Colleen Kisel’s Speech Introducing the Volunteer of the Year, Char Mannix

Colleen Kisel

Welcome to the first annual Treasuring Our Kids Spring Fling. My name is Colleen and I am the Founder of the Treasure Chest Foundation.

Danny Thomas once said "Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It's what you do for others." You have all made a difference in the lives of thousands of children and teens fighting cancer. If you are a volunteer or a member of the Board, could you please stand.

Now we would like to honor our "Volunteer of the Year." Char Mannix is a dedicated volunteer whose commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and teens fighting cancer has resulted in her being chosen as this year's "Volunteer of the Year" by the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.

Since 2007, Char has served as a volunteer for the Treasure Chest Foundation almost every Friday. Every toy that leaves our facility needs to be protected with a plastic cover if it is not covered, every toy needs a label indicating where the toy came from, every toy needs to be sorted and sometimes grouped (i.e., Barbie dolls with Barbie clothes), and every toy needs a little tender loving care. That is what Char provides for us week after week, year after year in our Orland Park facility. Not only does Char prepare the toys for delivery but she assists with folding, sealing and labeling numerous mailers. Whenever the Treasure Chest Foundation needs to meet a deadline, for example when sending out mailers, we jokingly say, 'Don't worry, Char is coming in' because she is one of our fastest, most conscientious workers.

Char has proven herself to be a most giving and resourceful person for the children served by the Treasure Chest Foundation. This past year Char decided to introduce the Treasure Chest Foundation to the Brementowne Manor, a complex where she resides. Consequently the residents hosted our first ever turkey dinner to benefit the Foundation.

We are pleased to have this opportunity to recognize Char's selfless dedication to helping children and teens fighting cancer. Char is a true treasure and a deserving recipient of this year's Volunteer of the Year Award.

I give you Char Mannix.