PARKVILLE, MD---On Friday, April 25th, residents and special guests gathered at Oak Crest, the Erickson Living retirement community, for the annual Presidential Service Awards Luncheon. The event marked National Volunteer Appreciation Month.
By the numbers, it was a very notable occasion. 786 residents, students and community adults participated in the Volunteer Program at Oak Crest in 2013.
They provided 86,791 hours of service at the campus and in the surrounding community, and more than 246 earned a Presidential Service Award pin for attaining at least 100 hours of volunteer work.
According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, the State of Maryland calculates a dollar value on volunteer service at $25.43 per hour. That means the financial value provided by the Oak Crest volunteers was $2,207,095.10.
Those in attendance, though, celebrated the spirit beyond those numbers. "Scripture says 'give, and it will be given to you.' Today, we recognize the generous spirit of those who have made the commitment to share their talent and time to help others," stated Gary Hibbs, Executive Director at Oak Crest.
Following the luncheon, Robert Gehman, Executive Director of Baltimore-based Helping Up Mission, served as the keynote speaker. Mr. Gehman provided insight into the mission of the organization that provides hope to the poor and homeless via programs designed to meet their individual and spiritual needs. More information can be found at www.helpingupmission.org.
During the awards program, three people received special honors as Volunteers of the Year: Louis Kiessling (Resident), Jim Krystkiewicz (Community Adult) and Arnelle Fonlon (Student).
Elected officials in attendance were Congressman John Sarbanes, State Senator Kathy Klausmeier, State Delegate Eric Bromwell and State Delegate John Cluster. Sam Kahl, legislative assistant, represented Baltimore County Councilman David Marks.
For more information about the Volunteer Program at Oak Crest, please contact Ann Marie Riehl at 410-665-1000.
Oak Crest, the Erickson Living retirement community, honored its volunteers on April 25th at the Presidential Service Awards Luncheon. Ann Marie Riehl (Oak Crest Volunteer Program Coordinator) and Robert Gehman (Executive Director of the Helping Up Mission) are pictured prior to the event.[/caption]
About Oak Crest: Oak Crest is one of seventeen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living. Located in Parkville, Maryland the scenic 87-acre campus is home to more than 2,100 residents. Oak Crest is the ideal greater Baltimore retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.
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