5 minute read
Volunteers — The key to WCA’s success
By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator
When I try to describe WCA to friends in other cities, they look at me in disbelief as I mention the numerous and wide variety of activities, interest groups and special events that WCA offers! I wouldn’t be surprised if you have had a similar experience whenever you tell others about how you spend your time in Naples and why you feel so “at home.” Other Federations have asked (somewhat enviously!) about the Woman’s Cultural Alliance and how we are able to offer all that we do. WCA is the only program of its kind among all the Federations in North America!
The key to our success is . . . many of you — our dedicated, creative and energetic volunteers. Your support of WCA enables us to continue fulfilling our mission of offering programming to serve the more than 1,600 women who are members.
Under the leadership of WCA President Patti Boochever and the WCA Board of Directors, volunteers plan, organize and run all our program offerings. From leading one of our 50+ Interest Groups, to identifying speakers, to envisioning and carrying out our exciting programs and special events, volunteers make WCA the successful organization that it is. Whether it is making the initial arrangements, flushing out the details, greeting and checking in members at programs and special events, or offering her home, each volunteer plays an important role in contributing to the impact that WCA has on the women in our community. We greatly appreciate each volunteer’s willingness to share her time, energy and talents with WCA.
Although we know we could never adequately thank our volunteers, each year the WCA Board of Directors invites women who have actively volunteered during the program year to a Volunteer Appreciation Event. This year, more than 300 volunteers were invited to attend a brunch on April 8, which is during National Volunteer Month. This very special event, held at the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center, was chaired by Lea Bendes and Linda Simon, with the invaluable assistance of Debbie Lurie and Darlene Muller.
The room was festively decorated with an array of rainbow-colored napkins on each table along with colorful “hand clappers” so that we could all give each other a resounding round of applause. The food was delicious, plentiful, and beautifully presented, thanks to Jay of Prestige Catering. Leftover food was delivered to the Café of Life, a non-profit in Bonita Springs where members of the Foodies Group bring and serve food once a month. Attendees were treated to a fabulous slideshow of photos from this year’s events, created by Dina Shein.
Jewish Federation of Greater Naples President/CEO Jeffrey Feld came to the event to personally thank the women for all that they do to further strengthen our Jewish community. President Patti Boochever also thanked the volunteers, specifically recognizing board member Ann Cowen (who was unable to attend) for posting and overseeing 376 events on Wild Apricot between September 1 and April 8. Patti noted that these events were in addition to all the activities offered by our 50+ Interest Groups. Patti said, “Without our volunteers to help facilitate all these events and activities, WCA would not be the success it is.”
All that was missing at the event was some of you! If you were not on the “guest list,” we hope that this coming year you will volunteer with WCA so that you can be at next season’s Volunteer Appreciation Event.
How do you become a volunteer? “It’s easy,” said WCA’s Volunteer Coordinator Linda Simon. “My job is to help you find a volunteer opportunity that you are comfortable with and will enjoy doing. Simply send me an email at lgsimon2947@yahoo. com and tell me that you are interested in volunteering, and I will contact you.”
Although “season” has wound down, there are still many WCA activities in which to participate and to volunteer. Several Interest Groups continue yearround. In addition, 13 events are being offered June through October for our “Year Rounders.” And don’t forget about our nine Summer Branches spread across North America. (You can get on a branch’s email list by contacting the branch liaison, whose contact information is on the website, wcanaples.org, under "Groups.")
Please start to think about how you might offer your time and talents to WCA. You — and we — will be glad that you did!
Volunteers enjoying brunch
