By Judge Suzette Carlisle Flowers,
Board Member NAWCJ,
Liaison to Spirit to Serve Committee
GKTW Service Day 2023 brought people together throughout the workers’ compensation industry with one goal – putting a smile on the faces of critically injured children and their families through adventures at GKTW Village. This year, 561 individuals and ninety-eight companies signed up to serve. What these volunteers accomplished in one morning would have taken the Village two months to achieve from other sources. We look inside Service Day through the eyes of the volunteers who put smiles on the faces of children’s and their families.
VOLUNTEERS Assemble in the BIG ROOM Early in the Morning!
At 6:00 am on Saturday, August 19, 2023, hundreds of volunteers assembled at the Marriott and received their assignments. Between coffee and breakfast rolls, volunteers woke up, found their assignments, and went to work. They speak to us about their experiences.
Volunteers for all locations gathered early in the morning, ready to serve.
THE MARRIOTT HOTEL VENUE
Approximately 100 volunteers served at the Marriott Hotel and colored invitations and cut out masks for future events at the Village. A group of Gallagher Bassett volunteers agreed to be interviewed as they happily colored invitations and cut out masks. Some members of the group were first timers, and others have served for a number of years. Today, we go inside the volunteer’s stories and share their amazing experiences about Service Day 2023 at the Marriott Hotel and GKTW Village on Saturday, August 19, 2023.
GALLAGHER BASSETT VOLUNTEERS
Mirlo Cruz
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: Gallagher Bassett – Miami, FL.
- What type of work to you do? Workers’ Comp Adjuster.
- Is 2023 the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? Yes, it was.
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? I have been with Gallagher Bassett for 6 months. My manager told me that we have been part of this for 10 years now. That it was a cause that we truly enjoy participating. So, I decided to go since I have never done anything like this for any other company where I worked.
- Why did you decide to participate? I think if we have the time to give back one way or another; we should. We get caught up with our work and lives and we forget that we can make a difference in someone’s life, even if it is for a bit.
- What volunteer work did you perform? Marriot Corporate jobs.
- Do you recommend other people volunteer? Yes, I already spoke to my friends about it. Even my husband told his friends.
- Why do you believe it was important for you to volunteer your time and energy to this project? Because I had never been part of something so noble.
- What did you like about Service Day? That you get to put your own touch in the cards we colored. We project our inner child on those cards.
- Any suggestions on ways to improve the experience for volunteers and families served by the project? None, maybe next year when I do the village.
Gema Benavides
I am a claims technical assistant for Gallagher Bassett in Branch 141 in Miami-Fl. I answer the phone 7:30 am till 10 am and then I do many other different tasks for the office assisting the Resolution Managers.
2023 was my very lucky year of attending this great service day for the first time. Some of my coworkers have participated before. I always wanted to be part of this beautiful work. This year I volunteered with the manual work, coloring the invitations and cutting the mask for the kids. I do recommend other people participate, Oh Yes! Next year I will love to bring my 40-year-old daughter and grandkids because they love children, and they will enjoy doing this a lot.
It seems like just a little bit. But I do understand that each one of us are giving as much as possible to make this happen for the children.
I love this about Service Day. First of all, knowing that all of this work will be touching each one of these children. Also getting to know people within the industry also involved in this beautiful act of love. My suggestion is, that you never stop! Keep us dreaming about the next year coming again, to be there and continue helping.
Lourdes T. Aguilar
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: Gallagher Bassett Services, 5201 Blue Lagoon Dr. Suite 160, Miami, FL 33126.
- What type of work to you do: Assistant Branch Manager.
- Is 2023 the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? This was my second time, 8/19/2023, was the first time.
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? A formal invitation through my office.
- Why did you decide to participate? It is an amazing event that does so much to deliver Happiness to very sick children and I was honored to participate.
- What volunteer work did you perform? I worked on invitations, masks and crowns for the Children.
- Do you recommend other people volunteer? Yes absolutely.
- Why do you believe it was important for you to volunteer your time and energy to this project? I am being part of something amazing for children who are very sick, I help my employer (the best) be present in something great that helps the community.
- What did you like about Service Day? Being part of a high-energy group that participated in this program with enthusiasm and a lot of heart.
- Any suggestions on ways to improve the experience for volunteers and families served by the project? You are very organized, and I thank you for doing such an amazing job for such a good cause!
Vilma Palma-Blackmon
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: Gallagher Bassett Services, Chicago, IL.
- What type of work to you do? Senior Vice President, Claims Operation – I lead GB’s 13 WC Offices in the Southeast and provide oversight to +400 claims professionals.
- Is 2023 the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? No.
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? I’ve been attending the WCI Conference for 35 years now. I heard about the GKTW Conference from Jim McConnaughhay in 2013, when participants totaled was less than 50. He asked if GB would be willing to help and I was in a position to say yes, on behalf of the organization – GB has been a sponsor for 10 years now.
- Why did you decide to participate? As soon as I learned heard about the organization, their mission and work.
- What volunteer work did you perform? Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of serving breakfast to the children and their family, driven the GKTW “train” that provides transportation for the children and their families from their Villas to different locations, i.e., pools, horseback experience, etc. on the 84-acre Village.
- Do you recommend other people volunteer? Absolutely – it’s a wonderful opportunity to give back.
- Why do you believe it was important for you to volunteer your time and energy to this project? Absolutely, not only is it an opportunity to give back, but there are also so many stories of children having miraculous recoveries from very serious illnesses. If you take the time to ask people about GKTW, you’ll often hear, yes – my family, my friend, an acquaintance had a critically ill child, they visited GKTW and cherish their time there.
- What did you like about Service Day? The WCI Service Day allows you to connect with industry friends and acquaintances, for a common purpose and share those experiences. It’s rewarding to give back and it’s equally refreshing to connect with those you know and make new acquaintances.
- Any suggestions on ways to improve the experience for volunteers and families served by the project? The number of WCI GKTW Volunteers has grown from well under 50 to over 1000 at one point. Instead of having all of the volunteer work occur on one day, I would suggest WCI and GKTW partner to engage the WC community to have year-round events. During the WCI Conference, one of those events could be held and at the same time, have those interested in giving back year-long, sing up for specific months and tasks.
Naomi K. Amanzio
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: Gallagher Bassett Services.
- What type of work do you do: Claims Manager
- Is this the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? Yes.
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? Gallagher Bassett.
- Why did you decide to participate? 2023 is the 10-year anniversary of Service Day.
- What volunteer work did you perform? Coloring, cutting out invitations, and masks for the children.
- Do you recommend other people volunteer? Yes.
- Why do you believe it was important for you to volunteer your time and energy to this project? Absolutely.
- What did you like about Service Day? The comradery, and selflessness in giving my time, and energy to put a smile on the family and children’s faces who are staying at the villa.
- Any suggestions on ways to improve the experience for volunteers and families served by the project? Pick up group shirts the night before.
Roberto A. Camacho Martinez
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: Gallagher Bassett/Tampa.
- What type of work do you do: Claims adjuster.
- Is this the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? Yes, it was my first time.
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? I heard about it through my job.
- Why did you decide to participate? Well, I wanted to volunteer to give something back to those who are less fortunate in health and bring a smile to their faces.
- What volunteer work did you perform? I participated in the painting and cutting work in the hotel. Since it was my first time, enrolled with my coworkers in this, not knowing that I could have gone to town and actually seen the children.
- Do you recommend other people volunteer? Yes, I do, it is a good way to give back and spend time doing a productive activity.
- Why do you believe it was important for you to volunteer your time and energy to this project? I was not going to be doing anything that weekend and I would rather volunteer and do something for others and help make a difference in someone else’s life.
- What did you like about Service Day? I enjoyed meeting other people and interacting with my coworkers.
- Any suggestions on ways to improve the experience for volunteers and families served by the project? No, I think that what GKTW is doing is excellent.
Patty Lamastus, a Service Day participant since the beginning, 2013.
Kwen Coffee, Owner
Everyone worked hard at all ages, making invitations and cutting out masks!
The Gallagher Bassett crew, with first timers.
Elise Boyles (R) and Kate Barron (L), our GKTW leaders!
Elise Boyles
- Please state your name: Elise Boyles
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: Give Kids The World Village – located in Kissimmee, FL.
- What type of work to you do: I am the Director of Development, leading our fundraising events for GKTW.
- Is 2023 the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? It is indeed but Give Kids The World has been the organizer of the Service Day for years!
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? WCI has been an incredible partner of GKTW for years, and we are honored to be the location and beneficiary of this wonderful day.
GIVE KIDS THE WORLD VILLAGE
Volunteers made their way to the Village and performed a number of tasks, including power washing fences, walkways, and driveways, serving breakfast to families, painting the outside wall, planting new plants, operating rides, and assisting with many other activities. Two volunteers at the Village share their stories below.
Deidra Byrd, Attorney at Law, North Carolina
- What is the name and location of the company where you work: McAngus Goudelock & Courie, Greenville, South Carolina.
- What type of work to you do: Attorney with a practice focused on workers compensation insurance
- Is 2023 the first time you participated in Give Kids the World (GKTW) Service Day? Yes.
- How did you hear about GKTW Service Day? My firm participates in this project each year.
- Why did you decide to participate? I was asked to attend and ultimately agreed after I reviewed information about the organization and the service day.
- What volunteer work did you perform? I volunteered at the Castle of Miracles. We were able to meet with families coming to get an initial star placed in the castle and families who wanted to see their star on the wall. We also got to entertain families while they waited their turn to “experience the magic.”
- Do you recommend other people volunteer? ABSOLUTELY!
- Why do you believe it was important for you to volunteer your time and energy to this project? This service day project offered me the opportunity to ease the burden of families who have been dealing with some of life’s toughest moments. It meant a lot to me to see them smile, even for just a little while. Their courage and tenacity inspired me.
- What did you like about Service Day? I loved learning about GKTW and seeing so many wonderful people dedicating time to such a wonderful cause.
- Any suggestions on ways to improve the experience for volunteers and families served by the project? Everything was perfect! I cannot wait to volunteer next year!
Tod Stupski, Leon County School Board, Tallassee, Florida
This is not Tod’s first-year volunteering. He heard about the project by word of mouth.
He participates because it is a great way to start the conference. He has performed different activities. This year he washed the trams. He recommends the project to other people because once you learn of the history of how this started, how could you not participate? He believes the program is very well organized.
Volunteers at all locations are real heroes. We hope to see you next year at Service Day!
WHAT IS NEXT?
On November 18, 2023, volunteers are gearing up for the 2023 Decorate-A Villa Day at GKTW Village. Supporting sponsors and volunteers are needed. For more information contact: donna.531@comcast.net or mcliver768@hotmail.com.