March 19, 2011

'Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they just have the heart.'

Good morning! I am Pat McCarthy, your Pierce County Executive.

And that quote by author Elizabeth Andrew speaks to the heart of why we are here today.

It's my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to all of you on behalf of 3,000 very appreciative employees of Pierce County, as well as the 800,000 residents we serve.

This is the third time that I have been honored to participate in Pierce County's Volunteer Recognition Banquet. It's one of my favorite events of the year.

This is what community-building is all about. It's about individuals and groups that step up and help us take care of important needs.

There are probably days where some of you wake up and think, 'gosh, am I really making a difference?'

Today is the day where you can look around and see all of the other individuals and groups that are just as dedicated as you are. And you can see how your combined efforts exponentially make a difference.

You hear a lot of debate among politicians about the proper size and role of government. Well, I'm here to tell you that we cannot do it all.

The strongest communities are the ones whose members contribute time and effort to programs and services that serve vulnerable populations, or just make our neighborhoods better.

That's what you folks in this room do, and you have my heartfelt appreciation and admiration.

You deserve much more than we can give you. So I hope you will appreciate the brunch, the recognition, the proclamation that the Council and I signed, and possibly a door prize!

As we move on with the program, I'd like to end with a few more quotes about volunteerism that I find inspiring:

'It's easy to make a buck. It's tougher to make a difference.' That's from Tom Brokaw.

'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.' Winston Churchill.

'Those who can ... do. Those who can do more ... volunteer.' The author of that one is unknown.

And finally, this quote from 19th Century author Edward Everett Hale:

'I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do.'

Again, please accept my congratulations. And enjoy the recognition that you richly deserve.

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