WHBPAC Arts Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon

Forty-five of the Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center’s (WHBPAC) dedicated volunteers gathered at the Westhampton Country Club for the annual Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon, hosted by the WHBPAC staff. The event was organized to honor and celebrate the work and support provided to the theater by a legion of community volunteers.

To salute their efforts, the volunteers were treated to a private luncheon at the club. Maureen Monteleone was honored for being the volunteer who gives the most time to the Arts Academy, while Kitty Gilmore was recognized as the volunteer with the most hours under her belt. Judy Conrad, Joelle Cerlenko, Gene and Annette Schumacher, Cat Bracksmayer, Judith Bacher, Eileen Kaufman, Shelly Schwartz, Ginny Crisco, Pamela Sweeney, Jeanette Smith, Cathy Schwartz, Barbara Launer, June Cosentino, Julia Carlson and Diane Heim were all celebrated for giving more hours than average.

Director of Volunteer Services Allison Frost also presented volunteer Betty Ronston with the Anne Fredey Golden Flashlight Award — an annual award to honor the volunteer who provides outstanding services to our audiences throughout the season. Ronston has embodied the joy and enthusiasm that Anne once brought to the Center. The honoree will use her special “Golden Flashlight” to safely escort audience members to their seats at performances.

This year the WHBPAC volunteers donated a combined total of 3,000+ hours of service to the center. In addition to taking tickets, seating patrons and bartending at performances, volunteers participate in other crucial activities. This school year alone, volunteers will donate their time at 21 School Day Performances and seat almost 10,000 students and their teachers at performances that support and enhance the school curriculum.

The volunteers also donate their time to the administrative staff when assistance is needed sorting flyers. Their help is indispensable at key events such as the Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser, the WHBPAC Concours, and many other special events.

To join the volunteers at the not-for-profit Westhampton Beach Performing Arts Center, contact Allison Frost at 631-288-2350, ext. 102 or go to whbpac.org/volunteer.