What could be better than spending a summer afternoon enjoying good friends, good food and good fun? That “theme” was carried throughout our 2018 Volunteer Appreciation Picnic held on Friday, July 27, at Fruitdale Park in Wheat Ridge. This event marked a special time for the Jefferson County Library Foundation (JCLF) to celebrate, honor and applaud our wonderful volunteers.

“What a terrific way to say ‘thank you’ to so many of these dedicated individuals and couples,” said Tami Bandimere, president of the JCLF Board of Directors.  “All these volunteers work so hard — all year round — sorting books at the warehouse, helping with our Whale of a Used Book Sales and staffing the Friends Gift & Book shop at the Belmar Library. We couldn’t do all these things without them!”

Her words of praise ring especially true when we consider that JCLF’s volunteer corps provided 12,864 hours of volunteer support in 2017. That support translated into an amazing cash value of $317,612! (The Independent Sector values volunteer service at an average rate of $24.69 per hour.)

Nearly 60 volunteers, including JCLF Board members and Library staff members, were on hand for the noon-time feast, which featured a catered lunch from Frank’s Bar-B-Que, and a whole table full of delicious desserts.

This year, JCLF was pleased to honor Sharon Edwards with the Volunteer Leadership Service Award, and Al and Cheryl Cyr as our Volunteers of the Year. Retiring JCLF Board Vice President Jeannie Mann was selected to receive this year’s Elena Joyce Grissom Award. In a new twist, we also gave out special awards (super-sized doggie treats!) to a couple of four-legged volunteers who faithfully visit our warehouse each week — Remi, owned by Al and Cheryl Cyr, and Tuyok, whose owners are John Wilson and Dawn Jacoby.

Special thanks go out to Alison Egbers, JCLF’s office coordinator, for organizing the awards lunch and celebration event, and who also brought in an array of fun games, including corn hole, Jenga and an extra-large version of beer pong!

Each year, JCLF pays tribute to a special group of individuals who work hard and who continue to support our Foundation. And each year, we continue to be grateful for all you do! Thank you!