By Jodi Harris
The 2022 WRAP appreciation breakfast was held, on May 26, 2022, at the Eagle Ridge Community Room located at 1285 Red Fox Way in Marion, from 8:30 to 10:00 am.
It was a full house with thirty-nine energetic attendees, representing the majority of WRAP volunteers. The camaraderie was evident in the room as were the smiles and kindness of the volunteers and organizers. There was a team-like bond throughout the group, and everyone enjoyed the event.
Organized by Angie Ehle, WRAP Coordinator, with the collaboration of Angela Berns, St. Luke’s Manager of Volunteer Services. The food was delicious, and it was a great chance for the volunteers to get together for a little fun and for WRAP organizers to extend their appreciation to the attendees.
After breakfast, Angie gave an overview of the WRAP activities and projects, for the past year, she said it was good to be able to have live events, as the last breakfast was in 2019, just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit. She noted that there have been over 550 volunteer hours completed by WRAP volunteers so far in 2022 and discussed the upcoming events and builds. Angela also spoke to the group noting that WRAP hit a milestone when it turned 18 years old in April of this year and noted that they had come a very long way since 2004. She also extended her appreciation and praise for Angie, the lone WRAP employee. She recognized that Angie always goes the extra mile for the organization and noted that Angie wears many hats for WRAP. She serves not only as the day-to-day coordinator, but also as the recruiter of community businesses and organizations who partner with WRAP. Whether getting them on board with donations, promoting awareness about WRAP, or scheduling one day labor teams, she does so much more than many were unaware of. Every donation of funds, time, or talent were noted and appreciated.
After the event was over, I had the opportunity to speak with Ron Tonneson, “RonTon,” as the group affectionately calls him, who is one of the original WRAP volunteers. He told me that his goal is to participate in 500 WRAP projects before he retires. I will be doing a story soon spotlighting Ron including more details about his career with WRAP, and why he loves volunteering. Watch for that in July.
As volunteers prepared to leave, everyone was given an attractive leather-bound notebook with the WRAP logo on the front, and a WRAP pen as a token of appreciation for all the hours that each individual has given.
Below are some pictures we wanted to share!
Until the next event or post, stay well and keep WRAP in mind if you or someone you know would like to donate or volunteer. Call (319)270-7294 or visit our website at www.wrapiowa.org.
