Meet Our Members: Todd and Emily Franks

Relying On The Kindness Of Volunteers

Save the Manatee Club volunteers Emily and Todd Franks tabling at Central Florida Veg Fest near downtown Orlando. Todd is holding up the Club’s 2013 manatee calendar, where one of Emily’s great photos (she loves photography!) is featured for the month of June. (Photo courtesy of the Franks.)

By Janice Nearing Director of Public Relations, Save the Manatee Club

Someone most aptly said, “Remember, there’s a “U” in volunteer.” So, to all of “you” who are reading this – our wonderful members and supporters – please note that now is an especially good time to join the Club’s Volunteer Team, if you have not yet done so. Earth Day events are springing up everywhere, and although our goal is to set up manatee education tables wherever possible, it takes an abundance of dedicated volunteers to staff them and help teach others about that charismatic marine mammal we all cherish.

Todd and Emily Franks
The Franks enjoy scuba diving as a pleasurable pastime. (Photo courtesy of the Franks.)

The great news is – our caring volunteer corps is ever-growing. Meet Emily and Todd Franks from Volusia County, Florida, whose extensive volunteer work for the Club since January 2011 includes tabling at an astounding 37events, from the Keys to Jacksonville. Even some of their amusingly told outdoor Florida experiences with fire ants, ticks, and 100-degree temperatures, have not deterred their enthusiasm for volunteering.

Emily and Todd moved to central Florida from Ohio a number of years ago. Both were single at the time. They knew very little about the manatees who inhabited the waterways here. During the annual Crystal River Manatee Festival, the couple visited Save the Manatee Club’s booth and enjoyed a captivating chat about manatees with Helen Spivey, Co-Chair of the Club’s Board of Directors (and also a volunteer), and long-term volunteer Susan Aungst. “Since that day, manatees are always on my mind,” says Todd. They also learned about how they could become more involved, which inspired them to visit the Club’s website and fill out the online volunteer applications. They participated at their first tabling event within a month of signing up.

“Todd and I fell in love with the manatees and Save the Manatee Club,” says Emily. Speaking of love, the Franks were married in November 2012 on – most fitting – Manatee Beach, which is located on beautiful Anna Maria Island in southwest Florida. The couple even chose to have a manatee tattooed on their ring fingers instead of wearing traditional wedding bands. “Todd and I both feel that our experiences with Save the Manatee Club have brought us closer together as a couple,” explains Emily. “And we believe this organization is one of the strongest voices for the manatees and provides endless opportunities to learn more and gain experience. Manatees need help, and we’re here to give it.”

Emily and Todd deserve some serious kudos for their dedication and inspiration. Our Club volunteers all share the same desire to improve the lives of Florida’s manatees. Care a lot? Consider sharing a little (or a lot!) of your time. Every hour a volunteer gives is precious. Step up volunteers – Earth Day month is here!

A perfect wedding for Todd and Emily Franks on – where else? – Manatee Beach in southwest Florida. "So many wonderful manatee advocates shared our special day with us," says Emily. "We’ve met so many amazing people along the way." (Photo courtesy of the Franks.)


Volunteer for Manatees!
Join Emily and Todd Franks and come aboard our Volunteer Team and help us spread our conservation message to thousands of people.

Consider signing up to help staff a manatee education table:
First, fill out the Club's online volunteer application form, become a member by adopting a manatee. Check our list of Upcoming Events (at page right) – including the many Earth Day events – to find an event close to you.

Live out of state? Let us know about an event in your area where you'd like to table for Save the Manatee Club. Show your support by taking part in our many activities and efforts to help Florida's manatees.

And check out the Club's Volunteer Rewards Program!


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