Generations Joining Hands

What’s a little rain when you’re launching your Community’s first intergenerational national day of service. Six project plans had been presented and approved, the news releases sent, and the new coordinator had kept to the timeline in obtaining registrations and posters. Volunteers showed up to:

- do family clean-up at Gumbo Limbo Nature Center,
- play with kids at the Children’s Place,
- help the Kiwanis Club pick up along the highway,
- build birdhouses with kids at The Haven, and
- “prepare to save lives” taught by the Red Cross.

The rain did effect special parts of the day’s events. The twelve senior residents of Avante assisted living center, scheduled to arrive by van to share a big picnic lunch, had to cancel. They were to be serenaded by the Teen Talent Troupe. Also, the charcoal wouldn’t hold its fire and we moved indoors, with help from the Explorers of Boca Raton’s Police Services, who moved the food indoors.

Special recognition was given Josh Marcus and two buddies who helped him pack and distribute more than 9000 backpacks to school children. Josh thanked his sponsor, Office Depot, and his parents for their continued support. He was presented with the official America’s Promise red wagon for his leadership in showing how kids make a difference!

Dick Schramm, the first citizen to answer the Mayor’s call for mentors, spoke of the need for citizens to step forth to help youth who need support and encouragement. He told of the benefits to those who do volunteer. Mayor Steve Abrams complimented Megan Lipsky, the event coordinator, who sang the national anthem and all participants who joined in the activities. Applause was brought forth when it was announced that a $20,000 grant was awarded to Boca Raton’s Promise from the Community Foundation of Palm Beach and Martin Counties from the Hans and Mary Stratmann fund, to continue inter-generational programming for a second year.

Participants included members of the West Boca Coalition for Kids, Pope John Paul II High School, Key Clubs, NJROTC, Circle K Club of FAU, Youth Service Council, St. Andrews High School, Police Explorers. Olympic Heights High School, Spanish River High School, the West Boca Medical Center, and staff of the Community Foundation.