- May 5, 2024
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Flagler Volunteer Services is an organization of 1,400 volunteers who assist nonprofits and contribute to Flagler Beach’s monthly First Friday events.
Flagler Volunteer Services, an organization of more than 1,400 volunteers who donate time to 70 nonprofits, may have an expanded role in Flagler Beach’s First Friday events, according to organization director Suzy Rutherford.
Initiated by the Flagler Beach Chamber of Commerce, First Friday recently got a facelift by redirecting its emphasis more toward business, with an eye toward strengthening the business community.
Rutherford says the volunteer service, which has a booth that already functions as an unofficial information station at the events, is hoping to establish itself as a central business hub, connecting every company that participates and submits information.
“We’re trying to work with the city of Flagler Beach to make information more organized,” said Jean MacAllister, volunteer coordinator. “Our volunteers have (already) acted almost as ambassadors for Flagler Beach.”
Usually, the service provides a grill team to work First Friday concessions, collecting money for the Flagler Beach lifeguard program. At the upcoming event, Aug. 5, the Flagler County Rotary Club will take over concessions, while volunteers help run a “dip off,” a chip dip competition among participating companies, for a $3 charge — $1 of which will go to the Education Foundation’s S.T.U.F.F. Bus.
But volunteers do much more than sling burgers and snacks.
Volunteers donated a combined 150,000 hours of time to the community last year. They work at libraries and in the hospital; they’re citizens on patrol and work in the Humane Society. They organize free Christmas stores for Flagler students and have a S.W.A.T. team, which can be available for last-minute volunteer efforts in a night’s time.
Rutherford is the organization’s only full-time employee. MacAllister and Barb Witt, fundraising coordinator, hold part-time paid positions. The other 1,398-plus do it for nothing.
“Our volunteers, they do this out of the goodness of their heart,” MacAllister said. “They share their time and talent and loyalty, totally out of the goodness of their hearts.”
Volunteers also drive for Meals on Wheels, are firefighters, have an emergency disaster crew and serve as reading mentors for elementary school students.
Aug. 5’s First Friday will occur in Veterans Park, in Flagler Beach, and will feature U.S. Navy rock band Pride.
“First Friday is becoming a very important event in the city,” said Charlie Helm, treasurer and former Volunteer Services president. “It really helps the business people.”
Flagler Beach city commissioners Kim Carney, Jane Mealy and John Feind are registered members of the organization.
Call 597-2950.
GIVE TO THE GIVERS
After suffering a recent 46.6% federal funding cut, Flagler Volunteer Services recently sent out an email to Flagler County Chamber of Commerce & Affiliates members asking for, for the first time, private donations.
“(Our volunteers) touch about everything in this county,” said Charlie Helm, treasurer and former president. “(But) as we grow, and our funds are diminished, we have a hard time keeping it going.”
The letter, written by Barb Witt, fundraising coordinator, stressed the severity of the group’s financial crisis.
“This was a devastating blow … and our programs are in jeopardy,” it read. “We have helped in so many ways, and now we urgently need some help. We don’t want to let the community down, or our volunteers ... ”
Donations of any size are accepted, with recognition of each donor in the group’s newsletter.
The agency needs to collect approximately $25,000, or it will face program reductions.
Donations can be sent to Flagler Volunteer Services, P.O. Box 353755, Palm Coast, FL 32135. Or call 597-2950.
Contact Mike Cavaliere at [email protected].
