The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida welcomed guests to Aspire Church San Marco for its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, May 14.
The evening marked a celebration of the people who drive purposeful and meaningful impact throughout the region, giving their time, talent and treasure to embody The Salvation’s Army’s mantra of “doing the most good.”
Among the evening’s honorees was A. Chester “Chip” Skinner III, who received the Capt. Kirk Lewis Volunteer of the Year Award. Skinner has been involved with the organization for more than 25 years, serving on the advisory board and, recently, receiving the designation of Emeritus Board Member. He was instrumental in securing and overseeing the renovations of the new Area Command Headquarters on Monroe Street, among many other contributions.
“He is often the very first to volunteer, always ready to offer thoughtful counsel and invaluable advice. More importantly, he demonstrates his love for The Salvation Army not merely through words, but through consistent action,” said Maj. Keath Biggers, Salvation Army area commander.
Additional award recipients included:
Individual Volunteer Award
Top Teen Volunteers: Carlito and Julius Manalo
Top Food Services (Kitchen) Volunteer: George Young
Top Warehouse: April Vendl
Top Social Services: Ester Paes
Volunteer Group Awards
Top School Volunteer Group: Jacksonville University Girls Basketball Team
Top Corporate Volunteer Group: VyStar-Work Business Development
Top Community Agency Volunteer Group: City Rescue Mission
Volunteer Group Awards (by program):
Angel Tree Program Volunteer Group Award: JEA Bike Brigade
Can U Care Thanksgiving Volunteer Group Award: The Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary
Top Bellringer Awards:
Fleet Landing (raised $27,070.64)
The Women’s Auxiliary (raised $9,026.88)
Mandarin Presbyterian (raised $6,343.36)
All Souls (raised $5,294.36)
The National Honor Society at First Coast High School (raised $3,220.93)
A special recognition goes to Skip Willis, who single-handedly raised $5,566.35