Posey named Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year by Ronald McDonald House

Cleve Posey works year-round to keep the power churning at Gulf Power's Plant Crist in Pensacola.

But it's a soft spot for children and their families at Ronald McDonald House that powers Posey to volunteer. Posey was named Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year for 2010 by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida.

The charity recognized Posey for his tireless work on projects throughout the year, but in particular, he has led an annual Fishing for Families Tournament. Based at Grand Lagoon Yacht Club near Perdido Key, the tournament brings families together with a child-friendly competition that has awards for small catches and large. Despite facing environmental and economic challenges caused by the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill, the event raised more than $10,000 for the local Ronald McDonald House.

Between the Fishing for Families tournament, and other events such as Kaps for Kids and the Fire Truck Pull, Gulf Power donations topped $19,000 in 2010.

Posey is the second consecutive Volunteer of the Year from Gulf Power. Jessica Hatsfelt, Power Systems Specialist Sr.- System Operations, won the 2009 award for her continuing work organizing volunteers for the annual Firecracker 5K, Fire Truck pull, the Kaps for Kids campaign and the "Pop Tab Brigade."

Gulf Power Transformers also was named the Volunteer Group of the year for 2010.

"Cleve has done so much, so quietly for so long. He never wants the recognition - he just loves what we do and wants to help," said Andrea Farage, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northwest Florida. "We have 623 volunteers helping us, so for two years to have the Volunteer of the Year from the same company, it's pretty impressive. It just shows the dedication Gulf Power has from its employees." Ronald McDonald House provides a temporary residence for families whose children are being treated with life-threatening conditions or rare illnesses. Posey knew he found the right charity to dedicate his down-time.

"It's simple, really. It's all about giving back. I have a soft spot for our children and for the elderly," Posey said. "I can't imagine what these families are going through with a child in the hospital. They take all those other worries away so the families can focus on their children."

Through charitable donations and fundraisers, the home recently moved into a new $5.1-million building, expanding from nine bedrooms to 26, reducing the long waiting list it took for families to stay there. "I don't know what we would do without Gulf Power employees. They do whatever they can. Sometimes it's small things or it may be huge. But they never say no," Farage said. "And I love that their company supports the employees who volunteer. I don't know how we would have gotten into this new home without them."

2011 Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year
2010 Volunteer Fundraiser of the Year