National Volunteer Week kicked off with a bang at the newly renamed Volunteer Annual Party, held April 24 in Baillie Court with drinks and appetizers by our talented Food & Beverage department. The main event of the evening was a Q&A with CEO Stephan Jost. Volunteer President Shelagh Barrington posed questions that had been submitted by volunteers while Stephan responded off the cuff.  The wide-ranging questions elicited a bit about Stephan’s background, his experience moving to Toronto, and his thoughts on the future.  He felt that we all need more confidence and we should not be afraid to make mistakes as long as it moves us forward.

Stephan also recognized long time volunteers:  Eve De Langley, Carol Ketchum, Joan London, Betty Myers, Linda Tyrell and Sybil Wilkinson (all 35 years) and 49-year volunteer Mary Henderson!

Shelagh wrapped up by introducing the Volunteer Executive and thanking all the staff who work with volunteers and AGO management for their continued support for the AGO volunteers.

Party mixer games and photo props (provided by Brittany Sproule and Natalie Dunn) encouraged volunteers to meet someone new. Volunteers were rewarded for their efforts with generous door prizes provided by Food and Beverage, Prints and Drawings and our artsy neighbour, Above Ground Art Supplies.

A good time was had by the more than 170 volunteers who attended.  Many thanks to party organizer Catherine Morelli and her crew!