Contributed by Tonaka Kendrick, Director of Volunteer Engagement

This is National Volunteer Appreciation Week (April 17th – 23rd) and the perfect occasion to recognize and thank all of the amazing individuals who volunteer their time, energy, and expertise to support early science learning and animal exploration programs.

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, I want to take the time to thank all of you who volunteer with CuriOdyssey. Our organization has experienced so many changes over the last few years, including a global pandemic, and we are so thankful to all of our volunteers who have continued to positively impact the lives of our youngest visitors during that time. 

As of FY2021, our volunteer workforce contributed an estimated salary value of $261,284, which is equal to the salary of four full-time employees! Quite a feat! Certainly, we will surpass that number by two-fold this year. Furthermore, this year we are celebrating five service milestones among our 95 mentors and volunteers. Cynthia Armour has been a CuriOdyssey volunteer for 20 years, Rachel Miller for 15 years, Tish Palmer for 10 years, and Katherine Hsia, Elizabeth Switzer & Alex Switzer have all been volunteers for 5 years. We are deeply grateful for their dedication to our small but mighty museum in the park!

CuriOdyssey volunteers have left an imprint on so many visitors and program participants over the years and I can’t begin to tell you all the amazing things I’ve heard since joining the organization. We couldn’t achieve the strong collective impact we have if it were not for you. It is my honor to work alongside you. One of my favorite things is seeing our volunteers sharing their knowledge of biofacts, animal facts, and science education with our young learners. On behalf of CuriOdyssey staff and board, please accept our sincere appreciation for your decision to become a volunteer, and your continuing commitment to inspiring love for science and curiosity about the world to create a brighter future!