Saturday September 23rd @ Aptos United Methodist Church | 2PM
Genie was driven, focused, committed, and a shining light — unable to be deterred or distracted by the ravages of ALS/Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Genie joined the Volunteer Center family as the Literacy Program Director in November 2011. During her tenure, her selfless dedication and enthusiasm galvanized our volunteers to make progress that rippled out in waves of good through our community. She led the Literacy program with compelling modesty and an unwavering passion for results.
The Volunteer Center family will join with friends, family and co-workers to celebrate Genie’s inspiring life of service on September 23rd.
Genie, with the help of dedicated volunteers and supporters, showed us that an individual has the power to do great things and that the impact of our actions can reach far beyond our one life.
We invite you to read the kind words shared by her team of volunteers below or the tribute provided by incoming Literacy Director Dhara Damania. If you would like to provide a gift in her honor you may do so below.
Donate to the Genie Dee Fund For Literacy
Your gift will allow us to continue the work Genie was so devoted to- Empowering adults through literacy.
In Celebration of Genie Dee
Kind Words Of Tribute From Volunteers
"You will be missed but your work has left an indelible mark in the minds and hearts of all of us, Rest assured that your tireless energy and enthusiasm has rippled through the county. Count on us to continue the work that you’ve begun."
- Ellen M.
"We will miss you with your welcoming smile and your steady hand at the helm. Please know that the results of your hard work and commitment will continue through the efforts of all of us whom you have inspired."
- Krissen L.
"You are the heart of literacy program and speaking of hearts, you certainly have all of ours."
- Linda M.
"Thank you for all your support these years. I’m going to miss my best friend."
- Gisela S
"Thank you very much Genie! You and the program have made me a richer and more grateful person."
- Steve V.
"Changing lives has been made easier and more attainable thanks to your wonderful work."
- Sandy W.
"Thank you for all that you have done for the program. It is an invaluable service that our community provides."
- Janet B.
"We are most grateful for your out-of-sight labors (in every sense). Thank you!"
- Paul F.
"Being a tutor and trainer is one of the most gratifying activities in my retirement. I have so appreciated the ways in which you have encouraged and supported my involvement. I will miss you"
- Claire C.
"Thank you for all you’ve done over the years. It’s an amazing program that has made a positive impact on so many lives."
- Katie
"Thank you for your giving heart, generous soul, and hardworking spirit."
- Jeanne V.
"Thank you for being such an inspiration and wonderful leader for the Literacy Program."
- Martha S.
"Your direction, leadership, and all your behind-the scenes work has left a huge and positive impact on the Literacy Program, a lasting one."
- Carol R.
"Thanks for all of your service, and for sharing your insights. You have followed a truly noble calling, and I admire you!"
- Alesa L.
"I am confident the example you have put in place will remain the hallmark of the program."
- Brian O.
"We can never thank you enough for all the hard work you put in to the Literacy Program. We will greatly miss your warm support and generosity but look forward to helping keep this important program alive and growing!"
- Donna C.
"You have been an inspiration to me since the first day I met you. You are always gracious, encouraging and such a hard worker that I was often put to shame. Your sense of joy with the Literacy Program is a good reason for its continued growth. You are truly a valiant woman and I continue to pray for you and your family each day."
- Rosemary M.
"For the gift of understanding which you brought to hundreds of people, for their ability to use the written word, for the gift of spoken words, for the priceless gift of literacy, I thank you. Your warmth, dedication, passion and compassion have made the Literacy Program what it is today. You have set a standard that many have seen and many emulate."
- Rosie M.
"Your work will carry on and we will remember your smiling face, determination, perseverance, and amazing courage!"
- Janet S.
"You are such a generous person, devoting your time and energy to enhancing the lives of so many people. You have truly made a difference."
- Jeanne S.
"Thank you for your friendship and for the opportunity to serve with the Santa Cruz County Jail through the Literacy Program. I hope to continue my service to community and humanity because you helped me believe I can."
- Ching B.
"She was quite a woman: intelligence and persistence with a ready smile. Always available and eager to make things work. Dear Genie. I will miss you."
- Bonnie O.
"You have truly been a very inspiring leader to all of us who have worked in the program with you, and it has been really heartening to see the program evolve under your skilled guidance into a self-supporting and beloved and efficient community service! Thank you so much for your dedicated service to the Literacy Program."
- Char B.
