Dear Partners and Friends,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your families are doing well. Over the past few months, the team at Volunteer Florida has continued “getting things done” for Florida.The year 2024 marks 30 years of serving the Sunshine State, and our partnerships are the driving force behind the many accomplishments and positive impacts we have achieved, enabling us to promote disaster resiliency, increase national service, and foster volunteerism to advocate for our mission. To commemorate this milestone, this month, I kicked off the 30th anniversary statewide tour, including service projects and volunteering, as well as presenting Volunteer Florida’s Excellence in Volunteerism Award every month.
2023 Hispanic Heritage Month
The Governor and First Lady DeSantis launched the Hispanic Heritage Month art and essay contests, and educator awards with the theme of “Celebrating Florida’s Hispanic Heroes and their Contributions to Freedom.” On Friday, September 15th, the Governor’s office announced an additional week for the art and essay contests for the communities affected by Hurricane Idalia. On Monday, October 10th, the Hispanic Heritage Month contest winners were recognized at a reception hosted at the Governor’s Mansion.
Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame
In November, I attended the Florida Veterans’ Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Tallahassee, FL. The Veterans’ Hall of Fame recognizes and honors those military veterans who have significantly contributed to the state of Florida through their works and lives during or after military service. It is not a traditional military hall of fame, as it focuses on post-military contributions to the State of Florida. In selecting its nominees for submission to the Governor and Cabinet, they choose individuals who have demonstrated selfless commitment to the state in civic, business, public service, or other endeavors. Congratulations to all the inductees!
Volunteer Florida Team Service Project
The Volunteer Florida team volunteered at the Second Harvest of the Big Bend, packaging fresh produce and dry goods that was later distributed in Perry to support Floridians still recovering from Hurricane Idalia. As the region’s primary source of charitable food, the Second Harvest is a storage and distribution depot for over 149 smaller frontline agency partners, including emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, children’s homes, and domestic violence shelters. Their 16-county service area includes Calhoun, Franklin, Gadsden, Gulf, Jackson, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, Madison, Taylor, Wakulla, Columbia, Dixie, Hamilton, Lafayette, and Suwanee. The Second Harvest of the Big Bend has been a valuable partner of Volunteer Florida for many years.
2023 Native American Heritage Month
The Governor and First Lady DeSantis launched the Native American Heritage Month theme, art, essay contests, and educator awards on October 30th. The contest theme was “Highlighting Native American Heroes and Their Accomplishments.” On Tuesday, November 28th, the winners of the Native American Heritage Month contest were recognized at a reception hosted at the Governor’s Mansion.
CEO’S LEADERSHIP TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo visiting with a group of Operation BBQ volunteers serving food to the residents impacted from Hurricane Idalia 
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo at the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce Professional Women’s Forum 
PHOTO: CEO Tamayo presented an Excellence in Volunteerism Award to the Health and Hope Clinic in Pensacola, FL.
Thank you for your continued support of Volunteer Florida and our mission to #ServeFL. If there is anything we can do for you, or your organization, please reach out to me or my team.
Yours in Service,
Josefina Tamayo Chief Executive OfficerVolunteer Florida