Two volunteers who are always 'eager to step up'
If you have enjoyed Swedish Days, Festival of the Vine, the Christmas Walk, the Arts Fair or the Christmas House Tour in Geneva, thank a volunteer.
More than 400 people donate their time and skills to make Geneva Chamber of Commerce-sponsored events a success. They set up and take down tables at Concerts on the Lawn, pour coffee at the Geneva Settlers reception, help children with crafts projects during Swedish Days, relieve craft show vendors who need a lunch or potty break at various festivals and more. Some jobs can be done by children as young as 13.
"They truly care about these festivities and know they are important for our town," said Sandy Portincaso, public relations and events coordinator.
"Each of these ladies is always willing and eager to step up to whatever needs to be done. I can call any of them at the last minute and plug them in where needed," said Ellen Townsley, volunteer coordinator.
So, during National Volunteer Week this week, consider the examples of two of the chamber's go-to gals: Marcy Wambach and Pat Bugner.
New to town
Wambach, a former Itasca resident, moved to Geneva nine years ago to be closer to her adult children after her husband died. She saw a notice in a newspaper from the chamber seeking helpers.
"I did not know anybody here. I thought it was a good way to meet people.
"I now know a lot of people!" she said with a laugh.
She has worked at all the major festivals, whether it is patrolling through the crowds at the Art Fair, handing out information at a booth at Swedish Days or checking in entries at the Swedish Days parade.
"This town is just wonderful. They have it (the festivals) down to a science," she said.
Volunteering is something she didn't have time for when in Itasca. She was busy raising her kids, working at a job and traveling with her husband.
Now, she loves being involved. And there's a side benefit.
"I've got a great collection of (festival) T-shirts," she said.
Christmas got her
"The Christmas Walk is what really got me started," Bugner said.
She attended the House Walk part of the event, where five houses are specially decorated professionally, several years ago, and thought it would be cool to work at one. Then, when she retired from Eagle Brook Country Club about three years ago, one of the first things she did was call the chamber and offer to help.
She's worked at several other festivals.
"It's just a fun way to see the event and know you are helping," Bugner said. So fun that a friend visiting from out of state worked with her at the last House Walk and is thinking about coming back to work at Swedish Days.
Bugner now has a part-time job. So she appreciates the flexibility the chamber practices with its volunteers. You can volunteer for as little or as much as you want, even if it is just an hour or two.
And it is not a clique -- the more experienced volunteers made her feel welcome, she said.
Of course, once the chamber got a live one on the line…
"Once you say you are available, they say, 'What else are you available to do?' " Bugner said.
Lend a hand
Want to help with Swedish Days or another Geneva festival?
Contact: Ellen Townsley
Phone: (630) 232-6060
E-mail: etownsley@genevachamber.com or volunteergeneva@aol.com