Chamber Director advocates for recognition of National Volunteer Week

In an email sent earlier today by John Solomon, Executive Director of the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce, to Apalachicola Mayor Van Johnson. Solomon advocated for the recognition of National Volunteer Week throughout Apalachicola, which is scheduled for April 10-16, 2016.

“This is something that's special to my heart that will lift our many volunteers. Most of the things that have been accomplished in our community, have been accomplished by volunteers in some way", wrote Solomon.

Solomon, himself is one of the many community volunteers that can be seen at just about every major event held in Franklin County doing what he does best and that's cooking.  He also heads the Florida Seafood Festival Board of Directors.

Solomon also wrote, “As we approach National Volunteer Week, we ask you to honor Apalachicola volunteers who tirelessly share their time and talent with their community. Your support can challenge and encourage the people you represent to commit to volunteer service.  In the past Mayor, the City of Apalachicola and yourself proclaimed the celebration of Volunteer Week”.

"The following estimate can help acknowledge the millions of individuals who dedicate their time, talents, and energy to making a difference. Charitable organizations can use this estimate to quantify the enormous value volunteers provide. According to the Corporation for National and Community Service, about 62.6 million Americans, or 25.4 percent of the adult population, gave 7.7 billion hours of volunteer service worth $173 billion in 2013. That is an Average of $23.07 an hour that a volunteer saves the organization it volunteers for," Solomon noted.

“National Volunteer Week is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to help their communities. It’s about meeting our challenges by working together. This special week was designated by executive order by President Richard Nixon in 1974. Every President since has signed a proclamation of support for National Volunteer Week”, concluded Solomon’s letter.

As a result, Johnson issued this afternoon the attached Mayoral Proclamation proclaiming April 10-16, 2016, National Volunteer Week throughout Apalachicola.

Click to View Mayoral Proclamation Proclaiming 2016 National Volunteer Week