PDC honors volunteers at 63rd annual luncheon
Many receive honors for their contributions
“Even if the bloom is brief, the memory of its beauty will last a lifetime” was the overriding theme Friday afternoon at the Porterville Developmental Center’s (PDC) 63rd annual recognition luncheon. Over 40-area volunteers were honored at PDC’S auditorium with certificates and small gifts for their selfless work in the community.
Executive Director Theresa Billeci said she loves attending PDC’S annual luncheon because she believes it honors all of the volunteers that spend so much time and energy and monetary value to the facility and to the clients.
“It is a pleasure and an honor to recognize the 200-plus volunteers who provided services to our clients over this past year,” Billeci said. “Each one of you played an essential part in the lives of those who reside at PDC. Your services will unquestionably leave our clients with memories to last a lifetime. Thank you for your services.”
Billeci added that volunteer service has been a part of PDC for more than 60 years. Not long after the PDC facility opened in 1953, a group of women formed the first Council of Volunteers.
The Hartwell Foundation, local high school students who participate in the Growing In Vocational Experience (G.I.V.E.) program, and PDC staff were among those recognized at the luncheon.
Pat Onsurez, who serves as the coordinator of volunteer services for PDC, gave special thanks to many at the event, including PDC staff.
“Without the staff’s support, a volunteer program could not succeed,” Onsurez said. “Thank you to all of the staff that go above and beyond in supporting the volunteer program at PDC.”
Other volunteers and donors who were honored included Camp Nelson Women’s Club, the Springville Women’s Club, the Porterville Recorder, Porterville Unified School District, practicum students and other academic interns.
Throughout the luncheon, volunteers, their family and friends were served food from Porterville’s own Randy’s Bistro.
Michael Allard and students from the Harmony Magnet Academy orchestra provided the entertainment by playing a number of songs.
Onsurez‘s husband, Steve Onsurez, who is also a volunteer chaplain at PDC, said being a part of PDC has been a great experience.
“This has been a big impact on my life and an experience that I will never forget,” said Steve Onsurez, who also gave the invocation at the luncheon.
Steve Onsurez said one word that best describes PDC’S facility is love.
“Love is a word, and it is only a word, until someone comes along and gives it meaning, and that meaning is what you people bring to this facility whether it is volunteers or staff or directors or leaders, and that has been a moving experience for me to see that,” Steve Onsurez said.
Like her husband, Onsurez said she has had the time of her life working at PDC.
“From the bottom of my heart, my experience here at PDC has been, hands down, the best experience I have ever had in every way,” she said, adding, “But primarily with the people, the individuals that I work with, and I say that with all sincerity.”
Deacon Michael Avila, a Catholic Chaplain, said it is such a blessing to see so many generous people helping one another.
“Congratulations to everybody that received their certificates and just the gift that God has given you for being able to be a volunteer and to give up your heart and your time and being such a service to our clients here,” said Avila, who gave the benediction. “It is the love that comes from us that God gives us an opportunity to share our love with everybody and may God continue to bless everybody and may you always be able to volunteer and give up your heart and love.”