New York alumni volunteer with seniors for Annual Day of Service




Thomas Ruggiero, Elvi Guzman, Guillermina Passa Quevedo, Cedric Bess, Lori Rodney, Jassie Vilela, Tom Bello and Helyett Harris took part in this year’s Greater New York Panther Day of Service.

Even a cool, damp New York City day couldn’t rain on the parade of the FIU Alumni Association Greater New York Chapter.

FIU’s Big Apple alumni kicked off their 2012 event schedule by bringing a little  Panther sunshine to a group of fun-loving seniors as a part of the FIU National Panther Day of Service March 31.

Each year, alumni chapters throughout the country participate in activities to give back to their communities and this year, the Greater New York Chapter chose to volunteer at Isabella House in Manhattan.

“We couldn’t have chosen a better event to kick off our year,” said Cedric L. Bess, president of the Greater New York Chapter. “It’s always a rewarding experience when you have the opportunity to brighten someone’s day simply by lending a helping hand.”

FIU alumni assisted the Isabella staff in transporting residents to and from a special musical performance in the center’s recreation hall. This gave the volunteers a great opportunity to chat, laugh and even sing with the residents, who happily welcomed their Panther guests for the afternoon. In the past, the Greater New York Chapter has volunteered with such organizations as Harlem Meals on Wheels and the Central Park Conservancy Green Team.

Isabella, a non-profit, non-sectarian, organization, is a pioneer in the care of the elderly since 1875. Since its inspired beginning, Isabella has grown from a traditional nursing home to a leading healthcare organization providing a continuum of services on its own campus and in the community at large.