Each year Recycling Furniture for Families (“RF4F”) chooses one of its many volunteers as the recipient of the Mark Kelly Volunteer of the Year. This award is a memorial to Mark and is reflective of the countless hours he gave to RF4F in volunteering his time and talents. His family and those of us here at RF4F lost Mark in 2009. We established this annual award in honor of Mark in order to recognize the gift of another volunteer’s time and talent to RF4F. It is normally a difficult task to single someone out for this honor, and 2013 was no exception. In making our selection this year, however, in our hearts we knew our decision was preordained.
The Mark Kelly Volunteer of the Year Award goes to Gene Megli and his family. Gene passed away suddenly on February 21st bringing grief to his family and sadness to all here at RF4F. Gene spent many hours in our refurbishing shop bringing back to life pieces of furniture that then became part of the homes of our clients. In this inspiring way, part of Gene lives on in each of the families that he helped. An award breakfast and celebration of Gene’s time at RF4F was held at our building at 515 North Center Street, Bloomington IL, on May 7th. Friends of the Megli family, members of the Megli’s church (College Park Christian), and volunteers of RF4F attended the event.