AmeriCorps CEO Presents President’s Volunteer Service Award to Inspiritus Volunteer
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Dear friend,
Yesterday, Inspiritus Disaster Relief Volunteer, Philip DeRitis, was awarded the Gold President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award by AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. This award is in recognition of more than 650 hours of volunteer service Phil has given to his community through his work with Inspiritus.
Established in 2003, the President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes the important role of volunteers in America's strength and national identity. This award honors individuals whose service positively impacts communities and inspires those around them to take action, too.
The PVSA has continued under each administration, honoring the volunteers who are using their time and talents to solve some of the toughest challenges facing our nation.
Below Video: Michael Hudak WINK News
Philip DeRitis is one of these individuals.
Phil served all 650+ hours in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. As a storm survivor himself, his motivation to help bring his fellow community members home was personal.
Phil was teaching at a local tennis club when it was forced to close after being destroyed by Hurricane Ian. He lost his home, car and job to the storm. Rather than leave the area, he chose to volunteer with Inspiritus to help others impacted by the devastation.
Phil has inspired so many people that he has been named lead volunteer, and provides training to other volunteers to effectively muck and gut, provide mold sanitation services and complete small home repairs. In addition to his on-the-ground support, he has assisted with administrative tasks and tool and inventory management.
Phil DeRitis receives President’s Volunteer Service Award. Click image above to watch now.
“Anyone who works with Philip walks away with a new skill and a profound sense of hope,” said AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith. “Not only has he become the go-to volunteer to solve problems, he also embodies the spirit of service communities like Fort Myers’ needs to move forward after disasters. On behalf of AmeriCorps, thank you for volunteering your time and showing that service is a uniting force.”
Even in the aftermath, Phil said his heart remained steadfast and strong as ever.
"It takes faith. To me, it's just about doing the right thing...and having general care and concern for your neighbors."
Inspiritus Disaster Relief teams remain on the ground in Fort Myers, FL empowering storm survivors on their road to recovery by providing free social & emotional support, debris removal, muck & gut, chainsaw, mold sanitation and heavy equipment services.
If you would like to volunteer and join Phil, and the rest of our team on the ground, click here.
If you would like to make a monetary contribution to support our relief efforts, visit www.weinspirit.org/donate
Sincerely,
Virginia Spencer
Chief Development Officer
Inspiritus
