The Bilzi family was recognized in February during a celebration of family volunteerism at Walt Disney World Resort, for their commitment to improving their local community.

Disney Parks, which is inspiring families to get involved with community volunteer projects through the Give a Day, Get a Disney Day program with HandsOn Network, brought together more than 100 families like the Bilzis from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Canada at Epcot to celebrate their exceptional work in the community and commitment to embedding the value of service in future generations.

Steve Bilzi (father) states, “Volunteering brings families closer together. Helping those in need allows each to forget about his or her own troubles by putting them in perspective just a bit, if you have a moment give a moment see what it does for you, in focusing on another. There is no better or satisfying feeling than to know at the end of the day that you have lightened someone’s load."

Some of Steve's efforts include volunteering at Roland-Grise Middle School as a "Watch Dog," board chairman at Wilmington Health Access for Teens, chairman of the county Gang Task Force Advisory Board, Boy Scouts of America Board of Directors, Assistant Scoutmaster for Troop 239, NHC Community Action (Head Start), and SENC Food Bank boards of directors. Steve has also been former president or officer of several PTA's in 33 states over the course of 30 years. He has served on the local school board for eight years, including the state and national school board association board. He was appointed by Governor Easley to the Business Education Technology Alliance, and he is also a Governor’s Volunteer of the Year Award Winner. Sue (mother) is past president of the Cape Fear Garden Club which donates to the community after the Azalea Festival Annual Garden Tour, and she also volunteers at Bradley Creek Elementary.

Giulie’s (daughter) volunteering commitments include: president of the Wilmington Health Access for Teens' Synergy peer education program, the Prom Dress Swap, tobacco prevention teen member of an Alcohol Awareness Panel, Coastal Horizons Cape Fear Coalition for a Drug Free Tomorrow, Mother Hubbard's Cupboard, a member of the NC Teen Health Council, advisor to NC School-Community Health Alliance, and a mentor for the Big Buddy program.

Alec (son), has helped construct weatherproof benches outside the hospital's emergency room with the Boy Scouts. He has manned relief stations and city cleanup during and after the Battleship Iron Man Run. He cleaned up Hoggard High, Hugh MacRae Recreation Area, and the Senior Center as a service project with a Roland-Grise classmate this December.

The Give A Day. Get A Disney Day program celebrates the spirit and power of families that volunteer together. One million volunteers who offer their time and resources to tackle tough community problems this year can get a one-day ticket to a Disney theme park for free. Learn more about family volunteering at www.HandsOnNetwork.org/FamilyVolunteering.