“I knew our residents would respond to our call to volunteer, but even I am overwhelmed by the response," said County Executive Andy Spano, who first proposed the expo three months ago. "The steady stream of people was just wonderful. The agencies who attended told us they ran out of handouts and became hoarse from speaking to so many people. "

Those who were unable to attend still have plenty of opportunity to volunteer. Contact The Volunteer Center of United Way. Or for a list of participating agencies and a matrix of types of opportunities available, view the Volunteer Opportunities Matrix. You may print it to keep as a handy reference.

The keynote speaker was Emilia Nuccio, a successful businesswoman, philanthropist and volunteer who spoke about how volunteering has enriched both her professional and personal life. Nuccio is a top executive for an international entertainment distribution company and an active member of the Westchester community, having served as a board member of several countywide non-profit organizations. Read more on the event program.

The expo also featured four workshops including:

Blogging for a non-profit... the right way

Do you blog? Nonprofits need to get the word out about their agencies to help raise money, but they often don't have the resources to do it online. Help promote them and their mission by blogging the right way.

Why volunteer when you're looking for work?

Build your network, skills and your confidence while helping your community. You will learn how volunteering can help lead you to a job or even a career change.

How youth can help change the world for the better

Have you ever wondered what you can do to help change the world for the better? Across the nation, youth are helping feed the poor, tutoring young children, visiting an isolated senior, cleaning up parks, or hundreds of other volunteer projects. Most people, young and old, do not know just how important their skills are. What are you good at? Sports? Computers? Listening? In this session we will explore your hidden talents and which non-profits are in need of people just like you.

Using social media to help non-profits

Are you on Facebook or Twitter? You will learn how Facebook, Flickr, and other social media technologies you use can help advance non-profit organizations.

The event was co-sponsored by the Volunteer Center of United Way and the Westchester Community Foundation. It was put together with the the assistance of two Westchester residents and volunteers – Ashley Craig of Rye City and Stephanie Moyler Vasquez of Mount Vernon.