Florence Katz shows giving knows no age limit

Don’t be fooled by Florence Katz’ slight stature — the petite 97-year-old has a giving spirit large enough for someone at least twice her size, and she now has the accolades to prove it. Home Instead Senior Care recently named Katz, a Sarasota Bay Club resident, Florida’s Salute to Senior Service award winner for her volunteer work at the Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Sarasota-Manatee.

Every Wednesday and Friday, for the last 17 years, Katz has volunteered as part of the Senior Outreach Service program, which serves more than 120 homebound, isolated seniors and caregivers. The program offers these seniors transportation, group therapeutic counseling sessions, lunch and an entertainment program. Each week, the ever-elegant Katz, usually dressed in high heels, sets the tables for lunch, hands out coffee and cookies and makes sure the meals look attractive.

“I always look forward to my volunteer days,” says Katz. “I love every minute of it, and I love every participant.”

Katz began volunteering at JFCS nearly 18 years ago, after retiring from the choir she helped form at Temple Beth Israel. One day, Katz was eating lunch with her friend, Alice Taich, then chairwoman of the JFCS board, and she brought up the topic of volunteerism.

“My husband had just passed away, and I was looking for a way to get involved,” says Katz. “I told her I wanted to get involved with something really good and do something different. She suggested I come volunteer at JFCS, and I fell in love right away.”

Katz continued to serve in the Senior Outreach Service program, where she says she’s formed many lasting relationships. When fellow volunteer Amanda Cattaneo asked Katz if she could nominate her for the award, Katz was convinced she stood no chance.

Tuesday, May 14, Katz learned she had been selected out of all the senior volunteers in the state and that Home Instead Senior Care would donate $500 to JFCS in her honor.

“I’m very humbled,” she says. “I still can’t believe it, but I’m honored. A lot of people are fortunate enough to be able to give financially, but to be able to give of yourself is an amazing feeling. As tired as I am after volunteering, it makes me so happy that I’m fortunate enough to do this.”