In September and October 2010, governors of four states along with numerous city and county officials proclaimed “SHARE Day” throughout the land! On Saturday, October 2, over 250 SHARE volunteers, members, partners and friends gathered at our warehouse to celebrate all the good work of the past 25 years. SHARE Board President John Wilberding said it best: “This is a special day to greet old friends and meet new ones.”
The program kicked off with musical selections from the Messmer High School Concert Choir, directed by Greg Flattery. John Wilberding presented an award to the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Milwaukee for their leadership in launching SHARE 25 years ago. SVDP Executive Director Lin Fischer accepted the award along with board members Mary Steppe and Bill Banach. The award’s inscription captures the essence of SHARE’s long-time relationship with SVDP: “Partners From The Start…Partners From The Heart.”
Director of Community Leadership Rosie Loser thanked all SHARE volunteers, noting that it takes each person doing their part to make SHARE come to life. She recognized people representing host sites from as far away as Gillett and Lake Superior, plus many of our local volunteers who work in the warehouse and office.
It was my privilege to present SHARE Director of Finance and Administration Sheila Salsman with a special tribute. Sheila learned recently that she has ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, and is retiring at the end of October to spend time with her family. In her honor, we have renamed the SHARE Cares Food Fund the Sheila Cares Food Fund. Through this fund, we will continue to raise money to distribute food to families in need. You can see Sheila’s video tribute and learn more about the fund on the Sheila Cares Food Fund Page on our website.
I offer my deepest appreciation to all of you who have made these past 25 years such a remarkable success. Together we have made a difference to thousands of families in communities near and far. I look forward to our continued partnership as we launch the next 25 years of SHARE!
P.S. Click here to see photos of the 25th Anniversary Open House on Flikr.