Gators give back on International Gator Day

April 20, 2009

On May 16, Gator alumni will show their Gator spirit by volunteering in their hometowns for the 11th annual International Gator Day.

International Gator Day is an event associated with the Gator Club Network, a global system comprising all Gator Clubs. Every third Saturday of May, University of Florida alumni and friends volunteer time and effort to make a difference in their communities.

Danny Wuerffel, former UF quarterback and executive director of Desire Street Ministries, is chairman of this year’s event.

“It is this mission of service and dedication that personally draws me to the cause of helping those less fortunate,” Wuerffel said. “While we share a common bond of being part of the University of Florida family, we share an even greater commitment to the betterment of society.”

Last year, 64 clubs partnered with 54 nonprofit organizations to perform community service. Projects ranged from the Lone Star Gator Club’s house-building project with Habitat for Humanity to Northeast Ohio’s cereal and snack drive held for residents of a local Ronald McDonald House Inc. Gator Clubs across the globe, such as the Japan Gator Club, have participated in the past.

The Houston Gator Club has hosted a “Gator Style Carnival” at the Texas Children’s Cancer Center at Texas Children’s Hospital for the past six years. This year, volunteers will join the patients for activities, including face painting and learning to juggle.

Laura Reddell, a club member, enjoys the event because of the spirit of young patients and volunteers. “I believe it is important to participate in International Gator Day because we make a difference — no matter how big or small,” she said.

Lynn Watson, Music City Gator Club president, shares Reddell’s enthusiasm. Watson said her club has participated in International Gator Day since it began.

Each year, the Music City Gator Club volunteers with My Friends House Family and Children Services Inc., a nonprofit group home for 12- to 18-year-old males. Club members join the boys for a cookout, golf cart rides and sports activities, Watson said.

“This is our way of helping those who are less fortunate than us,” she said. “The event also gets the Gator name out there in a positive way.”

Virginia Horton, assistant director of Club Relations and Special Interest Groups, said she believes all International Gator Day projects are memorable because they serve a greater purpose of giving back.

“It is a great opportunity for Gators to participate in philanthropy and show the breadth of The Gator Nation,” Horton said.

For more information about International Gator Day, visit http://www.ufalumni.ufl.edu/gatorclubs/internationalgatorday.