Commerce City Adult/Senior Center thanks its ‘star’ volunteers

COMMERCE CITY – The Recreation Center rolled out the red carpet, literally, for “A Night Out With Our Stars” volunteer appreciation dinner, held Sept. 10.

With cameras flashing and a commentator to welcome them, nearly 100 volunteers were escorted down the red carpet to a reception in full Hollywood style. The Hollywood hills at dusk, renamed “Commerce City-wood,” served as a backdrop for the black-tie affair, which was presided over by an emcee and special guests Mayor Paul Natale and City Council members.

This special evening is sponsored annually by the Recreation Center as a “thank you” to its many adult volunteers, who aid the center and the community in various ways. These “stars” donate hundreds of hours to fund-raising activities, special events, transportation services, community projects and much more.

This year, volunteers contributed 7,500 hours of service to the Recreation Center and in the community. Figuring an average rate of $9 per hour, that translates into a savings of $67,500 to the City of Commerce City .

Awards were presented to this year’s outstanding volunteer and outstanding community partner.

Mayor Natale presented the Triple C (Consistent, Considerate, Commitment) Award to volunteer Mildred Stites. The mayor commended Stites for more than 20 years of service as a volunteer, during which time she helped organize and raise money for the billiards leagues at the Recreation Center . She has also helped with the monthly Birthday Lunches and worked at the Adams County Food Distribution Center for several years.

“These volunteers are a terrific asset to Commerce City and the time and services they provide are invaluable,” said Mayor Natale. “Mildred is an example for all of us in helping to create a quality community for a lifetime.”

Along with the Triple C Award, Stites was presented with the traditional red sweater by Wells Fargo Bank.

Maripat Gallas, Commerce City ’s supervisor for community services, presented the Outstanding Community Partner Award to the Adams County Food Distribution Center .

“The Food Distribution Center has worked tirelessly to build partnerships with many different entities in the community that work toward the same goal of providing food assistance, fighting hunger and improving nutrition throughout Adams County ,” Gallas said.

The center, at 7111 E. 56th Ave. in Commerce City , supplies about 18 emergency food programs in Adams County . The program also distributes food from the main location four days a week. About 5,000 county residents receive food directly from the main center each year.

Gallas said the food center is a frequent partner in the Recreation Center ’s monthly soup and salad days, as well as providing donations for other special events. “They have also come to the assistance of many individuals throughout the community in times of food shortages and emergency situations,” she said.

Gallas also issued a call for more people to volunteer in roles from customer service to helping with marketing, translations, fundraising and technology. Volunteers are always in demand as the Recreation Center continues to grow and reach out to new audiences. Interested adults are asked to call Justin Lampe, Older Adult Services coordinator, at 303-289-3720 for more information.