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Dear Friend,
We are always grateful for our many
volunteers and the services they provide. Our
Spring 2008 print newsletter highlights work that volunteers
do for our families (you can always check our archive, if you missed it). In
this online issue, you'll meet a few of
the people who volunteer at Coburn Place in several
different roles. We asked them to
share their reasons for supporting Coburn
Place through the gift of their time.
You'll find their reasons as varied as a flower bed
of spring blooms. We hope you'll find their words
inspiring, too.
In Gratitude,
Coburn Place Staff
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| For joy, gratitude and friends |
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Murph Damron - Designer Diva
 Murph has
been volunteering at Coburn Place for as long as we've
been open for our families. As a former fashion model, she
brings her fabulous knowledge to Designers' Closet as a committee
member. There is rarely a week that goes by that we don't
see Murph. Regularly, she drops off clothes, sorts
donations and prices pieces for sale. You'll also see her
modeling some of the available fashions on our website in
early September. Those photo shoots can't take place without
her! She undertook a whole new role during the holidays,
playing a superb rendition of Mrs. Claus at our
annual holiday party.
When asked why she volunteers, Murph gets right to the
point. "Why shouldn't anyone want to volunteer for a cause,
regardless of its need or purpose for the better? I
could be in a rotten mood or not feeling that well on a day
planned at Coburn, but once I arrive and dive in, at the end
of my time spent, I feel soooooo elated and blessed for what I
have and that I am able to give back to such a worthy cause
and mission."
As for her reason for choosing Coburn Place, she explains,
"When Lorene Burkhart told me of her idea for
'Designers' Closet' for Coburn Place, she asked if I
would be interested? YES, it was a perfect way
for me to give back my experience in the fashion industry
to raise money for domestic violence and Coburn Place through
Designers' Closet!" She continues, "Now, going on to my 11th
year as a volunteer, Coburn and the Designers' Closet
volunteers have become a family for me. We ALL
give each other strengths that we didn't know we may have
had. Domestic violence can be such a 'silent'
killer and to see the families enjoying a life that should be
normal, even with its ups and downs, this is the most
rewarding."
Her parting words include a plea for Designers' Closet.
"Should any of you like to donate any Chanel, Gucci, G.
Armani, Marc Jacobs, J.Chooo or Manolo's, feel free to
'recycle' and de-clutter your closets! ALSO, mark your
calendars for the 2008 Designers' Closet - October 2nd,
3rd and 4th!"
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| For being a difference maker |
| Ralph Taylor -
All Around Team Player |
 Ralph has been
a member of the Coburn Place team for nearly five
years. He currently serves on the board of directors as
secretary. This year, he donned a different shirt (literally!)
and kept the ball rolling during his "head official" status at
the inaugural Blue Breakfast - a Kickoff for Coburn Place. He
combined his passion for sports (he's a member of the Indiana
Basketball Hall of Fame and radio personality for the Purdue
Boilermakers) with his zeal for service, to emcee our
event.
Ralph
offers his philosophy on why volunteering is important. "I
believe in giving back to our community. It's a great
feeling to know that you have the capability of being a
difference maker in someone's life when you decide to
volunteer."
Ralph
is actively involved in the community, serving on several
boards. When asked what brought him to Coburn Place, he
responded, "I had a good working relationship with Lianne
Somerville at a previous organization, and I did not hesitate
when she asked me to consider serving on the Coburn Place
board." We are very fortunate to have him.
Ralph
offers these closing thoughts, "Being able to give the gift of
time, talent or treasure is a wonderful feeling. Moreover, as
a Rotarian our motto is 'Service Above Self' which motivates
one to volunteer."
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| For skill and
resource sharing |
| Circle
City Chapter of the Links - Ladies with a lot of
Heart |
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 Often one
thinks of a volunteer opportunity as one person performing a
task to benefit others. We actually have many
activities that faith-based and social groups, friends or
co-workers can do together. The women from the Circle
City Chapter of the Links helped make our annual holiday party
a warm, cheerful celebration. They lovingly prepared and
served a delicious homemade dinner to all Coburn Place
residents and staff. They shared not only their culinary
talents but their hospitality and friendship, too. They often
contact us to find out any needs we may have so that they can
be of assistance. Last fall, they bought school uniforms for
all Coburn Place children and have already offered to
do so again.
Annette Henderson, a member of the Circle City Chapter of
the Links, said their members volunteer for a variety of
reasons, including: to give back to the community, to
do things that matter to others, to provide life enhancing
services to others and to share a skill or a
resource. She continued by saying, "Our members feel
that there is a great sense of satisfaction in giving and it
is very rewarding to help others." They support us,
because "The mission and purpose of Coburn Place align with
the goals of the Circle City Chapter of the Links. We look
forward to continuing our partnership with Coburn Place."
We look forward to it, too, ladies!
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| For good karma and the power to make life
better |
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Dee Banta - Home Maker
Extraordinaire
 Although
Coburn Place residents may not know Dee personally, many of
them know the wonderful work she does firsthand. Dee is among
a group of dedicated volunteers that make our apartments feel
like homes. Each of our 35 apartments is completely furnished
when a family moves in. This doesn't mean the bare necessities
of furniture and appliances. It includes all linens, cookware,
dishes, small appliances, food, personal care items, new toys
and all the little touches that make a place feel safe and
warm. Pictures are hung on the wall. A vase of flowers sits in
the center of a set table. A special blanket lies across each
bed.
Dee shared, "I began by watching my mother
volunteer in a variety of places and in a variety of
ways. When I was old enough, it became a way of life for
me as well. Why? Probably because it makes my life more full.
I've been blessed in many ways and volunteering and
philanthropy is a way to give back...karma, maybe?"
As for her connection to Coburn Place, Dee said,
"I followed my daughter's lead. First, by adopting a family at
Christmas time and then setting up apartments. When I
retired two years ago, I chose Coburn to be one of
my main 'volunteer' jobs. Coburn staff are warm and
welcoming. I feel very much at home here." How
appropriate.
"Everyone has the power to make life
better for someone else. It's a
responsibility that everyone should assume....a little
time and effort can create great rewards for others,
as well as for yourself." Well said, Dee. |
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| Write your own story, Friend |
| Discover your
reason for volunteering |
Maybe reading the sentiments of our friends has
inspired you to take the next step. Or maybe you've been
thinking about volunteering but just weren't sure where to
start. Check out our website for
some of the possibilities, and complete an application
today!
We are also open to ideas or talents you may have and
want to share that we haven't thought of. Contact Cassandra or Anne to start making a difference for
others. | |
