Mary Ann Beattie

Mary Ann Beattie, a former physical education teacher in the Bloomfield Hills schools in Michigan, has come on board as our first Operations Coordinator. She began working with us on July 7 and has already gotten to know quite a few of our wonderful volunteers. She is working closely with the members of the Operations Committee and finds them a great group of people - helpful and kind! She is continually amazed at the willingness of our volunteers to pitch in and do whatever they are asked. We do seem to attract the very best volunteers in our area.

Mary Ann moved to Southwest Florida nearly five years ago, brought here by her husband, Brad's, job. Mary Ann and Brad have three sons. The oldest, Brian, is a freshman at the University of Florida and the younger boys, Kevin and Jack, are in Collier County schools - very active in the band. "Go Barron Band", says Mary Ann. She's a huge supported of the music program marshalling volunteers for fund raisers for them.

Mary Ann likes to golf, but with her busy household has little time for it. She also likes to read and go for walks. Of course, cooking is also on her list of favorite things to do. Her extended family is large - seven siblings - and they do come to Florida to visit. Christmas time is a special time for them to be together.

Mary Ann was interested in applying for the position because it is a new challenge for her and she believes it is time for her to give back to the community. She likes our mission to help those neighbors who are less fortunate. She knows already that working for this organization will be a gift to her and her family and it will be most rewarding. She is excited to come on board and we are excited to have her at the helm.

Mary Ann is anticipating getting to know our volunteers by name. She's making phone calls to those in town and looking forward to meeting others as they return to Florida. The Cafe of Life has a new phone number - 239-593-9325. Be sure and give her a call and let her know when you can help out.