CLEARWATER, Fla., Jan. 26, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On January 21st Australia’s own award-winning Kate Ceberano helped the Church of Scientology Volunteer Ministers (VMs) celebrate 40 years of dedicated work in bringing solutions to those in need in their daily lives; from those displaced by disaster to those who suffer from disasters on a more personal and familial level.

Glendy Goodsell, Executive Director of Scientology Volunteer Ministers of Florida and President of the Florida VMs, Brian Ward welcoming guests to the evening’s celebration.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/206615c1-64f4-4439-8d76-11d4cda756aa

“Every day we are witnessing the decline of civilization,” said Glendy Goodsell, the Master of Ceremonies and Executive Director of the Scientology Volunteer Ministers Florida told the assembled guests. “Newspapers and news feeds are filled with the degradation of our society. But make no mistake we are not bystanders to it. We are involved in it, and so reversing this decline is of utmost importance to us.”

In that vein, Scientology Volunteer Ministers have participated in every disaster since 9/11.

“Our Volunteer Ministers have proven that whenever and wherever help is needed, we will come and do something about it. In fact some 1,100 organizations and agencies across the globe, from police and fire departments to national offices of the Red Cross, partner with VMs in order to help those in need,” said Brian Ward, President of the Florida VMs.

Brian closed his speech with a quote from Scientology’s Founder, Mr. L. Ron Hubbard: “A Volunteer Minister does not shut his eyes to pain, evil and injustice of existence. Rather, he is trained to handle these things and help others achieve relief from them and new personal strength as well.”

The final speaker was Ms. Marlene Berthelot, Founder of the Haitian Mission Par La Foi, a non-profit organization which provides education, housing and a safe environment for children in Haiti. Since 2008, 144 children have received education and 25 orphans have received hot meals and housing from the organization. But Ms. Berthelot pointed out that there are many children in Haiti who still need help.

Speeches concluded, and multi-award winning musician Kate Ceberano took to the stage to perform what she called “Karaoke night” – her favorite songs sung her way.  A Volunteer Minister since she was eight years old, Ms. Ceberano perfectly captured the celebratory mood of the evening. She had the crowd singing along, clapping and laughing to her stories about her career.

After several standing ovations and an encore, the concert left no doubt with the audience that Ms. Ceberano was, to quote one guest, “a first-class entertainer.” Accolades that she has earned from the industry include: being the first female inductee to the Australian Songwriters Association; winning the ARIA Award for Best Female Artist twice and scores more.

For more information about the Scientology Volunteer Ministers, contact Glendy Goodsell at 727-467-6965.

Scientology Volunteer Ministers
The Volunteer Minister program was created in the mid-1970s by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, who described the Volunteer Minister as “a person who helps his fellow man on a volunteer basis by restoring purpose, truth and spiritual values to the lives of others.”

The Volunteer Minister program is a broad initiative bringing effective physical and spiritual assistance to anyone, anywhere.  Spanning every continent, Volunteer Ministers comprise one of the largest independent relief forces in the world, bringing effective help whenever and wherever needed.

For more information on the program, log on to www.volunteerministers.org 

Glendy Goodsell
727-467-6965