A Different Perspective

This past Saturday my husband and I attended Farmstasia, the gala/auction that Living History Farms conducts each fall to raise funds for their education and outreach programming. I have been a volunteer at Living History Farms since 1993 when I joined their interpretive ranks. As I married and had a family, my ability to volunteer two full weekend days a month changed so now I try to help with special events. This is my second year of involvement with Farmstasia, serving on the planning committee and helping with the auction packaging, set-up and check-out.  It's kind of a busman's holiday as I get to do something I really enjoy without the pressure of coordinating the event.

I am the only non-LHF staff or board member on the committee and, at the event, there are only a handful of volunteers, otherwise it is all a staff effort. Only in it's fourth year, Farmstasia makes me think of what the Corndog Kickoff was at its start. While there was a committee that helped with the planning, the actual event was run by the staff with a handful of volunteers.  My how we've grown! While offering help wherever needed, trying to be as flexible as possible in my volunteer role, I was reminded how fortunate the Foundation is to have such a strong core of volunteers for the Kickoff, Fair and 5K. When you ask us, "Hey, I'm done with this project, what else can I do to help?" that willingness to just pitch in is very much appreciated. I know that in the frazzle of getting an event off the ground I don't always show that appreciation or find that next task but the ask and the help is very much appreciated and doesn't go unnoticed.

So, from one volunteer to another - "Thank You!" Your help is a key factor in our success