TALLAHASSEE, Fla. /Florida Newswire/ -– Governor Charlie Crist today recognized Dan Schapper of Perry as this week’s Point of Light in honor of Disability Awareness Month. “Dan is a model mentor for disabled youth in the Sunshine State,” said Governor Crist. “His extraordinary effort and innate sense of compassion has helped, assisted and encouraged young people with disabilities to lead independent lives all across Florida.”
For five years Dan has been a dedicated volunteer with Ability 1st, an organization that aids persons with disabilities to live independent lives. Dan first served on the Ability 1st board of directors and continues to serve as a volunteer. His work has contributed to the high quality services to persons with disabilities in Leon, Liberty, Gadsden, Madison, Taylor and Wakulla counties.
In addition to his work with Ability 1st, Dan has been a volunteer mentor and leader for disabled youth active in the Able Trust’s Youth Leadership Forum for the past eight years. Dan’s work has given hundreds of disabled youth the opportunity and motivation to lead independent lives. He has also rebuilt and repaired mobile homes for persons with disabilities as an active member of the Men’s Ministry Group of South Side Baptist Church of Perry.
CSX and AAA Auto Club South are supporting sponsors of the Governor’s Points of Light Award. This program recognizes Florida residents who demonstrate exemplary service to the community. Award recipients are announced weekly. A panel of judges comprised of leaders in the areas of volunteerism and service evaluate all nominations and make recommendations to the Governor. The Volunteer Florida Foundation manages the program.
For more information, or to submit a nomination, go to www.VolunteerFloridaFoundation.org.
