I just spent three consecutive days volunteering at two local events. In less than two weeks, a fundraising event which I chair will be very dependent on over 60 volunteers. I thought about this juxtaposition quite frequently while I went about performing my volunteer duties. Volunteering – helping others meet their goals – is extremely rewarding. However, it’s also about internal satisfaction and outward appreciation.
I volunteered at the PGA Jr League Championship at Grayhawk Golf Club. The kids, 10-14-year-old boys and girls, can really hit the ball. What’s unique about this tournament is that it is match play – golf as a team sport. It was exciting to see the kids support each other and respect their opponents play. No matter where they were from in the country, they had the same goals. They wanted to win as a team for their state and have fun after with kids from all the states. Most rewarding for me was the thank yous I received from dozens of parents, PGA officials, Grayhawk staff, and the players. It takes a small army to put on a large event, yet the success relies on individual volunteers. It was satisfying and unexpected to receive so much recognition. I just did it for the cool shirt!
Tour de Scottsdale was my second volunteer activity. This one benefits the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and is hosted by DC Ranch Community Council. These two not-for-profit organizations are near and dear to me. I volunteered in the beer garden. Why not? My experience was just as rewarding. The cyclists recognized the efforts of the volunteers by thanking them and talking about their record time and placement. It was a joyous atmosphere. Arriving at my scheduled time, I was thinking ‘who drinks beer at 9:30AM?’ The answer: cyclists who start out at 6:30AM!
Now, I’m in the home stretch of organizing the second annual Box4Bucks fundraising event to benefit the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research. There will be over 60 volunteers this year helping to make the event a success for our competitors, sponsors and attendees. I am so grateful for these people to give their time to help the Parkinson’s community. They have my sincere thanks and appreciation. Just as I experienced recently, I will be sure to thank each person many times and strive to provide them with a rewarding day.
Sheryl, I love reading all your posts. I especially love your attitude toward living life with PD. You are a model for all of us in this community. Thank you.