Executive Director

Hello everyone. Well, we are at the end of the year. There have been some changes in the office. As of October 1, I (Mike Sprouse) took over as Executive Director. The reason for this change was to improve some of our mandated programs. Since the change, Membership has increased and our volunteer program has taken off like a rocket.

We participated in two Seminars this year. One was the Orlando Health Expo. Everyone from the office was there to volunteer. This was the biggest turn out of members at any event in a long time. Also, we did the Memorial Day Parade; where several members participated and family members came to support the chapter as well. The chapter was asked to be the guest speaker. We were also asked to be the guest speaker again next year.

Another program we are focusing on is fundraising. Mary Ann did a “Tea Party” fundraiser which brought in about $1200.00. We are working on creative ideas for this year as well. For example, asking the dog track in Daytona and Victory Casino Cruises in Port Canaveral to have a PVA day. They will recognize Central Florida Paralyzed Veterans of America all day and some of the proceeds will go to the chapter. Debra Pratt had mentioned a BBQ cook out as well so we have a lot of ideas to choose from and are open to all suggestions. My wife, (Peggy) and I participated in a hand cycle event on Veterans Day to raise money for the Gainesville Fisher House. The Gainesville Fisher House is designed for Veterans who are receiving treatment from the VA to have their family members stay with them. Our office made a $500.00 donation. Because of our large donation, it drew a lot of attention from other organizations. By doing that, and Peggy and I winning our divisions, we raised over $5000.00 in matching donations. Our office was asked by the American Academy of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation to do ADA assessments of four different Hotels and two convention centers for their seminars. By doing this for them, it made them and the hotels aware of some of the challenges of being in a wheel chair and they also made (3) $500.00 donations to the chapter!

The chapter also hired a new office administrator. Her name is Stephanie Mojica. She is very professional and is very qualified. She is fitting in very well. She will also be our editor for our monthly newsletter.

Steve Kirk (Chapter President) and I also organized a Tri-Chapter meeting. This was something that the three chapters had been trying to do for several years and was not very successful with. The meeting was a big success. There were five members from all three chapters and four National Service officers from all over the state. It was voted on that this continue on a ninety day bases by teleconference and meet physically every six months to go over all PVA issues.
So as you can see things are really picking up at our office and I hope they continue with everyone’s support.

Mike Sprouse

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