ODE TO THE VOLUNTEER! VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION WEEK!

[glennab]

Dave,

This volunteer thanks YOU from the bottom of my heart. Without your having had the courage and decency to found OPR and keep it going, the world would be full of frustrated, unfulfilled pixel pushers who now have friends around the globe, a reason to keep going and the joy of giving something unique to people who wouldn't otherwise have had their cherished memories rescued from the muck.  These last 2 years have been so enriched by my involvement with this wonderful group that I'm misting up thinking about it.

I'm glad Chris has "grabbed the torch" so you can (I'm hoping) relax a bit and enjoy your family and new job.  She definitely has what it takes to keep us going forward (red shoes!).

10-Q and Bless!

Glenna

[klassylady25]

Nothing to add to Glenna's words except -  AMEN!!

[Mhayes]

And don't forget a big thanks to Becky Sell the co-founder!  :wnw:

Margie

[glennab]

Margie, you're so right.

I was responding to Dave's post when I said what I did, but I must emphasize "Ditto!" to Becky.  Every word of it!  Ms. Sell, you're way beyond special. Our founders are forever heroes in my eyes. People who are true heroes hate to be told they are, because being a hero means doing something extraordinary while thinking only of others (I've heard "I was just doing my job," "Anybody would have done the same thing," "It's no big deal." All I can say to that is "Bull Pucky!!!")

How many people have what it takes to respond to others' grief and loss by, oh, say, charging into the unknown by making that first copy run.  I rest my case!

Many hugs!

Glenna

[cmpentecost]

More of my poems and sentiments to the wonderful volunteers of OPR!

WHAT ARE VOLUNTEERS?
Volunteers are like Ford
They have better ideas.
Volunteers are like Coke
They are the real thing.
Volunteers are like Continental
They make the going great.
Volunteers are like Pepsi
They've got a lot to give.
Volunteers are like Dial soap
They care more.
Volunteers are like VO-5 hairspray
Their goodness holds in all kinds of weather.
Volunteers are like Hallmark Cards
They care enough to give the very best.
But most of all, volunteers are like Frosted
Flakes because THEY'RE GREAT!


A Toast!

Raise your glasses in the air
And give three rousing cheers
To all of the extraordinary super volunteers
They always share their time
With enthusiastic hearts
They appear from out of nowhere
To do their special parts
Whenever there's a project or a
task to be completed
You can always count on them
They never are defeated
Their smiles are genuine
And their attitudes are winning
Surely they must be the ones
Who keep this old world spinning
So if there is a job to do-
Don't shrink back in fear
Just see out the expertise-
Of a Volunteer

Volunteers Make A World of Difference
Throughout our lives we often try to help along the way,
Special tasks give meaning to the work we do each day,
Volunteering is a way to accomplish many things,
It's made worthwhile especially for the satisfaction that it brings,
There's a great appreciation for the work you've done this year,
Volunteers are special people, and ones we hold most dear,
So this year's theme we've chosen makes a lot of sense,
Truer words were never spoken: "Volunteers make a world of difference!"

[Hannie]

That is so pretty Chris, thank you!

:hug:

Hannie

[cmpentecost]

I had fun with this one.  I became a poet, and didn't know it!!    Chris

To all of the wonderful OPR volunteers:

OPR is my name
OPR is my game,

OPR is what I am
I pixel push because I can.

I like to restore photos all for fun
But mostly I know I help a ton,

I like to clone and stamp and smudge
It seems at times I'm cloning fudge,

I like my pictures all neat and clean
But how I hate that spot machine,

I do not like that photo muck
It makes me feel so very stuck,

I do not vignette in a car
I do not vignette from afar,

I will not crop, I will not slop
And when I'm tempted I'll holler STOP!

I give my heart, and sweat and tears
I take these pictures with no fears,

For we are all great volunteers
Doing our best among our peers,

We make people happy, smile and cheer
Restoring their memories with many a tear,

Volunteering is what we do best
We far exceed all the rest,

You are appreciated one and all
Take pride and smile and all stand tall!

[Mhayes]

 :up:  :up:

[kiska]

Thank you!

[schen]

Christine the poet  :wnw:

[Hannie]

...I had fun with this one.  I became a poet, and didn't know it...

But your feet show it!   ;)

[glennab]

Chris, you're so talented.  I didn't realize you were penning all these wonderful tributes to volunteers.  However, I, for one, am not fooled by the hyperbole.  It's all a distraction to keep us from realizing we're not getting a raise this year.  Diabolical!

Glenna

[Tess (Tassie D)]

lol Glenna. Great poems Chris. :)

[jneil2]

Well done, Chris.  Hope you trip home went well.  You are a wonderful President, you inspire us all.

jan

[cmpentecost]

For today's "Volunteer Appreciation Day" blog, I'm providing you with a bit of history, fun facts and quotes on the value of a volunteer.  Enjoy!

***

History of Volunteer Appreciation Week

National Volunteer Week was started in 1974 when President Nixon signed an executive order to establish a week out of the year to celebrate volunteers and all that the do.  And every since then the current president has signed a proclamation promoting this week.  Volunteering your free time is such an important asset to helping the well being of our planet and the individuals who live in it.

"Volunteers don't necessarily have the time, but they have the heart." –Anonymous
**
"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." --Winston Churchill

Dollar Value of a Volunteer Hour: 1980 - 2007
1998:     $14.56
1999:     $15.09
2000:    $15.68
2001:    $16.27
2002:    $16.74
2003:    $17.19
2004:   $17.55
2005:    $18.04
2006:   $18.77
2007:   $19.51

"Real generosity is doing nice for someone who'll never find out"      Frank A Clark



Christine