Volunteerism shines in FACC Spring Picnic 2019

by Susan Palmes-Dennis

Volunteers remain the backbone of any community or organization and this is especially true to the Filipino-American Community of the Carolinas Inc. (FACC).

FACC's volunteers helped make last Saturday's (April 27) annual Spring Picnic held at the Pavilion of the McDowell Park in Charlotte, North Carolina a qualified success.

Jeffrey Minnick, husband of FACC 2019 treasurer Gina provided valuable assistance in putting up the Philippine flaglets that adorned the Pavilion. Minnick was helped by Dan Ray, husband of FACC area representative Marjorie Ray.

Minnick and Ray also mounted the backdrop of Philippine tourist spots using ropes, tapes and poles and arranged the long tables for the event.

Lydia Bordios, mother of Dorena Reynolds, came at 8 am to help Marjorie Ray in filling the balloons and placing covers on the tables.

Engr. Medel Alombro, brother-in-law of FACC 2nd vice president Ronnie Dennis who came from New Zealand helped FACC officers in installing directional signs to the picnic area.

Not to be outdone were the ladies who would served the food. The first volunteer to arrive was Lucy White who was recruited by FACC Auditor Emelyn Burgess to help.

Also on hand to help in serving the food were past 2017 FACC Secretary Carllyn Ave, Maritess Keenely, Juliet Serviss, 2016 FACC Secretary Liezel Bell, 2016 FACC 1st Vice President Jessica Esguerra, FACC newbie Antonia Hoyle and Suzanne Culi Silva Horne.

Intermission numbers were also given by volunteers like Eunice Lamber who sang Canadian star Celine Dion's hit “My Heart Will Go On.”

2016 FACC 2nd VP Cecel Perry came likewise and was the main “chopper” for the lechon (roasted pig) served during the picnic, the first major event held by this year's FACC officers.

The picnic was chaired by FACC 1st VP Muffy Therrien carried the theme Kapamilya, Kapuso, Kasiyahan (One Family, One Heart, One Festivity). Jeff Castaneda, assistant pastor of the Concord International Church (CIC) led the invocation.

Last Saturday's FACC Spring Picnic was yet another testament to both the commitment and the heart of the group's volunteers in connecting to the Filipino-American community in the Carolinas.