Seniors from around Lake County gathered at the VFW Post 2986 on Main Street in Polson to be recognized by RSVP for their contributions to their communities Monday afternoon during the organization’s annual luncheon.

RSVP, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program, gave thanks to all its members by giving them food and a place to gather and talk with their peers.

Sherlee Santorno, Volunteer Coordinator, emceed the event and kept the pace high with a raffle drawing, door prizes, a few games of heads-and-tails and an awards ceremony.

Awards were given to individuals that RSVP felt had gone above and beyond their normal volunteer duties and had shown great commitment to the organization and the projects they were involved with.

RSVP pairs community members that are 55-and-older with local non-profits that are in need of volunteers. Members work in all sorts of jobs, from driving community members to Missoula for doctors appointments to mentoring kids at the Boys and Girls Club.

“It integrates the community,” said Santorno. “They feel like they are back in the community.”

RSVP members have assissted coordinating such events as the Parade of Lights that went through downtown Polson last December.

Santorno said that she likes events like the annual luncheon because it gives recognition to those who work hard to improve their community.

“I don’t think you can go overboard when you say thank you,” said Santorno.