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Broward Center for the Performing Arts Honors Volunteers

by Guest Contributer November 13, 2018

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Tamarac residents Carol Brock and Edith Sephton.

By: Chris Brunner

The Broward Center for the Performing Arts recently held its 28th annual volunteer recognition event, presented by Florida Blue, which paid tribute to the nearly 900 volunteers who donated 123,000 hours of community service during the past season to the Broward Center and its affiliate venues.

More than 500 volunteers attended an appreciation dinner and were entertained with musical performances by a cast member of Slow Burn Theatre Company’s 9 to 5 The Musical, the Broward Center Spotlights youth vocal ensemble and four talented head ushers.

Florida Blue Field Marketing Director Jorge Blanco announced the top three winners. Fort Lauderdale resident Michael Waymire was recognized as the 2019-20 “Volunteer of the Year” for donating 1,480 hours during the season, which was the most by any volunteer. The prize package included tickets to Broadway in Fort Lauderdale’s Fiddler on the Roof, a dinner gift certificate to Marti’s New River Bistro and gift basket filled with wine, snacks and Broadway show souvenirs.

Also recognized were Plantation resident Aven Roberts who contributed 1,260 hours and Fort Lauderdale resident Lorraine Schramm who donated 775 hours of volunteer time.

The Broward Center also recognized 23 volunteers who were applauded for service of 10 years or more, and received their gold bow tie signifying this level of service. Four volunteers were honored for their 20-year milestone of volunteering.

Volunteers usher and serve as community ambassadors for the Broward Center and its affiliate venues: the Parker Playhouse, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center at Nova Southeastern University and the Aventura Arts & Cultural Center. Volunteers commit to a regular weekly shift (choosing a regular evening or matinée) for the full season. The Broward Center volunteer ushers are a dynamic mix of theater-lovers, from retired seniors and baby boomers to high school students, many of whom earn community service hours and volunteer along with a parent or grandparent.

Volunteers are eligible to begin ushering performances upon completion of a three-hour orientation session that includes a tour of the Broward Center and an introduction to ushering.

Tamarac residents who are interested in volunteering call 954-46-2684 or e-mail volunteer@browardcenter.org.