During today’s meeting of the Florida Cabinet, Governor Rick Scott and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman presented the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award to Victoria Bell, a Ronald McDonald House Northwest Florida volunteer.
Governor Scott said, “It is an honor to present the Champion of Service Award to Victoria today for tirelessly and selflessly serving the Northwest Florida community. April is designated as Florida Volunteer Month and a time to recognize the efforts of volunteers across our state. Victoria is an inspiring example of someone who goes above and beyond to assist and empower the families in her community. Her dedication and compassion to the Ronald McDonald House Northwest Florida is an inspiration to us all.”
Victoria Bell is a retired teacher and mother of four who has contributed 1,281 hours of volunteer service to the Ronald McDonald House Northwest Florida in the last four years. In assisting the families who stay at the Ronald McDonald House during times of medical crisis, Victoria provides a multitude of services, including cooking and providing emotional support for family members whose loved ones are undergoing medical procedures.
After her first child was born with a serious medical condition, Victoria’s family spent a significant amount of time at Johns Hopkins Medical Center in Maryland. Thanks to the Ronald McDonald House there, her family had a supportive, welcoming place to stay during their travels to Maryland. Today, in addition to preparing meals for families staying at her local Ronald McDonald House, Victoria also assists with organizing ‘Days of Caring,’ engaging fellow volunteers to maintain the facility to ensure that it is available to welcome new and returning families in the future.
Volunteer Florida CEO Chester Spellman said, “Victoria is an excellent example of the 3.2 million Floridians who volunteer their time and talent every year to make Florida’s communities stronger. Volunteers create lasting, positive impacts in the lives of others, and Victoria has demonstrated this in a powerful way.” The Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award honors individuals and groups for their outstanding volunteer efforts. For more information about the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Awards, click here.
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Volunteer Florida, the Governor’s Commission on Community Service, was established in 1994 by the Florida Legislature to administer grants under the National and Community Service Trust Act of 1993. The Commission grants funds to Florida AmeriCorps and National Service programs; coordinates volunteers and donations in a disaster; and inspires all Floridians to serve their communities. For more information, visit: www.volunteerflorida.org.