5/2/2023
Discovering The Smith Center
A hardworking group of people deserve great thanks at The Smith Center: the volunteers.
As a nonprofit, the center relies on numerous volunteers to help with many aspects of its operations, including leading docent tours, assisting at special events and ushering at performances and student matinees throughout the year.
To honor the many hours these community members dedicate to volunteering, The Smith Center celebrated this group in April as only a performing arts center can — with applause and a dazzling show.
As many as 80 volunteers and staff gathered in Myron’s at The Smith Center for the 2023 Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Celebration. This elegant evening included live entertainment by songstress Steph Payne, speeches of gratitude from Smith Center executives, and awards presented on stage to top volunteers.
“Volunteers play an important role with every department at The Smith Center, and we wanted to put them center stage to honor all that they do,” says Venus Carter-Ramirez, manager of Volunteer Services. “They choose to spend a great deal of their free time with us, and we consider them a part of The Smith Center family.”
Highlighting Star Volunteers
Many Smith Center volunteers dedicate a tremendous number of hours to supporting the center – and this event provided them with well-earned recognition.
Longtime volunteer Cheryl Hartfield received the Inspirational Leadership Award, honoring those individuals who distinguish themselves as enthusiastic contributors who encourage and actively inspire others to do the same. This reflects Hartfield’s impressive commitment to ushering twice a week most weeks of the year at The Smith Center.
The Rookie of the Year Award went to enthusiastic volunteer Julia Masi, who has logged 250 hours in her first year of volunteering with The Smith Center.
And reflecting his inspiring 634 hours of volunteering — always with a positive attitude and dedication to quality — David Rodriguez received the Larry LeBlanc Award for Service Excellence.
“These individuals pour their hearts into helping all Smith Center guests make beautiful memories here, whether the guests are longtime theatergoers or students experiencing theater for the first time,” Carter-Ramirez says. “I’m always impressed by their steadfast commitment to our mission.”
Honoring a Volunteer Legacy
The night also included an inspiring farewell.
The Smith Center team honored retiring volunteers Jerry and Beverly Saperstein, who had started out as two of the first volunteers at The Smith Center, before it even opened.
In the ensuing years, they regularly volunteered in a variety of roles, including greeting visitors, leading tours, providing information about The Smith Center at community events, and stocking bags and programs for special events.
Now after volunteering enthusiastically for over a decade, the Sapersteins plan to enjoy The Smith Center simply as audience members.
Every minute of volunteering has felt rewarding, Beverly says.
“It’s important to share joy with others,” she says. “You get the joy back, many fold.”
LEARN MORE
To learn more about volunteering at The Smith Center, a nonprofit organization, CLICK HERE.