From staff reports
A Second Helpings Volunteer of the Year for 2023, Mark (Doc) Schmidtke of Beaufort, has been named to the organization’s Board of Directors.
Second Helpings recently celebrated the rescue and distribution of 50 million pounds of food during the 32-year history of the organization. That translates into enough food for 40 million meals over that period.
Schmidtke has volunteered with Second Helpings for two years and serves as the Saturday day captain for Beaufort. This volunteer resided in North Carolina for most of his adult life. He relocated to Beaufort in 2019, after retiring from a 30-year career as an academic dentist, dental clinician, and dental practice owner. He has held leadership positions with dentistry organizations at the local, state, regional, and national levels.
Describing retirement as a “journey of self-discovery and creative self-expression,” Schmidtke is a kayak fisherman, inventor, artist, barbershop singer, and volunteer. His experience with Second Helpings has reinforced a “great opinion of the organization.”
“In addition to rescuing food and feeding the hungry,” he added, “the program does a great deal to build community relations, promote community spirit with volunteers, and it is a great form of exercise.”
Marcus Tanner, executive director, said Doc Schmidtke has already proven to be wonderful asset to the organization. “As the Saturday day captain, Doc has formed a great team of volunteers who are committed to helping the hungry. He volunteers on the truck regularly and we are excited to put that experience and his creativity to work for our nonprofit.”
To learn more about Second Helpings and how you can get involved, go to www.secondhelpingslc.org.
