The president of the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park, Stephanie Pew, has earned the President’s Call to Service Award for her more than 4,100 volunteer hours. The President’s Call to Service Award was created to honor those individuals that have dedicated more than 4000 volunteer hours in their lifetime and have set a standard and inspired other volunteers throughout their communities.
Ms. Pew was presented with an official President’s Volunteer Service Award Pin, a personalized certificate of achievement and a note of congratulations from President Barack Obama.
Elected to the board of directors in October 2006, Ms. Pew served on the Cultivation & Events Committee of the Capital Campaign Cabinet and became committee chair in August 2007.
As chair, Ms. Pew worked with the Friends and Park staff to create Blizzard on the Beach, the Capital Campaign public kick-off event on November 18, 2007. This event was a huge success under Ms. Pew’s guidance, with record attendance of over 4,800 families.
Ms. Pew was also elected vice president of the board and continued as the chair of the Cultivation and Events Committee where she coordinated fundraising events benefitting the Endowment Campaign including Bark in the Park, Bob Milne Piano Concert, a second Blizzard on the Beach and the first Shop ‘Til You Drop event.
Not only has Ms. Pew donated her time to the Friends of MacArthur Beach but she also donated $500,000 to the Capital Campaign, naming the facility the Pew Family Natural Science Education Center.
Ms. Pew was elected as president of the board in October 2010. This fall Ms. Pew will step down as president but will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.
“We are so grateful to Ms. Pew for all the time, energy and resources she has put toward the Park. She is dedicated to the success of the Park and to bringing quality, hands-on natural science education to the children of Palm Beach County,” said Cheryl Houghtelin, Executive Director of the Friends, in a prepared statement. “We are sad to see her step down as president but know she will remain committed to the park,” she adds.
“It is such an honor to receive this award,” said Ms. Pew. “Working with the friends for the good of MacArthur Beach State Park has been a labor of love and I have enjoyed every minute of it.”