Volunteerism can take many forms – it’s not all about stuffing envelopes. Ask Jennifer Rutledge.
Jennifer has packed Dina Dolls, worked Tag Days, and walked in our 5K. But mainly, she is a driving force behind our annual Fashion Show. She began volunteering with Compass to Care when we had our very first Fashion Show 7 years ago. Why then? What prompted her to volunteer?
“The kids were modeling, and knowing family, friends, and kids that have cancer, I just felt it was the right thing to do,” she explained. It turned into a valuable experience for Jennifer, and she has been involved in every aspect of every Compass to Care Fashion Show since that first one. With her leadership, this event has become our most successful annual event.
“What do I do? I work with Michelle to make sure everything is arranged and set up – the dj, venue, the food. I help find and train other volunteers, make sure they are where they need to be. I just love watching the Fashion Shows unfold – seeing the liveliness of our parents and kids has made me realize that year after year, this is why we do this,” Jennifer said.
But that’s not all – Jennifer has helped in other ways over the last 10 years. She and her daughter helped pack and ship Dina Dolls when they first came in. She has volunteered during Tag Days. She even walked in our 5K last year, but as a participant, not as a volunteer.
“I wanted to take a step back, instead of volunteering, and help raise money from that aspect,” she said.
When she is not volunteering for Compass to Care, Jennifer is a Project Manager at RR Donnelley. She also coaches her daughter’s volleyball and softball teams, and serves on the board for the softball organization.
To Jennifer, volunteering is just as important as making a monetary donation.
“People want to give, but not everyone can donate money. We always need volunteers, and time is just as important as the money. The impact that volunteers and donors make with our families – there are no words.”
If you would like to offer your time and talent to help Compass to Care and kids with cancer, please sign up on our website, and we will be in touch!
