To raise money for the Class of 2011 in her town, Linda Beaudry Condrillo used VolunteerSpot's free online signup sheets to organize an art show and sale. The event was an excellent opportunity for artists specializing in all genres to network and promote their galleries, for local art associations to attract new members and gain exposure, and for new artists to gain experience exhibiting, showing, and selling their work.
The show and sale benefitted Project Graduation 2011, an annual off-site, all night event providing Governor Livingston Seniors with a safe environment to celebrate their graduation with food, music and games. It is sponsored by the Governor Livingston PTO, and made possible by the generous support of private donations from parents and community fundraisers.
Today, our spotlight shines on Linda Beaudry Condrillo, a parent leader in Mountainside, NJ.
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What was your event and who did it benefit?
The event, or my brainchild, as I like to think of it, was an art show and sale. Proceeds from the event will help fund our PTO sponsored Project Graduation for the class of 2011.
How else do you volunteer or are you active in your community?
If you call connecting people to resources volunteering, then I guess you could say that, in general, I regularly hook people up. I plan on joining my local Chamber of Commerce too.
How did you get interested in volunteering?
I think that volunteering is something that most mothers agree they should do, whether they want to or not. I have a very big mouth, so I tend to talk things up, and since I have been a freelance writer for many years, it comes natural for me to whip up press releases. I also love photography, so photos and captions are just something I have done since my kids were small (about 20 years). I always assumed joining the PTA was customary, and PTAs and PTOs are all made up of volunteers. I think that the nature of my personality works well with some volunteer events, and I have also developed some excellent contacts as a result of my past experience in the corporate world and simply by being a nosy... err, I mean, having an inquisitive personality. (I'm the one who always planned the birthday party, company softball team, holiday party, etc. at work and if it was important that it was a surprise, I was the one who could pull it off).
What’s one piece of advice you have for parent volunteers out there?
Only volunteer for an activity that you believe in or honestly enjoy doing. Whether that means baking because you love to bake or soliciting for donations because you enjoy approaching people and asking for money, and are good at it, or designing a poster or program because you have that talent, then do it. When you volunteer to do something -- tell the others that you own it. Don't allow anyone to micromanage your event. Tell them up front that you are happy to do this task and will listen to input, but if you decide to take ownership, then promise to do it -- 100% -- and follow through! Be forwarned -- some committee members are made up of people who don't really want new ideas or help. Learn early on who they are, and stay far, far, away from them.
Why did you decide to use VolunteerSpot?
I gave it a shot because I don't know Excel that well. I assume that not everyone else knows Excel either, and I liked the user friendliness of the site (especially the examples on it). I felt that if I could figure it out, anyone could. I like the fact that I learned about in the New York Times -- in an article about NOT volunteering!
Anything else you’d like our readers to know about volunteering?
You know in the end who your real friends are. They are the ones that show up when you need them. Choose your friends wisely and try not to get caught up in the small stuff. Make sure you are involved in an event that you enjoy , and have fun with it.
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We salute Linda Beaudry Condrillo and all the other parents out there making a difference in our children's schools. If you're using VolunteerSpot, write and tell us about what you're doing and give us a chance to shine our Volunteer Spotlight on you!! Just email us at [email protected].
