Church of Scientology Acknowledges Community Leaders at Holiday Party

In the spirit of the holiday season, the Church of Scientology, Flag Service Organization honored those who demonstrate their desire to help.

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Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization

Dec 28, 2014, 12:30 ET

CLEARWATER, Fla., Dec. 28, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After a year of assistance to the community, tutoring, teaching the truth about drugs, instilling basic human rights and showing others the Way to Happiness, the Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization acknowledged the work of their volunteers at a holiday reception.

"Parishioners of the Church donated more than 100,000 hours to the community," said Scientology spokesperson Pat Harney, "and this is the perfect time of year to acknowledge them for the work they have done."

Scientologists and community volunteers were acknowledged by Church representatives in Fort Harrison ballroom Holiday Party

The event was held in the Crystal Ballroom of the historic Fort Harrison and was attended by representatives from 20 different outreach activities.

Joanie Sigal, one of these volunteers, runs a marketing firm with her husband, Steve. In addition to serving on the board of Clearwater Jazz Holiday and the Sunscreen Film Festival, Joanie is the Producer of the East Coast Golden Age Theater – a troop of actors who perform old-time radio style readings of classic pulp fiction stories by L. Ron Hubbard.

Ms. Sigal said, "Volunteering is one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things that I do. Once volunteering is in your blood, it stays there."

Accountant Marlin Anderson, another volunteer, said, "I first started doing volunteer work for the Church about 27 years ago. I have learned that if you take responsibility for someone other than yourself, you naturally do better in life."

Julieta Santagostino has been volunteering for the past eight years as the President of the Foundation for a Drug Free World, a secular drug education campaign supported by the Church of Scientology.

"I've given drug education lectures to students, teachers, police officers, sheriff's departments, correctional facility employees, and more," said Ms. Santagostino. "What I've learned is that there are a lot of people who want to help but don't know how. What fulfills my work is that my Church provides all anyone needs to start helping."

"Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard said that 'A being is only as valuable as he can serve others,'" concluded Ms. Harney. "These parishioners and others demonstrate their dedication to their community and their work is very much appreciated."

To find out more about how Scientologists work with the community, please go to www.scientology.org.

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SOURCE Church of Scientology Flag Service Organization