It Takes a Village took it on the road recently and held their member appreciation lunch at the Windsor Tea Room in Mount Dora.
Strongly supported by a committed group of Villagers, It Takes a Village, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children globally and locally, was started by international recording artist Fernando Varela and his wife Susan Williams. Varela has ties to the local community and worked with Villager Linda terBurg to start the club in The Villages.
Theresa Kress was honored for being the outstanding board member.
“This person doesn’t just go with the flow, she asks a lot of questions when new ideas are presented to make sure what we are doing makes sense and we are doing it in the best way,” said Williams. “She really took charge of our fund raising efforts this year.”
Kress was surprised to have been chosen.
“I am supporting some very dear friends with my work for this club. I hope this means I am making a difference in the world with the little things that I do,” she said.
President of the club, terBurg was honored with a beautiful bouquet of flowers in appreciation of her remaining at the helm and continuing to lead the group during what has been a difficult year for terBurg.
It Takes a Village has been in operation for three years. This year they decided to concentrate their efforts on the local part of their mission statement after having done some amazing things in the last two years, getting computers and other tools for better education to locations in Guatemala. This year the focus was Wildwood Elementary School. In addition to their literacy program, this year they hosted Muffins with Mom and Doughnuts with Dad. They also held a teacher appreciation dinner at Legends restaurant. Williams said the feedback from that dinner was so inspiring.
The club will resume meeting in September. If you would like more information about this service organization, contact Linda terBurg at lindaterburg@gmail.com.
