Gov. Crist Praises “Groundhog Day Tornado” Volunteers
Just 10 days after the "Groundhog Day Tornadoes" ripped through Central Florida, Governor Charlie Crist thanked volunteers and voluntary agencies for their assistance in disaster response and recovery. »
On Feb. 12, Florida volunteers and disaster relief agencies gathered in Lady Lake for a volunteer recognition event hosted by The Governor's Commission on Volunteerism and Community Service, Volunteer Florida. Governor Charlie Crist attended to commend their hard work during the recovery efforts following the Central Florida tornadoes.
Governor Crist praised the disaster relief organizations that have been working diligently to help restore the area, and applauded the citizens who are going out of their way to provide help to their neighbors, even if it meant something as simple as holding crying children to give parents a break. He ended the press conference by handing out ice cream to all of the volunteers as a way of saying, "Thank you."
"The sheer volume of work that volunteers have accomplished in this area is incredible," said Governor Crist. "Volunteers are an integral part of the State Emergency Response Team, and I appreciate the sacrifices they are making to take part in the recovery process."
 Since Feb. 2, when the devastating tornadoes hit Central Florida, more than 6,347 volunteers have performed more than 174,783 hours of service. There have been more than 69,000 meals served, and more than $265,000 raised for those in need.
Volunteer Florida thanks Governor Crist for expressing his compassion for the people impacted by the tornadoes, and his thanks to the heroic volunteers who stepped forward to help.
Governor Crist (right) took time after the volunteer recognition event to meet with volunteers. He is pictured here with Glenn Kasper (center) of the Christian Contractors Association and Volunteer Florida CEO Wendy Spencer. »
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