Charmia Bonner: Generosity in Action
For Charmia Bonner, volunteering is not only a duty: it’s a joyous journey filled with purpose, and fulfillment. With deep-rooted family values and a passion for community engagement, she brings boundless energy and a can-do attitude to every endeavor.
Married for thirty-three years to her husband Larry with four adult children and three grandchildren, Charmia and her family landed in Florida following a career opportunity for her husband. Her dedication to helping older adults was first ignited during her tenure at JCPenney as a merchandise manager, where she advocated for older employees navigating various challenges.
However, it was her role as the primary caregiver for her mother, who battled dementia until her passing in January 2021, that solidified her commitment to enhancing the lives of older adults. Charmia devoted herself to ensuring her mother continued experiencing life to the fullest despite her illness, cherishing every moment with her through trips, concerts, movies, and salon trips so “-her hair and nails were always the way she liked them,”.
Charmia's journey with AARP - Florida began through her love for movies, regularly attending advance screenings with the Movies for Grownups Program in Central Florida. Her dedication and enthusiasm caught the attention of AARP representative Abby Walters, who invited her to volunteer. Now she leads the program and is a regular attendee of the Regal theater in Winter Park.
Volunteering has been a cornerstone of Charmia's life for over two decades, reflecting her belief in the transformative power of giving back to the community. From assisting in her children's classrooms to volunteering with organizations like Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, Bible Study Fellowship, and Mission Interact, Charmia's altruistic spirit and dedication have left a lasting impression on those she serves. Through her volunteerism, she fosters relationships, cultivates learning opportunities, and promotes community engagement, continuously evolving as both a person and a leader.
Charmia’s actions, fueled by her personal experiences, shine brightly through her leadership in AARP and her dedication to volunteerism. By leading the Movies for Grownups Program and volunteering in her spare time, Charmia not only fosters connections and friendships but also provides invaluable support and advocacy for older adults. Her boundless compassion, tireless efforts, and motivated personality serve to truly capture her commitment to service.
