Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Coral Gables conducted its annual Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at the Garden on Mar. 20 to recognize the Volunteers of the Year and honors hundreds of volunteers and the hours they devote unselfishly to the Garden every year.
Fairchild Garden currently has 1,200 active volunteers who donated 67,000 hours in 2012. Now celebrating the Garden’s 75th anniversary, volunteers have been an integral part of Fairchild Garden since it was founded in 1938. Of the volunteers present at the luncheon, many were honored with 15, 20, 25, 30 and 40-year pins.
The three Volunteers of the Year are:
Sue Steinberg, a resident of Coral Gables, has volunteered for 35 years. She started the Garden’s first educational program and helped to build the Garden’s Foundation. She also is on the board of trustees.
Steve Forman, a resident of South Miami, has volunteered for 10 years in horticulture and conservation. He is one of the most independent volunteers they have who often takes over when staff members are unavailable. His work ethic and congeniality are legendary at the Garden.
Jean Hawa, a resident of Pinecrest, has volunteered for six years. A former educator, in her first year as a volunteer, she signed up for five jobs at the Garden. She is the ultimate “worker bee,” leader and mentor.
