Meet volunteers: Ceedee and Bob

Ceedee Felton and Bob Kirchner are a couple who volunteer together every Thursday in our Community Dining program. Over the past six months, they have become familiar and welcoming faces, helping serve hot meals and enjoying the strong sense of community they’ve found along the way.

West Seattle residents since 2009, Ceedee and Bob live just two blocks from The Center. Before moving here, they spent 30 years on Mercer Island. Bob also grew up in West Seattle, and attended Alki Grade School, James Madison Junior High, and West Seattle High School, and he still keeps in touch with many of his childhood classmates.

After retiring in 2024, the couple began taking classes at The Center and quickly discovered what a vibrant and active place it is. Inspired by the staff, instructors and fellow participants they met, they decided volunteering would be a meaningful way to give back and stay connected.

Bob spent 38 years as a real estate broker in the Seattle area, while Ceedee worked as both a teacher and an affordable housing property manager. Together, they later operated a small family vending business for 16 years. Outside of The Center, Ceedee serves as a board member and treasurer for their condo association, while Bob enjoys gardening and pruning around the property.

Their advice for anyone considering volunteering: “Taking the next step is easy—at any time or commitment level.”