Page 40 - LIN_December 2022

“T
“Thehe BEST EVENTS are on the are on the WATER!””

VOLUNTEERS

The Heroes of the Nonprofit World

Beach Shelling, Afternoon & Sunset
Susan Suarez, President and CEO,
Sightseeing, Sunset Dinners, Hors D’oeuvres
Holocaust Museum and Janet G. and Harvey D. Cohen Education Center, Naples, FL

Volunteers are crucial to the success of any nonprofit organization. The value of time and talents they are even those inspired by their 8th grade field Private Charters, Specialty Cruises,
bring to an organization cannot be understated. Volunteers cheerfully pitch in wherever needed, helping trip to our museum. The common thread is
their belief in the museum’s mission.
with programs, serving on committees and boards, and furthering the mission of an organization. One thing all our volunteers note is how Weddings & More also Available!
much they enjoy their interactions with visi-
According to a recent article from NonProfit to inspire action against bigotry, hatred and tors touring the museum, or attending one of
Source, about 25% of adults in the United violence. Our volunteers serve in a variety of our programs. They appreciate the fact that
States volunteer. positions. Among these are as guest relations visitors, from across the country and more
Volunteers on average donate 52 hours of representatives and docents in the museum, than 45 countries, are eager to learn more
their time annually, and about three-quarters volunteer educators, event committee mem- about Holocaust history, and the personal
devote their time to primarily one organiza- bers and board members. stories we share about Southwest Florida
tion. About 40% of people became volunteers Holocaust Survivors. Volunteers have said
with their main organization after being Since our founding in 2001, volunteers they themselves often learn something new
asked to volunteer. In 2016, the estimated ( have helped over half a million people ( as guests share family connections to the
national value of volunteer time was approxi- learn the historical reasons why respect Holocaust and World War II.
mately $24 an hour. This translated to over for each other is so important. Since our founding in 2001, museum vol-
$190 billion worth of time to nonprofit orga- unteers have helped over half a million people
nizations in this country. This total is sure to Our dedicated volunteers range from high learn the historical reasons why respect for
have increased in the intervening years, and school students to retirees. They are Holocaust each other is so important. They have encour-
represents an enormous economic contribu- Survivors and the children of survivors, stu- aged students and visitors to carry this mes-
tion to nonprofit organizations which often dents, teachers and former teachers, doctors, sage to family and friends. In doing so, our
operate with small staffs and limited budgets. lawyers, engineers, small business owners and volunteers have created an enormous positive
Today there are websites available which can more. They are full time residents and sea- ripple effect across the country and the world,
match potential volunteers with organizations sonal residents. Each has their own reason for inspiring others to be “Upstanders”—taking
needing help. joining us. Some because of an initial visit to action against bigotry, hatred and violence.
Since our founding in 2001, the museum the museum with family and friends or with N NaapplleessPPrriinncceessssCCrruuiisseess..ccoomm  2 23399..664499..22227755  mmiissssNNaapplleessBBooaatt..ccoomm
has relied on volunteers to help us carry out our a private group. Others were “recruited” by Above from left: Bailey Reum, Guest Relations
Volunteer; The Luncheon Event Volunteers;
mission—to teach the lessons of the Holocaust friends already volunteering here. And, there Adam Lavallee, Guest Relations Volunteer
Also available at:
deck & tritoon Paddleboards Fishing Charters
If you are interested in joining our volunteer family, please contact me for more information – Susan@HMCEC.org or call 239.263.9200.
Boat rentals Kayaks & gift shop!

40 Life in Naples December 2022