Hundreds of Retired and Senior Volunteers Honored at Annual Appreciation Breakfast
Today, Mayor Tim Keller, Department of Senior Affairs staff, and other community leaders honored nearly 350 volunteers at the 2023 AmeriCorps Seniors Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) Appreciation Breakfast sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico. The annual event celebrates the outstanding contributions of senior volunteers who donate their time and expertise at dozens of locations throughout the city.
“By lending their talents to support the causes they believe in, these volunteers are helping fulfill the promise of Albuquerque, making our city the best place for families,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Whether that’s by leading a class, preparing meals, organizing a fundraiser, or anything in between – their hard work and dedication exemplify the ‘power of us’ in action.”
This year’s award categories included the RSVP Volunteer Station of the Year Award; the RSVP Rookie of the Year Award, which honors a volunteer who signed up within the past year; and the RSVP Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors a dedicated volunteer serving eight or more years.
The 2023 RSVP Lifetime Achievement Award went to Jean Spalt who has been serving at Visit Albuquerque Old Town Visitor Center for over 17 years. The RSVP Rookie of the Year Award was presented to Frank Marquez who began serving at Highland Senior Center Kitchen last August, while the Volunteer Station of the Year was awarded to Bear Canyon Senior Center for contributing over 4,772 hours of service.
“The RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast is our way of saying thank you to our senior volunteers who are a constant source of inspiration to all of us,” said Anna Sanchez, Director of Seniors Affairs. “We’re lucky as a community to have so many older adults who generously give not only of their time, but more importantly their wisdom.”
Volunteers play a critical role in achieving Senior Affairs’ mission of helping the community thrive with care and compassion while embracing aging. Opportunities are available for individuals of all ages hoping to get more involved, or for groups interested in giving back. For more information about volunteering with the Department of Senior Affairs, please visit cabq.gov/seniors/senior-volunteer or call 505-764-6400.