VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Lakeview Nursing and Rehabilitation Center

Erin Alexander, Volunteer Leader Alexander.erin02@gmail.com
March 2015 - Present
2 hours per week
Participating in visitation and patient interaction during Pet Therapy
Having such a packed schedule makes it difficult to find volunteer
opportunities to fit into the odd hours Im free. Lakeview Seniors Pet Therapy
allows me to not only to volunteer in my spare time, but to do so by giving
back to the senior community which means so much to me. For a few hours
each week, my dog Patrick and I walk to the Lakeview Nursing and
Rehabilitation Center to brighten its residents day and provide some muchneeded cheering up. I love this program because it compliments the work I
do with Guardian Angels and allows me to give back to a community that has
given and taught me so much.

Catholic Youth Organization / Mater Dei Academy (Athletic Boosters)

Joe Terranova, Booster President - JTerranova@cardconnect.com; (440) 4886370
August 2012 - Present
80-90 hours per year
Scorekeeping for elementary-level volleyball and basketball games
between local parishes
At times, in charge of the admissions table at the front door
Occasionally running the concessions stand with other volunteers
Working with the Catholic Youth Organization is easily one of my
favorite volunteer experiences. While volunteering for CYO, Im able to work
at my home parish as well as the Center for Pastoral Leadership, allowing me
to see the families and watch teams I grew up with. Seeing these young kids
play is truly an inspiration and reminds me how important my games were to
me during elementary school. Its fascinating to see these kids learn how to
work as a team and how to problem solve in a stressful situation. If anything,

my volunteering as a scorekeeper keeps me humble and reminds me how

even the little things we do can mean so much to others.

Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish

Pete Taraska, Coordinator (440) 488-3755
June 2012 - Present
30-40 hours per summer
Serving patrons at refreshment tent
Ensuring is patron is of legal age if ordering alcohol
Working with other volunteers in the casino concessions, cleaning, etc.
End of night clean-up
Each summer, I volunteer at my parish festival and work in the
refreshment booth and the festival casino. Serving others is something Ive
had a lot of practice with, and the festival allows me to do so in a fun and
meaningful way for my parish. The festival usually happens the last weekend
in June and is a main revenue generator for our church, and many volunteers
are needed. I enjoy volunteering for the festival every year because its
something small that I can do to give back to the church Ive grown up in.

Suburban Swim League Championships

Sharon Taraska, Volunteer Leader (440) 488-5376
August 2014
15 hours total
Organized and facilitated Clerk of Course
Ensuring that over 400 athletes attended their pre-determined events
Provided extra guidance to swimmers in younger age groups needing
assistance with checking in and reporting for their events
Helping the Willowick Swim Team host the Suburban Swim League
Championships was a very big learning experience for me. As one of only two
volunteers for the Clerk of Course, this event forced me into a leadership
position very quickly. Organizing swimmers from 4 to 18 years of age was no
easy feat. Trying to do so while dealing with angry parents, head officials of
the swim league, coaches, and crowds of spectators during the summer heat
was taxing to say the least. However, each event I improved my
performance and learned from the previous events mistakes.

Xavier University, Muskee Madness

Adi Taraska, SAAC Community Service Chair Aditaraska@gmail.com; (440)
488-2633
March 2014
10 hours total
In charge of entering and submitting raffle information for the
upcoming school-sponsored event
Although only a one-time event, my volunteering for Xavier University
taught me the value of students hard work. This event was completely
organized, carried out, and cleaned up by students and was a true inspiration
of what teamwork can create. Working with another volunteer, I was able to
assist the Student-Athlete Advising Committee (SAAC) by entering and
submitting raffle information for their upcoming fundraising event.
Contributing to SAAC and volunteering for them taught me what it meant to
work as a team and that every contribution, no matter how small, makes a
huge difference to everyone involved.