Leslie brings her boundless energy to all her deep involvement in the Folsom and El Dorado Hills areas as a business owner, volunteer, and caring resident. She first encountered Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference at a Rotary Club meeting. Since then, she has provided support in various capacities, including acting as a collection site for Hands4Hope drives at her Folsom business, partnering with a youth as a Big Day of Giving team, providing the gorgeous decorations at the Harris Center Nashville Songwriters Live fundraiser concert, and now she is leading the Endless Summer Beach Party auction subcommittee. She has found ways to leverage her unique set of talents, and we are grateful to count her as an adult volunteer! Read on to learn more about Leslie's experience with Hands4Hope.
How long, and in what capacity, have you been involved with Hands4Hope - Youth Making A Difference?
About three years ago Hands4Hope did a presentation at a Rotary meeting I was attending as a guest. I was so impressed with the young lady that presented. She was nervous, but worked through her nerves to deliver a sincere message. That is when I got involved. At first, my involvement was just as a business owner setting out the "Big Blue Barrels" for Hands4Hope supply drives, and donating gift baskets to support silent auctions. When I was invited last year to assist with decorations for the Nashville Songwriters Live Fundraiser Concert at the Harris Center, I never left. I seem to have found a place where I can contribute.
What drew you to give your time and talent to Hands4Hope?
The first presentation I heard from one of the Hands4Hope youths. I know how critical it is to support the youth in our communities. We all say they are our future, so we must support them to be leaders. Hands4Hope does exactly that!
Is there a personal story or experience from your own life that drives your dedication to Hands4Hope?
Volunteering has always been something I have done. As a mother of three incredible and giving girls, I wanted them to experience that too. I got them involved in March of Dimes, would take them to visit seniors homes (dressed like bunnies or other characters), and volunteer at homes for children. Now as a grandmother of 9 amazing grandchildren I have encouraged them to do the same. I trust if they see me continuing to volunteer, they will do the same.
What is a memorable experience or interaction during your time with Hands4Hope?
On a very rainy day earlier this year, the Hands4Hope youth that I was working with for the Big Day of Giving was not hampered by the rain from going from one business to the other requesting donations. What a great partner! She never complained about the rainy conditions (neither did I) and presented herself so well. I was so impressed with her determination, enthusiasm, and commitment. It was our first day of having purposeful fun together. We got all of our steps in for the day and have since worked on a couple of other projects together. I certainly look forward to more.
What personal skills or experience do you get to flex as you volunteer with Hands4Hope?
Being a mother, grandmother, great grandmother, big sister, and an aunt, has provided me with life opportunities that you usually don’t learn about other than from experience. I have always been involved with kids. I went to school to become a mediator for the State of California and found working with kids to keep them in school, out of trouble, or with their families was a great opportunity and important. Being part of a young person’s life and seeing them learn is absolutely the best! I also love to decorate, so there is opportunity for that too!
How do you feel that your volunteer work with Hands4Hope has made a difference, either to the organization, to youth, or even to yourself?
It has reminded me that I can make a difference even if it is showing someone how to address an envelope or chop fruit.
What do you want other adults to know about getting involved with Hands4Hope?
Do it! There really isn’t anything more rewarding or important than making strong future leaders. It is kind of selfish. You think you are giving, but you get so much more in return.
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