More images can be seen HERE.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) of Washoe County celebrated the impact of its volunteers in the community at the annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon held at John Ascuaga's Nugget on Friday, November 2, 2012. Over 325 volunteers and university and community leaders attended the event emceed by Kristen Remington, news anchor of KTVN Channel 2, and led by RSVP Director Scott Trevithick. RSVP is sponsored by the university's Sanford Center for Aging and engages adults 55 and older in volunteer service to meet community need.

The program featured a video of RSVP volunteers describing the impact of their work and why it's meaningful to them, pictures of volunteers in action, and awards for particular volunteers and community organizations. Volunteer Leslyn Raso was honored with the Amos Tinkey Award for Outstanding Volunteer for exceptional and gracious care for a senior to assist her in remaining independent and in reuniting with her family through the Senior Outreach Services Program. Volunteer Steve Burns, an algebra tutor at Vaughn Middle School with Washoe County School District, also received the Amos Tinkey Award for his impact on students. Ceci Martin accepted the Elsie Connor Award on behalf of Five Star Premier Residences of Reno for their community outreach, which includes a creative holiday program their staff and residents initiated with Anderson Elementary school. Award certificates were presented on behalf of Senator Heller, Senator Reid and Governor Sandoval.

The event concluded with a drawing of door prizes for volunteers, thanks to the generosity of a number of community businesses. Also supporting the event were Gold Sponsor Dermody Properties Foundation; Silver sponsors Lakeside Manor, NV Energy and the Senior Coalition; and a number of Bronze sponsors and donors of in-kind gifts. RSVP is sponsored by the Sanford Center for Aging at the University of Nevada, Reno. It is commissioned by and receives funding from the Corporation for National and Community Service. RSVP's Senior Outreach Services program receives grant funding from the Aging and Disability Services Division of the state of Nevada.