FOWIL’s Caryn Firebaugh Honored for Outstanding Volunteerism
The American Lighthouse Foundation honored 19 outstanding
volunteers on November 22, 2008 during its Lighthouse Gala & Volunteer
Awards Dinner at the Hyatt Regency in Newport, RI.
The 19 volunteers, who included Caryn Firebaugh of the
Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse, received ALF’s
Photo by Ann-Marie Trapani
Caryn Firebaugh with FOWIL
Chairman Brad Coupe
prestigious “Len
Hadley Volunteerism Award” during the third annual volunteer dinner.
In addition to her ALF volunteer award, Caryn was further honored by her
fellow volunteers within FOWIL who donated money to ALF on her behalf as a
tribute to her dedication to Wood Island Lighthouse, FOWIL and ALF.
Brad Coupe, chairman for the Friends Wood Island Lighthouse, presented Caryn
with her ALF “Len Hadley Volunteerism Award” and made the following remarks
to the dinner audience:
“Caryn Firebaugh is, like all outstanding volunteers, a person who gives of
her time selflessly. She resides in Kansas, but when she is in Biddeford
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Wood Island Lighthouse
Pool, which is a lot, she commits herself to this
community and Wood Island Lighthouse, which is among the special
beneficiaries of her interest and community spirit.
FOWIL benefits from her willingness to pitch in and help
in ways that few can match. We are fortunate to have
several people of
Caryn’s enthusiasm – they are inspired by the lighthouse and each other.
Each volunteer brings special talents to the endeavor, and all are committed
and eager to advance the cause. This year we honor Caryn’s unique
contributions.
Caryn’s spirit is infectious and unbounded, and her energy tireless. She
gives generously of her time – just let her know there is a need and she
will:
♦ Take phone
duty, filling reservations for visitors who wish to go to the island
♦ Serve as a
host for tours, filling in when gaps in coverage occur or the group wants to
add a tour
♦ Assist with
media interviews
♦ Help with
general FOWIL meetings
Caryn’s signature distinction is her special talent at organizing and
pulling
off the most stylish, sophisticated and
successful fundraising galas. It is important to recognize that when it
comes to galas and fundraising events, others pitch in and labor long
and hard, and they contribute mightily to the success of these efforts,
as Caryn will be the first to acknowledge, but Caryn
is the creative genius who:
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Caryn & Doug Firebaugh
♦ Is a gusher
of creative ideas
♦ Plans details
and infuses them with class, style and pizzazz
♦ FOWIL’s three
art auctions – two ‘Fresh Paints’ at Biddeford Pool and one at the upscale
Nonantum Resort in Kennebunkport – all carried her distinctive touch. Gift
bags for artists with lighthouse motifs, decorations, ideas for making
money, etc.
♦ She has just
the right touch
Caryn also opens her house for celebrations, art auction ‘after parties,’
and end of season beach parties, and she and her husband Doug are most
generous with their giving to save Wood Island.
Caryn and Doug are truly two of the very best ‘Friends’ Wood Island has. We
are honored to count Caryn Firebaugh among our ‘Friends’ and pleased to
honor her at this year’s Gala.”
Photo by Bob Trapani, Jr.
Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse in
attendance at
