Tuesday, March 24 was a beautiful evening for the 15th Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner. Over 125 guests attended to thank our volunteers for their dedication to the mission and programs of Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Jacksonville.

Music was provided by the 3 Rusty Nails, who had the crowd dancing and really enjoying themselves. Dinner was cooked and served by members of the North Florida Frozen & Refrigerated Foods Association and guests enjoyed dinner in the courtyard. After dinner, Board President Mel Johnson welcomed everyone and talked about the impact of the 20,000 hours of volunteer work that served RMHC Jacksonville in 2008.

Each year, the Earth Angel Award is presented to a volunteer who has demonstrated a commitment to the families, who serves regularly, whose service goes above the expected, who is an inspiration to others and who understands the true joy of helping others. The Earth Angel Award is presented in memory of Jody Bisdee, an extraordinary volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House who worked to start it here in 1988.

Bob and Sandy Gryb were our winners this year. The Grybs have been volunteers and donors since the Ronald McDonald House® opened in 1988. They come each Thursday morning, much to the delight of our staff. Sandy helps with our accounting and other office functions. Bob has served on the Board of Directors and on our Speakers Bureau. He performs all kinds of tasks around the House – from picking up milk for the families to taking parents to the nearby Wal*Mart for needed shopping. The Grybs also volunteer together at our special events. They are wonderful friends and exceptional volunteers.