Dedicated early riser receives ‘Citizen of Year’ award
By Mike Hamson
Special Correspondent Published: March 2, 2016
TBO.com
Humble and reliable are a few words others use to describe Kavita Marballi of Valrico, the associate membership director for the Campo YMCA.
Marballi, who wakes up before dawn to open the Campo YMCA, received The Community Roundtable’s “Citizen of the Year” award on Feb. 17 during their Community Affairs dinner at Center Place in Brandon.
Aaron Walters, Campo YMCA’s executive director, said he was elated to see Marballi recognized for exceptional community service that includes working with the Silver Sneaker program.
“She is very humble,” Walters said. “She never mentioned she was nominated or that she received the award. They recognized her as someone who tirelessly gives of herself and gives of her time.”
He said Marballi takes extra time with the active older adults, often reaching out to them with phone calls or emails if she doesn’t see them at the YMCA for a few days.
“She opens four days a week,” Walters said. “We open at 5 a.m. so she is here at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. I will tell you it takes a special person to get up every day at that time and open the building. She is reliable.”
“Typically in the morning our demographics are different. There are older, active adults who come in at that time. She has a great rapport with them.”
Marballi said she felt surprised, honored and overwhelmed by the award. She is proud of her work with the Silver Sneakers program, YMCA Camp Cristina and the JSA Medical Group in Sun City Center.
“It is my pleasure to serve and make a difference in the lives of seniors who enhance their self esteem, look forward to meeting new friends and lead a healthy and happy life,” Marballi said. “I am also proud of the YMCA Cancer Survivor support group and the Demenia support group for caregivers and families. Both of these groups are open to the community and free.”
As far as her future goals, Marballi said she wants to promote education and service.
“Service to the community is not about receiving recognition and not about getting an award — it is only about making a difference in the community,” Marballi said.
Lalita Llerena, the communications director for the YMCA, said Marballi is productive but does not openly take credit for her work.
“I wish I could clone her and put a Kavita at every one of our branches,” Llerena said. “She truly is a Jane of all trades and does so with so much dedication, positivity and determination.”
Kavita spearheads many of the Campo’s Y programs, services and outreach events including the annual backpack outreach event.
“To know her is to love her,” Llerena said. “Her passion with our members, particularly the active older adults, is incredible. She deserves this award every year for the time, talents and treasures she dedicates to the Y and the community.”
Founded in 1957, The Community Roundtable promotes community pride in the Brandon area. The organization honors outstanding individuals in the Brandon area every year.
Special Correspondent Published: March 2, 2016
TBO.com
Humble and reliable are a few words others use to describe Kavita Marballi of Valrico, the associate membership director for the Campo YMCA.
Marballi, who wakes up before dawn to open the Campo YMCA, received The Community Roundtable’s “Citizen of the Year” award on Feb. 17 during their Community Affairs dinner at Center Place in Brandon.
Aaron Walters, Campo YMCA’s executive director, said he was elated to see Marballi recognized for exceptional community service that includes working with the Silver Sneaker program.
“She is very humble,” Walters said. “She never mentioned she was nominated or that she received the award. They recognized her as someone who tirelessly gives of herself and gives of her time.”
He said Marballi takes extra time with the active older adults, often reaching out to them with phone calls or emails if she doesn’t see them at the YMCA for a few days.
“She opens four days a week,” Walters said. “We open at 5 a.m. so she is here at 4:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday. I will tell you it takes a special person to get up every day at that time and open the building. She is reliable.”
“Typically in the morning our demographics are different. There are older, active adults who come in at that time. She has a great rapport with them.”
Marballi said she felt surprised, honored and overwhelmed by the award. She is proud of her work with the Silver Sneakers program, YMCA Camp Cristina and the JSA Medical Group in Sun City Center.
“It is my pleasure to serve and make a difference in the lives of seniors who enhance their self esteem, look forward to meeting new friends and lead a healthy and happy life,” Marballi said. “I am also proud of the YMCA Cancer Survivor support group and the Demenia support group for caregivers and families. Both of these groups are open to the community and free.”
As far as her future goals, Marballi said she wants to promote education and service.
“Service to the community is not about receiving recognition and not about getting an award — it is only about making a difference in the community,” Marballi said.
Lalita Llerena, the communications director for the YMCA, said Marballi is productive but does not openly take credit for her work.
“I wish I could clone her and put a Kavita at every one of our branches,” Llerena said. “She truly is a Jane of all trades and does so with so much dedication, positivity and determination.”
Kavita spearheads many of the Campo’s Y programs, services and outreach events including the annual backpack outreach event.
“To know her is to love her,” Llerena said. “Her passion with our members, particularly the active older adults, is incredible. She deserves this award every year for the time, talents and treasures she dedicates to the Y and the community.”
Founded in 1957, The Community Roundtable promotes community pride in the Brandon area. The organization honors outstanding individuals in the Brandon area every year.
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