It is an honor to recognize these volunteers who have demonstrated a true commitment to volunteerism and service. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize them and the countless hours they’ve spent serving all over the State of Florida, as well as in other parts of the country following the recent hurricanes.”
About the Champions of Service:
Maggie Barnick
Maggie Barnick serves as Branch Director of AmeriCorps-Disaster Response Teams operations in Southwest Florida and deployed to Lee County on September 19, 2017 in response to Hurricane Irma. Under Maggie’s leadership, the Southwest Florida Forward Operating Base has completed 232 damage assessments, cleared 5,009 cubic yards of debris, removed 129 hazard trees, provided temporary roof repair to 129 homes and conducted 424 wellness checks.
Stephen Rocca
Stephen Rocca serves as a Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services Volunteer and previously served as the Chair of the Orlando Area Command Advisory Board for the Salvation Army following the 2016 tragedy of the Pulse Shooting. He also worked alongside volunteers from Orlando in Houston for Hurricane Harvey response. During Hurricane Irma, Steve served communities in Orange County and Naples distributing hot meals and supplies.
Scott Lewis
Scott Lewis founded the Eagles Wings Foundation, a Florida-based non-profit post-disaster relief organization, in 1999. EWF has responded to devastating natural disasters worldwide, including Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. In response to Hurricane Irma, Scott and the EWF team deployed to the Florida Keys and worked with the American Aid Logistics Network to deliver three flatbed trucks of supplies to the community. The Eagles Wings Foundation also aided Hurricane Maria response in Puerto Rico to evacuate homebound survivors.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.

Gov. Scott Thanks WellCare for $1 Million Donation for Hurricane Victims

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Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida today thanked WellCare for its support and generous donation of $1 million to the Florida Disaster Fund, which was activated by Governor Scott to aid those impacted by Hurricane Irma. The Florida Disaster Fund, administered by the Volunteer Florida Foundation, is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities in times of disaster. To make a contribution, visit www.FloridaDisasterFund.org or text DISASTER to 20222 to make a donation of $10.
Governor Scott said, “We are so thankful for WellCare’s support of the Florida Disaster Fund. With this generous donation, Florida’s disaster relief organizations will be able to get Floridians back to their homes and back to work as soon as possible.”
“WellCare’s culture is built around caring for those that are most vulnerable, and there is no one more vulnerable than someone who has experienced a natural disaster the size and magnitude of Hurricane Irma,” said Ken Burdick, WellCare’s chief executive officer. “Almost half of our workforce is based in Florida, with the vast majority in the Tampa area and a sizable portion of our membership resides within the state. It is our duty, as a leading corporate citizen, to help the state, our members, associates and the local communities get back on their feet.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Vivian Myrtetus said, “Volunteer Florida is exceptionally grateful for WellCare’s support of the Florida Disaster Fund. This funding will allow our partners across the state to serve so many more Florida families with clean-up, reconstruction, and other vital services.”
About the Florida Disaster Fund
The Florida Disaster Fund is the State of Florida’s official private fund established to assist Florida’s communities as they respond to and recover during times of emergency or disaster. In partnership with the public sector, private sector and other non-governmental organizations, the Florida Disaster Fund supports response and recovery activities.
How to Donate
Donations to the Florida Disaster Fund are made to the Volunteer Florida Foundation, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and are tax deductible. Donations may be made by credit card on the secure website www.floridadisasterfund.org or by check to the below address. Checks should be made payable to the Volunteer Florida Foundation and should include “Florida Disaster Fund” in the memo line.
Volunteer Florida Foundation
Attention: Florida Disaster Fund
3800 Esplanade Way, Suite 180
Tallahassee, FL 32311
For additional questions about the Florida Disaster Fund, please contact [email protected] or call (850) 414-7400.

Gov. Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award

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During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester Spellman awarded Lynne Gassant with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I am proud to award Lynne with the Champion of Service Award today for her service to the Palm Beach County community and the State of Florida. I applaud her for her passion for helping others and investing her time educating students.”
Volunteer Florida CEO Chester W. Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize Lynne for her continued leadership and service. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize the countless hours she has spent helping at-risk students in the Palm Beach County area.”
About the Champion of Service
Lynne Gassant is the Founder and Executive Director of Scholar Career Coaching, a nonprofit organization that provides after school mentoring services to South Florida high school students, particularly those who speak English as a second language. Scholar Career Coaching provides career planning, financial literacy, life skills, and college readiness. Founded in 2012, Scholar Career Coaching’s mission is to coach, motivate, and support students through mentoring and scholarship. Since its creation, Scholar Career Coaching has mentored over 50 students from both Atlantic High School and Boynton Beach High School and awarded 15 scholarships totaling over $7,000 to local graduating seniors.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida. For more information, visit www.volunteerflorida.org.

Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award

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9. 4-11-2017_TLH_BC_CHAMPION OF SERVICE
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman awarded Steven Cleveland with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Scott said, “I applaud Steven’s commitment to helping and caring for his fellow Floridians in need. As director of the Florida Dream Center Adopt-A-Block, he has provided nearly 2,000 hours of service and inspired other members of the Tampa Bay community to get involved and make difference. I’m honored to recognize his impact on the lives and neighborhoods in his community with the Champion of Service Award today.”
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester W. Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is honored to recognize Steven for his tireless commitment to Tampa’s underserved families and neighborhoods. We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize Steven for the countless hours he has spent helping his community.”
About the Champion of Service:
Steven Cleveland serves as the Director of the Florida Dream Center Adopt-A-Block program, which mobilizes volunteers throughout the Tampa area to distribute food, clothing, and household necessities to low-income families and persons experiencing homelessness. Adopt-A-Block also organizes neighborhood cleanups and gardening service projects to revitalize Tampa’s low-income areas. Steven has provided over 1,980 hours of civic engagement and community service in the Tampa area, impacting over 13,336 community members. Under Steven’s leadership, the Adopt-A-Block program mobilized 1,579 volunteers in 2016, who served over 5,200 hours of community service, distributed over 18,940 pounds of food, and completed revitalization projects in the local Lealman neighborhood. Steven also serves as a member of the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Executive Board of Directors.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.

Volunteer Florida CEO, former Mayor of Tampa, distinguished UF alum join UF’s Bob Graham Center advisory board

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Three influential Floridians have joined the University of Florida Bob Graham Center for Public Service Council of Advisors.
Joan Forrest, Pam Iorio and Chester Spellman have accepted invitations to serve three-year terms on the council, which harnesses the expertise of various public and private sector leaders from across the state. The council provides strategic and programmatic direction to the Bob Graham Center, enabling it to better serve the UF campus and the state of Florida.
“The willingness of these three outstanding individuals to serve as advisors for the Bob Graham Center for Public Service says a lot about the work of the center and its students,” said David Colburn, Ph.D., center director and University of Florida Provost Emeritus. “They will provide invaluable advice as the center looks to the future.”
Forrest is a graduate of the University of Florida and serves as the president of St. Petersburg’s Dawson Academy, a postgraduate educational and clinical research facility dedicated to the advancement of dentistry. She is a recipient of the university’s Outstanding Female Leader Award and is a member of its Hall of Fame.
Iorio, a graduate of American University and the University of South Florida, is currently the president and chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, the country’s largest youth mentoring program. She served as the Mayor of Tampa from 2003 to 2011, Hillsborough County’s Supervisor of Elections from 1993 to 2003 and a Hillsborough County Commissioner from 1985 to 1992.

Spellman serves as the chief executive officer of Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and service. Volunteer Florida administers more than $32 million in funds to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. He is also the executive director of the Volunteer Florida Foundation, a nonprofit charity that serves as a direct support organization to Volunteer Florida. Spellman received the center’s Young Floridian Award in 2016. In addition to his work at Volunteer Florida, Spellman serves as the current chair for Connect Florida, a program of Leadership Florida and as the national chair of the American Association of State Service Commissions.

The Bob Graham Center was established in 2006 with the goal of creating a community of students, scholars, and citizens who share a commitment to revitalizing the civic culture of Florida and the nation. Former Governor and U. S. Senator Bob Graham founded the Center as a place where students acquire the skills and knowledge to become informed and engaged citizens, with the expressed purpose of strengthening the nation’s democratic institutions.

Gov. Scott and Volunteer Florida Present Champion of Service Award at Florida Cabinet Meeting

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3.14.2017 Champion of Service
During a meeting of the Florida Cabinet today, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman awarded David Eischeid with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award, Florida’s official statewide volunteer recognition.
Governor Rick Scott said, “I am honored to present David with the Champion of Service Award today. I applaud David’s commitment to the well-being of Florida’s children and families. His hard work with The Children’s Home Network has helped improved lives throughout his community.”
Volunteer Florida Chief Executive Officer Chester W. Spellman said, “Volunteer Florida is proud to recognize David for his tireless commitment to Florida’s at-risk children and underserved families.  We are grateful for the opportunity to recognize his service to children and families.”
About the Champion of Service
David Eischeid served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of The Children’s Home Network from 2013-2016. Under David’s leadership, The Children’s Home Network established a new maternity home for pregnant or parenting teens within the foster care system that can serve up to 20 teens; expanded its residential program to serve children and youth needing relocation to other areas of the country; and expanded services into Osceola County and Orange County.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida, administering more than $32 million in federal, state, and local funding to deliver high-impact national service and volunteer programs in Florida. Volunteer Florida promotes and encourages volunteerism to meet critical needs across the state. Volunteer Florida also serves as Florida’s lead agency for volunteers and donations before, during, and after disasters. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.