ENHANCING Community INTERVIEW WITH GARY PETERS How did you go from a one-time doner to Boca Helping Hands to President of the Board? For me, it was not a one-time decision, but the recognition of a greater need. It was the aftermath of Hurricane Wilma-my one time donation-that led me to see the greater need right here in Boca Raton. What is the smallest change you have made that has had the biggest positive result? It was a small shift in philosophy that brought the biggest positive results. It was when it was decided that we would add another initiative, (beyond feeding the hungry, which remains our core mission) to also offer job training programs Can you share one or two stories of individuals whose lives have been changed because of Boca Helping Hands? I know that the lives of many of our clients have been bettered because of the help they have found here at Boca Helping Hands. However, the starkest change is evident in my own story. After retirement, Boca Helping Hands gave me a new understanding and appreciation of life, and a most meaningful 2nd career was born out of that realization. How do you pass on the impactful lessons you learned?
Gary Peters President, Board of Directors Boca Helping Hands
The lesson learned is that average people banding together for the common good works miracles. Sharing my story and that lesson with other recently retired individuals, where so much talent resides, hoping to inspire them to invest in the betterment of those in need is the way I choose to pass on what I’ve learned. As a two-time U.S Monopoly champion, if you had a chance to play against anyone, who would you want to play against? I would love to have a game with four other monopoly champions.
Connection Magazine | 7
