We Westchesterites are a generous bunch. One need only peruse the party and event pictures in our magazine each month to appreciate the frequency and magnitude of galas, benefits, and other charitable endeavors supporting a myriad of truly worthy causes around the county. In fact, nonprofit enterprises comprise a staggeringly large segment of our local economy. But regardless of their mission, from cultural pursuits to human services, all nonprofits are propelled by the twin engines of donations and volunteerism. While it may not always lend itself to a photo op, it’s gratifying to know that for every resident selflessly donating much-needed money to a worthy cause, there’s another resident giving back to the community with the gift of their time.
In this month’s feature on volunteering in Westchester (page 82), we showcase a dozen diverse ways in which you can make a difference in the lives of others and profile several county residents who’ve shared their experiences as volunteers.
Volunteerism is often touted for its altruistic virtue. While at its core, volunteering is about helping others, the reality is that most people who volunteer get something out of the experience for themselves, as well. For the young, it’s often an opportunity to explore a potential vocation or career before committing to that path. For the retired, it can be a way to put well-earned wisdom and expertise to good use. And for those of us somewhere in the middle, the benefits can be as numerous as the volunteer opportunities themselves. I have been volunteering in a couple different capacities for several years. For me, one of the most gratifying aspects of volunteering is the chance to befriend others from different walks of life. Once your career is underway, it can be challenging to meet and befriend people in other occupations because so much of your time (including social) is spent in your own industry — and through my volunteer work, I’ve learned a lot about subjects and fields I was never previously exposed to. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought it was an appropriate time to showcase ways you can make a positive difference in your own backyard. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to give it a try — and maybe make a new friend or learn a new skill along the way.
Speaking of inspiring, every November, just before Thanksgiving, we honor some of the county’s top female executives, entrepreneurs, government, and nonprofit leaders at our business magazine 914INC.’s annual Women in Business luncheon. This year’s keynoter is Katrina Adams, chairman, CEO, and president of the United States Tennis Association and past Women in Business honoree. A resident of White Plains, Adams is the first African American, former professional player, and youngest person to serve as president in the organization’s 135-year history (didn’t I say ‘inspiring’?).
The awards luncheon will be held November 17, from 11:30 a.m.−2:00 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Tarrytown. For more info or to purchase tickets, visit westchestermagazine.com/womeninbusiness. Hope to see you there.