The Verrado community continuously brings the spirit of giving to life by dedicating countless hours in support of The Giving Tree’s philanthropic partners. During Volunteer Appreciation week, April 23-29, our partners have highlighted volunteers who exemplify Verrado’s giving spirit and help grow it even stronger.
When you’re done reading about these amazing people, get to know some of our nonprofit partners through videos on our YouTube channel. If you want to stay up-to-date on all things volunteer related, sign up to receive email updates from The Giving Tree.
Verrado High School
Stephanie Little
The Verrado High School marching band (formally known as Viper Vanguard) has been invited to perform in London’s 2018 New Year’s Day parade. This is a prestigious, albeit expensive, opportunity for Verrado’s award-winning marching band. Stephanie has identified dozens of fundraising opportunities to help families offset the cost of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Verrado’s We Heart Christmas Home Tour adopted Viper Vanguard as its 2017 charity of choice and a portion of the proceeds will help our students travel to London in December. Contact Stephanie Little at 623-764-5734 to discuss ways you can donate or volunteer in support of this opportunity.
Litchfield Elementary School District
Kathryn Prusinski
Kathryn, the community engagement manager at Victory at Verrado, serves as president of the Litchfield Elementary School District Educational Foundation where she is a key leader in the district’s initiative to celebrate teacher and staff excellence. Her non-profit and fundraising expertise helped the foundation extend its reach into the community and increase support for public education.
In honor of the district’s 100th anniversary, Kathryn is working closely with the foundation’s fundraising team to raise $100,000 to honor the teachers and staff who are the backbone of the A-rated district. Visit www.LESDEdFoundation.org to help Kathryn support quality education in our community.
Homeless Youth Connection
Lisa Gingg
Lisa has always wanted to support an organization that ‘cares for those in distress,’ so she took on a volunteer role with Homeless Youth Connection. Lisa is ready and willing to help and currently drives two students, who she’s gotten to know well, on a regular basis.
“Getting to know the kids has been a totally different experience than I expected and it has blessed me deeply,” Lisa said.
Homeless Youth Connection is fortunate to have volunteers like Lisa who not only help their students but truly care about them as well, particularly with their youth. For more information or to volunteer, visit hycaz.org.
Summit Community Church
Arja Scott
Arja volunteers her time and talents to serve God and Summit Community Church. As a Growth Group Leader for middle school girls, Arja opened her home and her life to them for the past three years.
Arja doesn’t just work with students, she’s also involved in mentoring and raising up leaders so groups can multiply and continue growing to reach even more students. She serves on the Board of Directors as treasurer, in greeter ministries, and at many community events.
Thanks to Arja for all the hours she has committed making a difference in the lives of people at Summit Community Church and in the community.
For more information on ways to serve at Summit, please contact Liz Schaus at 623-535-0251.
New Life Center
Debbie Sailer
Debbie, and her wonderful dog Ariel, volunteer with New Life Center on a monthly basis delivering pet therapy to children at the shelter.
One of Debbie’s many talents is helping children gain self-confidence and recognize their self-worth from their interaction with Ariel. Whether it be decorating cookies or working as a team to accomplish a project, Debbie makes sure everyone feels included and supported. Thank you Debbie for your years of service to the women and children of New Life Center.
For more information on ways to volunteer with New Life Center, please contact Marina Pappas at 623-932-4404.