Celebrating service.
By Rosemary Byrnes, Director, Citi Volunteers October 27, 2010 03:12 PM
Citi's relationship with the New York Mets incorporates a deep commitment to service. Throughout the 2010 baseball season, Citi and the Mets partnered in an initiative called "Teammates in the Community," that aims to recognize those groups and individuals who exemplify outstanding community service and volunteerism in their neighborhoods.
As the Director of Citi Volunteers, I had the pleasure of attending many of our "Teammates in the Community" events during the 2010 season. This season was filled with rich and rewarding volunteer activities ranging from packing apples for food pantries with City Harvest to sending cards of encouragement for injured soldiers through the Wounded Warriors program. Additionally, this initiative provides opportunities to recognize and celebrate the heroism of individual New Yorkers who have made volunteerism an integral part of their lives, bringing a sense of pride and satisfaction to those who have dedicated their personal time to their communities.
Our latest "Teammates in the Community" event focused on the efforts of the "Let's Read. Let's Move." Sponsored by the Corporation for National and Community Services, the program assembled NY Cares volunteers of all ages throughout Citi Field for an event aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and nutrition for kids in New York. For two hours prior to the first pitch, excited fans and volunteers joined Mr. Met and Mets alumni in packing 750 "Get Fit Kits," containing such items as water bottles, jump ropes and pedometers. The kits were then distributed to schools and organizations chosen by New York Cares.
In a brief ceremony before the game, "Teammates in the Community" also took time to honor New York Cares volunteer Sam Fuhr for his exceptional record of service. Since joining New York Cares in 2003 he has contributed more than 600 volunteer hours to more than 200 community projects.
Encouraging the success of a community requires more than philanthropy. By providing opportunities for individuals to volunteer, we can help citizens to contribute to their community and develop the skills to become agents of success. By celebrating and recognizing volunteerism, Citi hopes to inspire individuals to do the same in their own communities.