Volunteer Spotlight: Cathy Pelusi

Cathy's journey to Florida Oceanographic Society began in northern West Virginia, where she was born. However, for the past 50 years, she has called a suburb of Pittsburgh, PA, home. Married and blessed with four children and three grandchildren, Cathy and her husband decided to escape the cold winters by moving to Stuart, FL, in 2014. Now proud "snowbirds," they enjoy spending the winter months in the Sunshine State.

Their introduction to Florida Oceanographic came through their builder, who gifted them a membership. After visiting and learning about the organization's mission to inspire environmental stewardship of Florida's coastal ecosystems, Cathy was eager to get involved. Since becoming a volunteer in 2020, she has accumulated over 250 hours of service. Her contributions include seagrass matting, oyster bagging, and independent beach cleanups.

Cathy finds fulfillment in contributing not just financially, but through hands-on involvement in a cause she deeply cares about. Florida Oceanographic has provided her with valuable insight into the needs of Florida's precious water and marine life. A quote that resonates with her is, "Don’t confuse volunteer hours with meaning ~ volunteer volume is not the same as volunteer impact."

Beyond her work with Florida Oceanographic, Cathy dedicates her time to several other charitable endeavors. While in Florida, she volunteers with St. Joseph’s to feed the needy and homeless and serves on an Environmental Committee in her community. In Pennsylvania, she gives her time to the Blessing Board and Holy Family Institute.

Recently, Cathy collaborated with four fellow volunteers to handcraft decorations for two holiday trees—one displayed at the Children’s Museum and the other at the Maltz Theater. The trees were auctioned off, with all proceeds benefiting Florida Oceanographic, an experience she found deeply rewarding.

When not busy with volunteer work, Cathy enjoys walking the beach with two trash bags—one for "bad" trash and another for "good" trash. She then channels her creativity by turning the good trash into art pieces, some of which are proudly displayed at Florida Oceanographic. Gardening, playing pickleball, spending time with family and friends, enjoying weekly calls from her children and grandchildren, as well as praying for peace in our world are among her favorite pastimes.

Cathy's dedication and passion for environmental stewardship and community service make her an invaluable part of the Florida Oceanographic family.