What Makes Us Clique: Jack Cole

WHAT MAKES US CLIQUE

JACK COLE

VOLUNTEER TREASURER FOR THE FORT LAUDERDALE GAY MEN'S CHORUS

By Andrew Armano

Photos credit: Andy Armano | www.AndyArmano.com

This series focuses on individuals who give to our community and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Often it is through our personal adversities that we discover who we are and transform the challenges into strength.

Jack Cole exemplifies service and dedication. He has served as the volunteer treasurer for the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus since 1996. Managing the financial operations of a non-profit is far more complicated than many might guess, and Jack has diligently supported the operations of the chorus. In addition to his behind-the-scenes work, he sang with the chorus for many years. In spite of physical impairments that make performing impossible, he still tirelessly works behind the scenes to keep the chorus going through the pandemic.

Andy Armano: I want to start by congratulating you on nearly 15 years as the volunteer treasurer for the Fort Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus. That is an impressive history of service.

Jack Cole: In 1996, I became the treasurer. Nobody wanted to do the job, and I've been the treasurer ever since. But I enjoy it. I do grant writing, keep all the financial records from the state of Florida, keep the ledgers, and pay the bills. As a non-profit there are special reports we have to generate and I complete those.

That’s a lot of work.

JC Yes. The county requires us to have a full-time position. I said, well, that's me, I just don't get paid for it.

AA

You began as a singer with the chorus at first, right?

JC

I joined 1995 when a friend of mine was the director, and I wanted to

sing. I'd always sung my whole life, high school, college, choir, everything. I love it, so when he asked me to join it was, "Oh yes, for sure."

AA What has been the most fulfilling thing about being in the chorus as a singer?

JC You'll see the face on the audience when we sing something really great, and the audience is enjoying it. I love it when they sing along. Our director, Gary Keating, is phenomenal in putting a program together of a variety of music the people know and love. So for me, standing there, and seeing their faces, as they join in, that is wonderful.

AA

How have things been since the COVID-19 pandemic?

JC So, we're still managing. I spent three months trying to find grants and funds so we could pay our bills, and I was successful in getting a loan from the Small Business Administration, which was forgivable if we used it to pay for our director and a couple of us, which we did.

AA Yeah. When you started with the chorus did you think it was going to be something that was going to be such a constant in your life?

JC No. Not at all. I had no idea that was going to be 25 years of singing.

AA

Wow. How much time did you all dedicate to rehearsals?

JC We had rehearsed every Wednesday night for two years, and then an extra rehearsal is added at concert time, Saturday sectionals, and the week of the concert it's Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and then the show is Saturday.

AA

That's a lot of time.

JC Yes, but it is worth it. Other than one other member of the board and singer who's retired, everybody else works. My volunteer work is like a full time job. So it is a lot.

AA Even though you can’t perform any longer, It sounds like it's a good social community for you.

JC Yep. There are 25 members, and 10 of them have been there as long as I have, so we're all real close friends. When I need something I can call them up at any time. And the fundraising events, we always get together and do things.

AA What you just said right there to me is extremely important - having people that you can call on for company and assistance.

JC

Right.

AA

… and being that person for someone else.

JC I have a best friend, Robert. He and I went through a support group when our partners passed away. It was done through Broward House. We called each other every day to make sure we're still okay. I have a couple of other friends I've known for a long, long time and we also keep in touch.

AA To me, I think that's the key to happiness. To be connected with some people, to not be isolated, especially as we grow older, and especially as gay men growing older.