5 minute read
2023 WCA Volunteer Expo
An opportunity to give back to our community
By Susan Pittelman, WCA Publicity Coordinator
WCA held its signature “Community Volunteer Expo” on Tuesday, Jan. 17, which was only two days after the grand opening of the Nina Iser Jewish Cultural Center. Started in January 2018 by WCA Special Events Director Linda Simon in response to WCA’s interest in giving back to our community, the WCA Volunteer Expo provides members an opportunity to meet representatives from local agencies that rely on volunteers to carry out their missions.
The 2023 Expo, chaired by super-organized WCA board member Linda Hyde with the assistance of talented board member Ann Cowen, was a huge success! Thank you to volunteers Marlene Apkon, Sue Bookbinder, Sandy Diamond, Marcia Filiurin, Nancy Garfein, Rolly Jacobs, Nancy Kahn and Marlene Marsh as well as Robin Mintz for her beautiful graphics and JFGN Facilities Manager Phil Zoltek who performed magic in setting up the room so close to the building’s opening.
WCA member Gail Kedrus representing the Alliance for Period Supplies for SWFL
WCA member Gail Rothenberg (on the right) representing Books for Collier Kids
Twenty-one local nonprofit agencies participated to share information about their agency as well as the types of volunteer positions available, and more than 140 community members came to learn about the agencies and find meaningful volunteer activities. The services offered by the participating agencies were diverse, including alleviating hunger in our local community; making a difference in the education of young children and their families; serving as Guardians ad Litem; interfacing with young girls experiencing conflict in school or at home; working with individuals with disabilities, such as reading to the blind; volunteer physicians providing medical care; as well as volunteers offering translation services and many other worthwhile initiatives.
The day was rewarding for both presenters and participants. Several agencies commented that they appreciated the opportunity to network with other local nonprofits. One WCA member, in commenting on the Expo, said, “ is was a wonderful opportunity to learn about all these agencies and what they do. I got exactly everything I wanted!" Another commented that she was astounded by all the volunteer options. Many of the women who attended signed up to volunteer with the participating agencies.
After the event, several agencies contacted Hyde to express their appreciation to WCA for hosting the event and to say how well run and successful the Expo was. Gail Kedrus, a WCA member representing Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL, was grateful for “allowing me to interface with so many wonderful WCA members.”
The Immokalee Foundation said it was the best expo they had ever attended, and they looked forward to next year.
The old adage, “When you need something done, ask a busy woman,” certainly applies to WCA members! Although members are busy participating in the myriad of activities that WCA offers, many women balance that with service to the community. The WCA Volunteer Expo provided the opportunity to extend their volunteer service to other agencies within the Greater Naples community.
The Immokalee Foundation
Pace Center for Girls
Literacy Volunteers of Collier County
“I was proud to see that four of the agency representatives were WCA members!” said Hyde — “Paula Brody, Naples Art District; Gail Rothenberg, Books for Collier Kids; Gail Kedrus, Alliance for Period Supplies of SWFL; and Lisa Freund, Planned Parenthood. In fact, many WCA members already work closely with these agencies.”
Numerous WCA members who attended the Expo were so touched by the agencies they learned about that they not only signed up to volunteer, but also planned to share information about the agency with other WCA members.
Marlene Apkon, for example, set up a tour of Youth Haven for WCA members.
Marlene also signed up to be a preschool tutor for Collier Literacy.
April is U.S. National Volunteer Month, celebrating the impact volunteers have on our lives and encouraging active volunteerism in generations to come. Established in 1991 by President George H.W. Bush, National Volunteer Month was created as part of the launch of the 1,000 Points of Light campaign. Volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. They pick a cause and make a difference in someone’s life. As demonstrated by the agencies participating in the Volunteer Expo, sometimes they can create a tidal wave of change.
Volunteer appreciation month is a most appropriate time to once again thank the WCA members who volunteer their time helping in the community as well as the members who devote time to create, organize and facilitate WCA events, programs and interest groups. With WCA being a volunteer-led organization, WCA’s success is due to you! Thank you!
