MASSENA -- Gail Bice, of Madrid, was recently presented with the “Fund Representative of the Year” award at the 2013 Fresh Air Fund Volunteer Leadership Conference in New York City.

The Fresh Air Fund highlighted volunteers for their support of the Volunteer Host Family Program.

Bice was recognized for her management work throughout the St. Lawrence County area.

According to organizers, Bice stands out as “Fund Representative of the Year” for supporting all the Fresh Air children that visit in order to give them a terrific summer experience.

She has been supporting the program as a volunteer leader for nearly a decade. Organizers said she is known for her enthusiasm and diligent work ethic and has solid management skills and a sharp focus on recruiting new host families.

The Fresh Air Fund, an independent, not-for-profit agency, has provided free summer experiences to more than 1.7 million New York City children from low-income communities since 1877.

Fresh Air children are boys and girls, from six to 18 years old, who live in New York City. Children on first-time visits are six to 12 years old and stay for one or two weeks. Children who are reinvited by host families may continue with The Fresh Air Fund through age 18 and can enjoy extended trips. Over 65 percent of all children are reinvited to stay with their host families, year after year.

Volunteer host family registration for this summer is open. For more information on hosting a Fresh Air child, please contact Gail Bice at 315-322-0120 or The Fresh Air Fund at 800-367-0003.