United Way volunteers are recognized for their efforts at the breakfast at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. JOHNATHAN MINEHAN

United Way volunteers were honored this week at a special breakfast at Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre.

The event celebrated the hard work of volunteers from Lee, Hendry, and Glades counties.

Highlighted programs included:

Resource Development

V.I.T.A.- Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

United Way volunteers are recognized for their efforts at the breakfast at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. JOHNATHAN MINEHAN

Fund Distribution

Community Partner Ship Schools

Schools Resource Center

Gifts In Kind

Days Of Caring

United Way volunteers are recognized for their efforts at the breakfast at the Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers. JOHNATHAN MINEHAN

Beesley’s Paw Prints Pet Therapy

Attendees enjoyed a buffet breakfast as their peers were honored.

Donna Estes, senior fiscal officer at Lee County Fleet Management, attended the event and enjoyed sharing her experiences volunteering.

“This is my second year volunteering on the allocations committee. I love working for the county and giving back to the community even though we’re not front-facing. We help everybody in Lee County as far as the event goes.” said Estes.

Estes has worked for the county for 18 years and loves the experiences she has received connecting with organizations that want to help a good cause.

“I enjoyed learning about the different programs out there that a lot of people don’t know about, so it gets the word out,” said Estes. “I think that everybody should take part in volunteering and doing their civic duty. Not only that, but it opens up to new people, new friends, new organizations.”

Passion is a big motivator for Estes in her efforts to become involved with the community and volunteer, a trait many hold.

“I would say go with where your heart is. If you love animals, go to the animal shelter. I love people, so I love to see them succeed. I like to see people get help when they need it because, at the end of the day, everybody needs help,” said Estes. “Now, getting kids in school, getting them the resources they need, without children growing up, we’re not going to have good adults.”

Lee County Tax Collector & United Way Board Chairperson Noelle Branning started off the event with a speech about the importance of making volunteering fun and exciting regardless of the task.

“Today, I invite you to step into the enchanting world of volunteerism, a space where kindness reigns, joy bounds, and every test is infused with whimsy and wonder,” said Branning. “It’s a delightful journey of discovery, connection, and endless fun. One of my favorite characters of all time said it best; as Mary Poppins famously said, in every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.”

As Branning continued, she shared with the crowd a message of unity and how everyone there at the event, regardless of their backgrounds, is serving a purpose for others.

“Volunteering is also a celebration of diversity and unity. Maya Angelou eloquently stated we all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry. And we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value in the tapestry of volunteerism,” said Branning. “Each person brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences, weaving a beautiful mosaic of collaboration and experiences.”

Jeanine Joy, United Way president and CEO, led the presentation through each highlight of the program, including Resource Development, which was led by Vice President of Resource Development Dr. Marsha Turner.

The Resource Development team at United Way has raised 93.2% of its $11.3 million goal so far. The team thanked all the volunteers who helped and the funds they had received for their efforts.

The event continued with highlights of the other organizations that have been able to achieve their goals, including Franklin Park Elementary School, which raised funds to help open a new building in the fall.

The program includes highlights of the school resource centers that have been helped after the devastation of Hurricane Ian.

“Our team of amazing volunteers suddenly just moved mountains, they transport truckloads straight to the doorstep of those in need. They’re the magic behind the scenes, sorting and organizing donations with files that can light up the night sky,” said Jim Sanger, program director. “Thanks for those incredible volunteers. We’re not just saving pennies; we’re saving gallons. Without them or different time programs you’d like to ship without sale, we could not distribute millions of dollars worth of goodness throughout the county yearly.”

The program has raised $30 million worth of donations for those in need.

A special commemoration was given to Bob Beville, a community member who represents what volunteering is all about. Beville left retirement to give back to the community and drive a truck for Meals On Wheels. His acts of service over the years earned him the United Way Champion Award, and he continues to exemplify a true volunteer.

Beville discussed the importance of having a mentor and someone who pushes you to succeed and get involved with volunteering.

“We all had somebody that was instrumental when we started and a mentor to getting into volunteering,” said Beville. “Steve encouraged me to get involved in the community. He pushed me, he pushed me, and he gave me the time because I worked for Steve for 42 years. He gave me the time to do some things that made a difference in the community and showed me the way.”

“All of you deserve all the credit because it’s not just one person. It’s all of you that give back to the community and truly make a difference,” said Beville.

United Way Volunteer Center is always looking for people who want to get involved. To discover new ways to volunteer within the community, you can visit volunteer.unitedwaylee.org,