Celebrating a Legacy of Service: senior citizens are the heroes of the day

Approximately 300 senior citizens gathered on June 15, 2010 at the beautiful J. Scheidegger Center for the Arts on the Lindenwood University Campus in St. Charles, MO. Representing volunteers from St. Charles and surrounding counties, these seniors were recognized for their dedication and service to their communities.

Celebrating a Legacy of Service was the theme for the day. Mary Hutchison the Director of the local RSVP Program, provided all with an informative and festive atmosphere. Volunteers were treated to a beautiful setting on the University campus and a program with distinguished speakers, door prizes, entertainment, and a delicious lunch. 

During the program guests were treated to a film created in honor of their service and dedication. The facts and figures presented during the film, along with those given by the speakers were staggering. The dollar figures represented by the hours given through volunteer service within the community can equal the dollar figure that is used to represent the entire operating budget of a city such as St. Charles. It was obvious, without these volunteers many of the programs that are offered and maintained through their efforts, could not be financially sustained by the city. What would your community look like without those programs?

These senior citizens are heroes within their own communities. However, as staggering as the figures may have been they were also too humble to recognize their own greatness.

Pleased to be invited as a guest, to share in this day with the volunteers and the community, this examiner shared a table with 4 lovely ladies. These 4 women serve the community and their church by giving of themselves to the Mary and Martha Thrift Shop in Wentzville, MO.  Talking with these ladies made it clear to this examiner.  They see their efforts as nothing to be applauded. However, the Mary and Martha Thrift Shop serves those families who are in need and may not be served in other ways. Each of these ladies contribute to that service. Depending on the help of dedicated volunteers, centers like this one can remain open.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), can be found throughout the US. Mary Huchison operates the local RSVP center, as one of the programs offered through the Community Council of St. Charles County. If you would like to learn more about how you or someone you know can get involved, visit the website.

Take a few minutes to view the slideshow below. The facilities on the Lindenwood Campus are stunning. However, this examiner found the seniors to be just as beautiful.