Nick Rusho has been a part of Dolls for Daughters® since 2010. He recommends that one of the best ways to find a cause you care about is word of mouth. By listening and taking the time to find out what your family and friends are doing, how they choose the organization where they volunteer and why, you can find a place that touches you. As Nick explains, it is because of his good friend Kirsten that he learned about and became involved with Dolls for Daughters®. We are honored to have him as part of our team. He goes out of his way to get his employers involved too. Nick is truly an inspiration and a gift!
1. Why did you decide to volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?
I started volunteering with the Dolls for Daughters® organization with my good friend Kirsten Zelenak. Kirsten explained to me more about Dolls for Daughters® and how she had become involved with Jessica and her cause. I have been extremely happy ever since I began volunteering with this organization. I am really glad I decided to take that step in 2010 and am able to help make the lives of all the families I meet a little better.
2. How long have you been a volunteer with Dolls for Daughters®?
I have been volunteering for the organization for almost three years now. Every year the events get bigger and more successful too!
3. What is your most memorable experience volunteering with Dolls for Daughters® and which event was it at?
The best experience so far was helping last year in December 2011 when the organization got the Food Bank of the Rockies involved and was able to not only give the thousands of families presents and make their Christmas amazing but they were also able to give them a great Christmas dinner! Every family received gifts along with boxes and boxes of food for their holidays.
4. Have you participated in any fundraising event that Dolls for Daughters® had held?
I have participated in various Dolls for Daughters® fundraising events. When I first started volunteering for Dolls For Daughters I was associated with Kohl’s. The benefit of having Kohl’s involved with events is that for every five people who volunteer their time, the corporation donates $500. With their help, we were able to donate our time and money from Kohl’s to Dolls for Daughters®. The Bowl-a-thon at Elitch Lanes was extremely successful too because we were able to donate $1,000 because we had 10 volunteers! It was the most successful Bowl-a-thon the organization has held so far, with sold-out lanes and more people than expected in attendance. It just shows that not only are Jessica and her team a great crew to work with…they are making an incredible impact on the community.
5. Have you shared your volunteer experience with your friends and family? If so, what was their reaction?
Yes I have! They have been very accepting, positive and very interested in Dolls for Daughters®. I have shared my interest with my current employer as well. Sam’s Club is more than happy to have us donate our time and help in whatever ways we can for the cause. Sam’s Club also partners very closely with Food Bank of the Rockies, so this year should be an even greater year for Dolls For Daughters.
6. If you did share your experience, have any of your friends or family become Dolls for Daughters® volunteers because of it?
Not currently. They have not so far, but more people through my employers are getting involved and showing more interest towards the cause and in wanting to help Jessica and her team.
7. With so many organizations in need of volunteers, what suggestions or advice do you have for people who consider volunteering, especially when it comes to choosing where to offer their help?
The best advice I can tell anyone who is looking for a volunteer organization is to look online at the different types of volunteer classifications, see what interests you and then go from there. Another thing I would suggest is to talk with friends and family and network with people. Word of mouth is the best type of advertisement and the most inspirational.
