June 22, 2009

Close to 1,000 Westchester residents of all ages, skills and interests answered the call for volunteers recently, attending Westchester County government's first (and probably not last) Volunteer Expo on June 19.

“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. Even with the turnout at the event Friday, the need for volunteers remains. Go to www.westchestergov.com/volunteerism for a full list of agencies that attended and links for further volunteering possibilities. 

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

 “The Volunteer Center was thrilled to co-sponsor such an incredible event,” said Joanna Straub,  executive director of the center. “Andy Spano and his staff did an amazing job bringing together community partners, organizing, and promoting this event. And it surpassed all our expectations. The feedback from the 50 nonprofits who participated said it all. Two agency leaders whispered to me they talked to so many potential volunteers, they lost their voices! One nonprofit distributed over 1,000 pamphlets and ran out for the last hour.”

“It was an exhilarating day,” said Catherine Marsh, executive director of the Westchester Community Foundation. “The excitement in the air was palpable with so many people looking for the perfect match for their interests and talents. The Foundation is very proud to have been a co-sponsor.”

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.

The expo also featured four workshops including:

• Blogging for a non-profit... the right way
• Why volunteer when you're looking for work?
• How youth can help change the world for the better
• Using social media to help non-profits