Volunteers Make the Difference, Come Rain or Come Shine

Lyons Community Foundation runs largely on the power of volunteers. From our Advisory Board of twelve, who handle tasks such as budgeting, event planning, and running our scholarship and grants programs, to former board members who still devote hours each week to help out with whatever is most pressing, to those who show up occasionally to work a few hours at a time at our events, volunteers are instrumental to our ability to help the community.
Recently, many volunteer hours went into preparation for LCF’s participation in the 3rd Annual Artisan Market, scheduled for June 4th. But as event day drew closer, the weather forecast was looking more and more ominous. Sure enough, despite the optimism and determination of everyone involved, the incoming rainstorm made the decision to cancel simple, if not easy.
By the time that decision was made, LCF volunteers (led by Sean Dunn, famous locally for his BBQ prowess) had already purchased and prepared a large amount of food. According to Gil Sparks, chair of the LCF Advisory Board, “When we heard that the event was postponed, we had kielbasa, pork shoulder, veggie sausages, chicken, potato salad, beans, and boiled peanuts all in various states of preparation. Honestly, my kitchen smelled like a little slice of paradise. We also had four big tubs of ice cream and dozens of cans of root beer for root beer floats. A lot of time and money had been invested. We considered just hosting a BBQ at our house for friends and volunteers so the food wouldn’t go to waste, but Sean Dunn decided that the show must go on, so go on, it did!” 
Sean, his wife Julie Jacobs (a former LCF board member), and other LCF volunteers took over the pavilion in Bohn Park, lit the grills, put on some music, and encouraged people to come on down to get some BBQ. The day turned out to be one to remember, with old friends and new gathering together at the covered tables, away from the downpour, enjoying a shared meal. Several people even indulged in root beer floats, despite the chilly temperature. Others brought takeaway containers so they could enjoy a BBQ dinner later that evening. 
We are grateful to Sean and Julie, and to the other volunteers who made that day possible. In all, nearly $1,000 was raised for LCF, money that will be used for grants to nonprofits and scholarships for local kids. 
If you have interest in being a part of the work of LCF, please consider volunteering for an event or even joining the Advisory Board. Simply fill out our online volunteer interest form at https://www.lyonscf.org/volunteer.html, and we will be in touch. 

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