Gators help their communities during International Gator Day

Author: Unknown Publication Date: Thursday June 30, 2011

In Miami, sick children and their families got a healthy, home-cooked meal. In Columbus, Ohio, tables and dressers were readied for needy families. And in South Alabama, a family got a new home.

Gators performed all of that community service. And it's just a small part of the good UF alumni and friends are doing around the world.

More than 60 Gator Clubs from all parts of the United States took part in International Gator Day this spring. Hundreds of Gators of all ages turned out to clean beaches, feed the hungry, help pets in animal shelters and perform other acts of community service.

In Ecuador, young alumnus Lt. Williams Walders (MHA '07) joined with four fellow alumni aboard the USNS Comfort to dedicate the medical care they provided May 21 to International Gator Day. He and Lt. Jorge Gonzalez (BA '97, MBA '99), Capt. Bill Todd (BSBA '81), Cmdr. Susanne LeMaire (BSN '93) and Capt. Eric Gessler (BS '90) are serving aboard the Military Sealift Command hospital ship as part of a five-month humanitarian assistance mission to the Caribbean and Central and South America.

Community service projects aren't limited to International Gator Day® — many clubs take on service projects throughout the year, whether it's helping with Habitat for Humanity in Orlando or helping reptiles in Phoenix. Check out your local Gator Club to learn how you can join with fellow alumni to help your community.

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