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AVOW FOUNDATION

VOLUNTEERS

MAKE IT HAPPEN

“Six years ago my Aunt Rose joined Avow as a volunteer
and she loved the Avow mission statement, the people she
worked with were like family. She also enjoyed talking with
Avow donors and hearing the stories of lives touched by
our hospice services. There were days that I was almost
jealous of how she loved this organization.
I moved to Naples one year ago and immediately joined
the Avow family I had heard so much about. Unexpectedly,
six months later we were welcoming the Avow hospice
team into our home as we said goodbye to Aunt Rose.
These gifted, compassionate and knowledgeable caregivers
touched my heart! The heart of this organization and
mine are perfectly aligned. If I can make any contribution
whether filing, answering phones, greeting visitors, or
any task, I know deep within my heart that I am helping
countless families just like mine. God Bless Avow.”
Sandy Smith is also a Foundation volunteer, her friendly
smile and quick wit brighten everyone’s day. She knows and
exhibits the gift and love of service, read what she has to
say about volunteering:
“I have volunteered with many organizations and
consider this to be my most rewarding role. I am a
volunteer with Avow because they were there for me and
my family including my mother and my in-laws. The
compassionate care that my family received extended not
only to the loved one, but the extended family. The team of
VOLUNTEERING. Is it what you do or is it who you doctor, nurse, social worker, case manager and chaplain saw
are? Those who volunteer for the Avow Foundation feel us through very difficult times. In gratitude it is a privilege
it’s both. Volunteering is certainly an altruistic activity to be there for others.”
where our team members provide services for no financial
gain but understand that the benefit to others is beyond
measure. What they all have in common is the desire to
help while adding meaning and purpose to their own lives.
Avow Foundation volunteers have years of personal and Avow Foundation volunteers work at our events,
professional experience yet in some cases choose to challenge fundraisers, in retail at Treasures Resale Shop or provide
themselves by learning new skills. Fortunately opportunities administrative assistance. In any case there is something for
are expansive and the roles are indispensable. everyone with great diversity. For additional information
Mary Ann Gwynn is one of those valued volunteers, contact Foundation Volunteer Coordinator, Brittni Brown-
her answer to every request is YES, she has shared her very Cooper at brittni.brown-cooper@avowcares.org or call
personal story with us: 239.261.4404.

48 Life in Naples | August • September • October 2017