Volunteer Spotlight: Joshua Hernandez

Our Volunteer of the Month for March is Joshua Hernandez. Joshua has completed over 100 hours for Flamingo Gardens. Most days Joshua can be seen clearing out a wide ranging amount of invasive plants species. He also is eager to learn and will give you tons of information on the various invasive plants as well as other plants he encounters. As of late Joshua has also been assisting our Orchidteers. He is reliable, dependable, gracious, and dedicated. We are very happy to have Joshua as a volunteer.

Volunteer Spotlight: Jose Quintanilla

Our Volunteer of the Month for February is Jose Quintanilla. Jose has totaled nearly 200 hours since volunteering with us and has been helpful in every way. Primarily guiding in our Gallery with our various exhibits, Jose is quick to work and extremely proactive. He helps with our event setups as well and can always be called upon to do anything Hospitality related. His demeanor always puts our guests in the best mood and he is extremely gracious while doing so. We are so thankful to have him volunteering here and we look forward to the future volunteer projects he will be apart of.

Volunteer Spotlight: Larnell Pinson

We are thrilled to celebrate Larnell Pinson as our Volunteer of the Month! Larnell joined the Flamingo Gardens volunteer team late last year, and from the moment she started, she has been an incredible asset to our organization.

In just a short time, Larnell contributed over 500 hours of her time, consistently showing up with dedication and a positive attitude. She initially made a significant impact with our exhibits before lending her talents to our special events. During our Garden of Lights, Larnell went above and beyond, assisting both during the day and into the evening. No matter where she was needed, she stepped in with enthusiasm and skill.

However, it was in Animal Care where Larnell truly shone. Her extensive prior knowledge allowed her to make a remarkable impact in the department, earning the respect and admiration of our team. In fact, she was so exceptional that she has officially transitioned from volunteer to a permanent member of our Animal Care Team!

While we’ll miss having Larnell as a volunteer, we are so excited to see all that she will accomplish in her new role. Congratulations, Larnell, and thank you for everything you’ve done to make Flamingo Gardens a better place!

Volunteer Spotlight: Ryan Xu

Our Volunteer of the Month is Ryan Xu. Ryan is one of the most courteous and respectful volunteers we’ve ever had. In his time here he has already amassed over 70+ hours. Ryan most notably volunteers with our Orchidteers. He can be seen watering the orchids as well as well as getting his hands dirty. This month Ryan has also helped us with Garden of Lights which as you know is one of the most momentous events we have here at Flamingo Garden. It has a been pleasure to have him volunteer with us.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sol Rua

Our Volunteer of the Month for November Sol Rua. Sol has primarily been volunteering in Animal Care for the past few months and has made a serious impact. She is punctual and takes such great directives and is always ready for the tasks. We feel particularly proud of her as a volunteer because she was nominated by multiple staff members to be the volunteer of the month and when a suggestion comes so highly recommended you just must listen to it. Sol has in a short time already volunteered for over 65 hours and we couldn’t be more appreciative. She helps Flamingo Gardens be strong in mind, body and Sol.

Volunteer Spotlight: Gail Santini

Our Volunteer of the Month for September is Gail Santini. Gail is one of the most dedicated volunteers we’ve ever had. She has amassed so many hours in crucial areas for Flamingo Gardens. Over the course of her time here she has been a staple in the Wray Home where she has given our guests a phenomenal tour year in and year out. Gail is also apart of our Orchidteers Club and if you’ve seen our beautiful orchids you understand why she is such a valuable volunteer to us. It should also be noted that she can always be counted on for special events none more important than our Gala in the Gardens that she is always present for. Gail we couldn’t be more thankful for having such a versatile and well intentioned volunteer.

Volunteer Spotlight: Diane Rogers

Our Volunteer of the Month for August is Diane Rogers. Diane is a longstanding volunteer and member of Flamingo Gardens. She works with our Orchidteers and is always pleasant to be around. She is consistent, judicious, dependable, and relatable. Diane always works well with other volunteers and regularly is known to get incoming Orchidteers acclimated to the rigorous but rewarding work that they do. Diane can be counted on to make anyone feel at home here at Flamino Gardens and that is a major reason why we appreciate her so much. She has volunteered over 1200 hours with us. We are so grateful to have Diane here and look forward to continuing to work with her in the future.

Volunteer Spotlight: Sevval Karatas

Our Volunteer of the Month for July is Sevval Karatas. Sevval has done so much for us this month. She has already volunteered 50 hours in the month of July and has been all smiles in doing so.

She can often be found greeting guest in our gift shop or assisting younger children in the gallery with our Dino exhibit. Her versatility has been applauded as she has helped serve in our Flamingo Café as well. Her warm personality, cheerful attitude, and humble demeanor have given the guests a special experience and we are thankful to have her.

Volunteer Spotlight: Geoffrey Dix

Our Volunteer of the Month for June is Geoffrey Dix. Jeff as he likes to be called has been volunteering with us since May and already has over 112 hours. He has helped in our Wray and our Gallery since we’ve had our Dinosaurs Around the World Exhibit. The place you can see him the most is the Tram. He spends a lot of time keeping that area clean, assisting guests, and providing optimal hospitality. He is always eager and willing to do what we ask and remains in good spirits about every task. It has been great to have him here.

Volunteer Spotlight: Ilene Shatkin

Our Volunteer of the Month for May is Ilene Shatkin.

Ilene is one of the kindest and most dedicated volunteers we’ve ever had. Ilene has specifically volunteered with the Orchidteers which is a group we established in 2017. When you see the orchids we have here in the gardens, you understand why the Orchidteers are such an integral part of Flamingo Gardens. Ilene is a major part of that group. In her time since becoming a volunteer she has already volunteered about 850 hours of her time and with the consistency she displays those hours are always climbing. We are lucky to have her and she is extremely valued. It is so important to have volunteers like her.