May 9, 2008 – Volunteers from around the County gathered to be saluted by the Mayor and County Commissioners for their "volunteer spirit" at the Celebration Banquet. More than 5,000 Knox Countians offer their time and service every year to support a broad range of county programs.
Mayor Mike Ragsdale welcomed the volunteers by offering the County’s thanks for their dedication and service to our community. Many of those on hand were participants in the countywide “Read With Me” program that puts 400 volunteers in elementary school classrooms every week to read with children. Read With Me program coordinator Sandy Garber organized the event.
In addition to the Read With Me volunteers, the County’s Parks and Recreation Department program has more than 2,000 volunteers coaching children and cleaning up the parks. At our libraries, more than 1,500 citizens sit on various boards or support the Friends of the Library program. Another 1,500+ citizens support a variety of programs that the Health Department holds. The senior centers count on 100 citizen volunteers for support and the Community Grants program had 45 volunteers who served on the Citizen Review Panels. A number of other county programs also depend on volunteers to fill boards or participate on committees.
Representatives from all of these groups were on hand for last night’s celebration. The Voice of the Vols Bob Kesling keynoted the event and, through personal anecdotes, offered encouragement and appreciation to the 275 volunteers present. Commissioners Phil Ballard, Mark Campen, William Daniels and Bob Rountree were "jolly elves" as they personally delivered more than 100 door prizes to lucky winners. Excellent music by the Austin East Chamber players rounded out the evening.
