10/21/2009 11:47:00 AM Volunteer Fair matches people with time, skills
to those who need them
From left, Joann Musgrave, Marty Williams, and Linda Bobadilla, with the Prescott Valley Public Library, hope to expand their number of volunteers when the new library opens Oct. 10. Bobadilla, circulation supervisor, and the two volunteers attended the Retiree Connection Volunteer Fair at Yavapai College on Sept. 16.
Trib Photo/Sue Tone
This past month, the Retiree Connection hosted its first Yavapai College Retiree Connection Volunteer Fair where organizations offered information and signup sheets to those looking to find their niche in the wide world of volunteerism.
"A lot of good things came from that event," said Donna Bellina, outreach coordinator for the Retiree Connection.
Nearly 30 organizations that attended the Fair on Sept. 16 expressed interest in forming a stronger volunteer collaboration, Bellina said. They view the Retiree Connection as a viable source to meet their volunteer needs.
"Individually, we try to make a difference, and we do," she said.
The Retiree Connection works with all organizations using volunteers to keep a list of volunteers in its database. They will match them with specific needs in the community.
The networking opportunity also allowed for many to share their successes and concerns, and to learn more about each organization.
Bellina said most groups have a strong base of committed volunteers that rise to the occasion when called upon.
"I think the reason for that is that they are dedicated and not afraid of challenge. They don't limit themselves to just one experience," she said. "These are the type of people who have embraced volunteerism into the scheme of their everyday lives."
Others aren't quite as firm in their volunteer convictions and perhaps don't know what it is they want to do, she added.
"There are many different levels on which to volunteer, and no matter what their time commitment, everything they participate in is deeply appreciated," Bellina said.
Each table had sign-up sheets for those wanting to learn more about the organizations.
"If I accomplish one great volunteer match I feel I accomplished what I set out to do," she said.
Linda Bobadilla, circulation supervisor with the Prescott Valley Public Library, wants to find additional volunteers to help out in all areas when the new library opens Oct. 10.
Stacy Morgan was looking for volunteers to help with crafts and cooking classes for local children during the week of Oct. 12 when school closes for fall break. She also was promoting the Dewey-Humboldt Agua Fria Festival on Oct. 10, which could use volunteers.
Rita Myers, Joan Sheets and Dennis Garvey manned a table for the newly established Prescott Film Festival. They are looking for screeners, technical people, box office help, and filmmaker liaisons for the first annual film festival scheduled for August 2010.
The Horses with HEART table had information on its upcoming Oct. 24 Ride-a-thon at American Ranch. This is the only fundraising event the organization conducts, and it needs volunteers.
Mary Bennett, with Northland Cares, said she's looking for volunteers for several World AIDS Day events during Thanksgiving weekend.
Art Klein is a volunteer with the Yavapai County Sheriff's Response Team, and gets called to find and rescue lost or injured children and adults. This group has a need for volunteers in its quad, back country, 4 X 4, mounted and search dog units.
The next Retiree Connection meeting will be after the Thanksgiving holiday, Bellina said, and will tackle how to strengthen volunteer recruitment. For more information, call Donna Bellina at 928-717-7633.
