Unsung Heroes--THANKS

How often, do we, as attendees at a party, as patrons of a restaurant, as passive recipients of the efforts of other people think about those efforts? My last entry in this blog was about how I felt about the deserving honorees at a gala I attended. What I neglected to mention was how the entire evening went off without a hitch.  The timetable was adhered to, the music was wonderful, the food was delicious and beautiful, the service was superb, the program was interesting, and the people who made sure that all of this happened were probably exhausted. Nevertheless, they were smiling and happy, gracious and I am sure more than a little relieved. In this case, a gala celebration with 374 attendees was planned and executed with the utmost precision by volunteers. Of course there were professional musicians and caterers, but the evening would never have happened, the honorees would never have been feted, had it not been for the dedication of volunteers like the ones who coordinated this occasion.

If we think about it and just look around, how much of what goes on around us all the time,that makes our lives better, is done by volunteers. Not only are efforts that might not otherwise be possible at all accomplished by volunteers, willing to take the time to give of themselves, but as important is the actual work is the understanding that someone who doesn’t have to, who is not being required to, is willing to help out in some way that makes life in our communities better. Neither food banks nor literacy programs could exist without volunteers. A stay in the hospital would be less pleasant without the volunteers manning the desk and the information booth. The first graders could do without the cupcakes, but a sweet association makes school more attractive. The churches and synagogues would have to kiss their periodic fund-raisers goodbye, not to mention the holiday luncheons, the altar enhancements, and the countless other wonderful things that create a community were it not for the dedicated ladies and gentlemen who lovingly give their time as ushers, manning the gift shop, reading to the children, assisting the seniors.

So here’s to the people without whom so much that is fun and worthwhile, so much that is needful and indispensible, remarkable and heartwarming would not happen.   I dedicate this blog entry to the unsung heroes, the volunteers, the boards of directors, the picnic planners, the people who don’t have to, but do it anyway. I salute you.