EDS Hosts Appreciation Dinner for Volunteers
As we witness some of the most catastrophic natural disasters and relief efforts since Hurricane Katrina, The Salvation Army EDS is making sure to set aside time to recognize our valued volunteers.
Last night, The Salvation Army's Emergency Disaster Services (EDS) Center's warehouse made a surprising transformation into a beautiful banquet space for the Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Framing the edges of the serving area were a canteen and other special EDS vehicles. Stanchions displayed facts about the incredible difference that EDS employees and volunteers make in our community every day. A brief film showcasing the work of EDS volunteers in Chicagoland and beyond rolled in the background, accompanied by an inspiring rendition of Amazing Grace.
The evening's program focused on honoring EDS volunteer contributions during 2017, including service during major floods in McHenry and Lake Counties, the World Series Cubs' Win, search and rescue efforts for missing persons, and - of course - the recent disaster relief work following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Jeanne Malnati, who serves on the Chicago Advisory Board as an EDS Committee member, returned in her role as Mistress of Ceremony and pulled heartstrings with her sincere remarks about the importance of volunteers and her adoration of the Majors Dalberg.
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A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Major Bergie Strand 2017 Volunteer of the Year Award. Major Debra Dalberg shared a bit about Major Strand before inviting the awardee to the stage. "Bergie has a tremendous legacy here with us at EDS... We could always call on Bergie," Dalberg said. "If there was a disaster in the middle of the night, it was Bergie who was at the canteen; firing it up and getting ready to serve whoever came to the window. She was there. Our awardee this year exemplifies that today. Donna. Today, Donna, we thank you."
Donna Ceglarek proceeded to the stage to accept her recognition. "Thank you," she said to Major Dalberg, then turned to the group. "And thank you to all the leaders and the staff and volunteers of EDS, because it is a group effort."
As the evening continued, the event provided a rare opportunity for First Response agency representatives to personally share their deep appreciation of EDS. Their stories and words of thanks were moving.
"When I started this job for the Office of Emergency Management and Communications [OEMC], I was told that a big part of it was working with The Salvation Army. No matter what you do, no matter what the mission is, you'll always be able to count on them to be there," recounted Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "And they will perform above and beyond expectations."
Tate-Nadeau continued, "Recently, I saw The Salvation Army coming to the aid of 600 men and women from St. Martin's.... We had less than 32 hours notice to be able to receive 600 people and provide them with food and bed. And during that time-frame, The Salvation Army performed admirably. It is likely we'll face missions like this again. And no matter where they are, The Salvation Army is there every time. So I'd like to say thank you - thank you - thank you, on behalf of the 2,600,000 people of the City of Chicago."
As he thanked them for their service and dedication, Major David Dalberg invited other first responder representatives to speak from the audience, designating an unofficial platform "for those who understand the Emergency Disaster Services a little bit differently than anyone else. Because you're in a place where you see those services in a different way, in challenging times."
First to speak was Rich Guidice of the OEMC. "I can't say enough nice things about your organization," he said. "It's such noble work that you do and you do it so humbly. I think that you have made me a better person."
Deputy Chief of the Downers Grove Police Department Shanon Gillette followed soon after with his own testimonial to the good works of EDS volunteers. "I wanted to express my appreciation as a first responder for all of these volunteers," he began. "Nobody understands a mission the way a volunteer does.... The selflessness of the volunteers of The Salvation Army goes so far beyond that. Your mission - to help the needy, the poor, the helpless - goes so far beyond what we do. When we reach out to you... we see you bringing hope to people that don't believe that they can rebuild, that they can restore, that they can heal. You bring all of that through your mission to those communities."
John Kiser of the Cook County Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management attested to the importance of volunteers in the search and rescue efforts of at-risk missing persons. "I appreciate everything you guys do when you dedicate your time to support those volunteers who are supporting us," he stated emphatically. "Without you, they can't do what they need to do. Thank you for your time and effort and energy and your passion."
With a little nudge from Major Dalberg, Mary Sheridan, Assistant Deputy Fire Commissioner for EMS, shared a few words. "I never been to any type of emergency situation and The Salvation Army wasn't there," she recalls. "It's something we really can count on. Thank you all."
Later, Lt. Colonel Charles Smith, Divisional Commander of The Salvation Army in Greater Chicagoland, shared a few words at the podium. "We are extremely proud of our EDS services here in our division," he said. "We are - by far - the most efficient and well-prepared team that comes together, right on time, when we need to serve."
He continued, "Community in its purest form is when everybody comes together to be able to serve one another, especially those who are in their greatest time of need. Never is that more displayed than during a disaster. The city has often said, 'If only we could capture this spirit of love and concern for everyone at this moment in time, the world would be a much, much better place.' You're setting the example of what the world should be like... doing the work that you do. Today we say thank you to all of you here for the services you rendered in the past, currently doing, as well as in the future."
The final part of the program honored recently retired Father Tom Mulcrone of the Chicago Fire Department with a special EDS award for his 30-plus years of service and ministry. Father Mulcrone recounted personal anecdotes about his experience when he first spotted The Salvation Army Red Kettles as a child and later saw the mobile canteens as a young chaplain reporting to sites of emergencies. He reminisced and joked about the famous white gloves stamped with The Salvation Army logo that used to be distributed to firefighters during a Chicago disaster.
"Tonight I am very grateful to accept this award," he summarized, and he turned to acknowledge several long-time colleagues. Then he focused on the whole audience again. "Thank you to the many, many, many volunteers, who show up at 2, 3, 4 in the morning," he said. "It could be 20 below or 100 degrees, and they are there with a smile on their face and a cup of coffee."
"We are only as strong as our volunteers," emphasized Major Dalberg. "What you see this evening is a direct result of so many people. Whether it's an hour or a day - or whether it's like Donna who's giving up her life constantly - that every moment in time that's given, it's given in a special way. So I have to say on behalf of The Salvation Army to our volunteers: a very special thank you for all that you do."