TALLAHASSEE – Volunteer Florida and The City of Pensacola honored two Escambia County non-profits today with the Volunteer Florida Champion of Service Award for their service to the community: MANNA Food Pantries and the United Way of Escambia County.
“2014 was an unforgettable year for Pensacola,” said Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward. “A severe freeze in January and a historical flood in April left many in need of help and services. The hard work and dedication of MANNA Food Pantries and the United Way of Escambia County has played a huge role in the recovery of Pensacola and I could not be more proud to see them recognized with the Champion of Service Award.”
“The United Way of Escambia County and MANNA Food Pantries successfully harness the human capital of volunteers to meet critical needs in Florida,” said Chester Spellman, CEO of Volunteer Florida. “Under the tireless leadership of Andrea Krieger and DeDe Flounlacker, both organizations serve our most vulnerable neighbors in a multitude of ways, and we are grateful for their efforts. It is an honor to join Mayor Hayward in presenting the Champion of Service Award to the United Way of Escambia County and MANNA Food Pantries today.”
MANNA Food Bank and operates four food pantries in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, with volunteers providing one hundred percent of MANNA’s client service delivery. MANNA Food Pantries’ headquarters and food stock were devastated by the Spring 2014 flooding, but the organization quickly resumed services to ensure that residents in Escambia and Santa Rosa did not go unfed.
The United Way of Escambia County brings together non-profit agencies, businesses, faith-based groups, government, and volunteers to focus on critical community issues. In 2014, The United Way of Escambia County raised $3.2 million dollars for a total impact on the community of over $10 million dollars.
“I am so honored to have women like Andrea Krieger and DeDe Flounlacker represent our community,” said Rep. Clay Ingram. “These remarkable women have truly shown servant leadership and dedication to those in need, especially following last spring’s devastating floods.”
“I am honored to participate in presenting DeDe Flounlacker and Andrea Kreiger with the Florida Volunteer Champion of Service Award, in recognition of their devotion to serving those in need throughout our community, “said Rep. Mike Hill. “I have the privilege of knowing these two influential women through our support at the Ronald McDonald House over the years. It is through their great leadership at MANNA Food Pantries and the United Way of Escambia County that our neighbors are able to rise through the difficult times and find relief.”
City of Pensacola Mayor Ashton J. Hayward and Volunteer Florida CEO Chester W. Spellman presented the awards at City Hall.
Volunteer Florida is the Governor’s lead agency for volunteerism and national service in Florida. Volunteer Florida grants funds to educational foundations, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations to administer AmeriCorps and National Service Programs. Volunteer Florida leads Florida’s national days of service, including September 11 and Martin Luther King, Jr., Day. During disasters, Volunteer Florida is the lead agency for volunteers and donations..