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The Rotary Volunteerism Expo got help from committee members, Rotary clubs and other volunteers. Linda Lemmon photo.
PUTNAM --- Volunteerism is the lifeblood of small communities, so naturally the first annual "At Your Service: A Volunteerism Expo" was a resounding success .
Melissa Bonsall, chairman of the Putnam Rotary Club's expo committee, was very pleased with the expo March 16: “This event far exceeded our expectations for participation. We had no idea how many organizations would be represented, or how many visitors would come seeking volunteer opportunities. We are thrilled with the success! Almost all of the vendors said they had at least a few folks sign up for actual volunteer work, and some even had as many as 40-50 people commit to help their organization! This is a shining example of the generosity in northeastern CT, and the desire to give and take care of others.” She said she would definitely like to make this an annual event.
Fifty organizations in need of volunteers connected with more than 200 residents looking for an outlet for volunteering.
The Putnam Rotary Club collaborated with the Plainfield Rotary Club and the Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club so the expo attracted vendors and potential volunteers from all of northeastern Connecticut.
Marcy Dawley, a Putnam Rotarian and a representative from the Wyndham Land Trust, put it succinctly "The place was packed."
Russ Downer, president of the Woodstock Valley Fire Association said, "We were not sure what to expect being the first time out, but wow, what a success! We were able to reach out to a number of people through this event."
Julie McDonald, from the Real Wives of Windham County, said, "W met a lot of organizations we can now partner with, but we also connected with a lot of people who wanted to sign up with us!"
Cindy Jordan from Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut said in an email to Bonsall: "This event was absolutely wonderful. I appreciate the clear signage and information provided. It was amazing to see 200 community members come to give back to their community. Please let me know if you plan more events like this."
Vendors who signed up include ACCESS Agency, American Legion Post 13, American Red Cross, Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam, Boy Scout Troop 21 (Putnam), Bradley Playhouse, Captain Joel Cook Society - Children of American Revolution, Celebrating Agriculture, Danielson Fire Dept. Daughters of American Revolution, Day Kimball Healthcare, E. Putnam Fire Dept. Girl Scouts of CT, Habitat for Humanity, Hale YMCA, Hay Burr Equine Rescue & Sanctuary, Interfaith Human Services of Putnam, Killingly Historical and Genealogical Society, Killingly Recreation Dept. Killingly Spring Fest, Masonicare, NECT Chamber of Commerce, Northeast CT Women & Girls Fund, Northeast Dist. Dept. of Health, Northeast Opportunities for Wellness, Northeast Placement Services, PAWS Cat Shelter, Plainfield Pack 111 Scouts, Putnam Business Association, Putnam Leo Club, Putnam, Killingly-Brooklyn, Plainfield Rotary clubs, Quiet Corner NEMBA, QV Regional Rotaract Club, Real Housewives of Windham, Relay For Life NECT, Roseland Cottage, St. Joseph's School, TEEG, Thompson Together, Tourtellotte Memorial High Alumni Assoc.. Tri-Valley Inc., TVCC/RSVP, Venture Crew 90, Westview Health Care Center Windham County 4-H Foundation, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, Wyndham Land Trust, Young Antelers, Young Marines.
Visitor Barbara Clarke said, "I went and loved it! So many opportunities!"
Bonsall, a Putnam Rotarian and chief operating officer at Generations Family Health Center, came up with the idea while pondering the work that Rotary does and thought, "Beyond what we all do, how can we inspire the Rotary's motto, 'Service Above self'." She thought a volunteerism expo was the answer.
Others involved include Putnam Rotarians, staff from Putnam High School, Justin Dumas and Rocky Wagner from the Plainfield Rotary Club, Loni Wright from the Killingly-Brooklyn Rotary Club. Students in the Gay Straight Alliance Club provided refreshments as a fund-raiser for their club.
Committee members included: Bonsall, Pam Brown, Rachael Johnston, Karen Osbrey, Betti Kuszaj, Elizabeth Buzalski, Anne Miller, Kristen Willis and Delpha Very.
Bonsall said: "And yes, we will definitely host the event again next year, as this was a huge success!"
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