Nerves of steel, never-ending smile top talents of this volunteer

Running and conducting a successful charity event necessitates much more than the ability to multitask; it requires nerves of steel, huge amounts of patience and know-how, and a smile that never quits.

Linda Millard of North Barrington possesses all of these attributes plus a generous and caring heart, and a seemingly endless supply of energy and enthusiasm for any project that she tackles.

Millard has been affiliated with the Palatine Women's Club for more than 12 years, and serves as co-chairwoman of its service projects committee. She and her co-chairman, Marge Pfeifer, plan activities, recruit people to help with the projects and solicit auction items for the fundraisers from members and businesses.

"It makes me feel good to be able to help people to volunteer to provide charitable and civic services to local communities," Millard said. "I feel privileged to work with such a wonderful group of ladies, and it is so rewarding to be able to see a smile on a little child's face or to bring a little happiness into the life of a lonely senior citizen. The members all pitch in and do a great job, and they are certainly to be commended."

"Linda goes way above and beyond what is expected of her," said Marilyn Jamal, publicity chairwoman, "and is very successful in recruiting people to help with our fundraisers."

The Palatine Women's Club has been working to provide charitable and civic services to local communities since 1941. The club offers women an opportunity to invest in their community through volunteer services and by supporting local charitable organizations through fundraising and working to benefit women and families. They have contributed in excess of $100,000 to community social services in the last five years. Volunteering helps to boost the women's self-esteem, enhance their leadership skills, and develop friendships across generations. The volunteers also have an opportunity to participate in a wide variety of social activities and educational programs. The club has about 60 members, most of whom are residents of Palatine and other Northwest suburbs, and they are actively looking to recruit new members.

A partial list of the organizations and service projects that have been supported by the members of the club include:

One Step At a Time Foundation, a camp for children with cancer; Needy Family Fund; Palatine Youth Baseball sponsor; Maryville City of Youth; Edgebrook Community Center; NW Suburban Special Olympics; Home of the Sparrow; college scholarships for Fremd and Palatine high schools; St. Vincent DePaul; Lake Louise School Halloween treats, and sponsored a shelf at the Palatine Library. They have also supported Clearbrook Center; Harper College Women's History Week; Palatine Township Senior Center; Samuel Kirk Center; HIV Coalition; WINGS; American Cancer Society Relay for Life; Special Olympics; Manor Care Nursing Home; helped to collect school supplies for the Palatine Township Apple Tree program, their Thanksgiving basket and Adopt a Family holiday programs; sent care packages to troops serving in Iraq; and made quilts and stuffed animals for children with cancer at Children's Memorial Hospital.

Members of the club are busy preparing for their big fundraising event of the year which is a live and silent auction and luncheon, which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 8, at Cotillion Banquets in Palatine. Last year they raised $25,000 that was donated to 15 different local charities. Further information is available at www.palatine-womens-club.org.

• To find out more about the hundreds of different opportunities to be of service available for people of all ages including families, groups and corporations call The Volunteer Center of Northwest suburban Chicago (TVC) (all ages) at (847) 228-1320; or the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) (mature adults age 55 or better) at (847) 228-1006, or visit www.volunteerinfo.net.