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Volunteers at Chattanooga's Tennessee Aquarium have donated $4,000,000 in time and services.
That's according to Julie Piper, the Aquarium’s manager of volunteer services who said 800,000 hours of service have been provided by volunteers since opening in 1992. Minimum wage has changed over the years, but if volunteers had been paid $5 an hour, it would have cost the Aquarium $4 million dollars.
“We’re so fortunate to have so many individuals who share their talents with us,” said Piper. “We simply could not have achieved many of the milestones over the past two decades without the help of our dedicated volunteers. They have helped make the Tennessee Aquarium the top-rated Aquarium in the country for overall satisfaction.”
Piper said Aquarium volunteers have collectively given the equivalent of 400 years worth of work over the past 20 years.
Wanda Wilmoth (pictured) is one of the charter volunteers. She was among the first people greeting guests as a docent on the Aquarium’s opening day.
“That first day was interesting with all of the activities and excitement,” said Wilmoth. “I enjoy volunteering today as much as ever before.” Wilmoth says anyone with an interest in people and animals would enjoy volunteering at the Aquarium. “I like seeing visitors having fun,” said Wilmoth. “Adults get as excited as the children. Watching that is rewarding, especially if I can provide some information or point something out that makes them smile.”
The Aquarium is hoping to recruit some more volunteer docents to greet guests and share fun facts about animals and exhibits. Piper is accepting applications online through September 14th. In addition to sharing knowledge about the natural world, Aquarium docents help roll out the red carpet each day.
“Our volunteers look for opportunities to enhance the guest experience,” said Piper. “We’re looking for friendly people who know how to deliver world-class service to each one of our visitors.”
CLICK HERE for information or to apply to become a volunteer docent.
Applicants must be over 18 years old and available to attend seven training sessions on Tuesday evenings beginning September 25th from 6:00 pm to 8:15 pm.
Aquarium volunteers enjoy several great benefits including:
- Family membership after three months of service
- Discounts in the Tennessee Aquarium or IMAX 3D Theater gift shops
- IMAX passes
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