READY. SET. GO! VOLUNTEERING TO SEE CHANGE
An unknown author said “Volunteering is the ultimate exercise in democracy. You vote in elections once a year, but when you volunteer, you vote every day about the kind of community you want to live in”.
As a software company that serves nonprofit organizations who give to and serve their communities 24/7, we get excited when our staff members give back through volunteering in their local communities.
This month, our Revolving Loan Director/Service and Support Specialist Marilee Floener took the opportunity to serve her community through participating in the John Ochs/Steve Cox Memorial Fund’s 9th Annual Opie-Coxie Open Fundraiser.
Proceeds from this fund are used to assist youth in the local area, who otherwise may not be able to financially afford to participate, by covering costs for sports equipment, educational clubs, youth camps, lodging for out of area events, Special Olympics and many other youth activities. The fund also contributes to the local Elks Lodge #1753 Therapy Program for Children.
This year’s event drew 180 golfers, comprising 39 teams, and raised over $24,000 through tournament fees, raffles, silent and live auctions. Both golfers and non-golfers look forward to this fun-filled day to play and socialize with family and friends.
Marilee has assisted in organizing this event for the past seven years. Her primary duties are collecting golf entry fees and forms, registering golfers, assigning tee positions, creating score cards, final score poster, and organizing player spreadsheets.
Over the years, the golf tournament and auction has raised over $152,000 and all monies raised go directly to youth activities, as everyone involved donates their time so there are no administrative expenses.
I’ve always thought, it’s better to serve than to be served. Sacrificing your time and talents is a great, fun way to forge the change you want to see in your local community. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to get involved. You never know whose life you will change just by volunteering and if you’re unsure of where to start, a great resource is www.volunteermatch.org.
