I had a lovely time Wednesday night at First Night visiting with many wonderful folks who volunteered to make the event a success. The event is only possible because of the more than 100 people who share their time to put it on!I won't be able to mention everyone I visited with along the way, so here are a few highlights:
- The afternoon started with Diane, John and Karen coming to the office to pick up the hospitality food and supplies. They spent a few hours making deliveries and getting out the food for the volunteers and entertainers to enjoy. They have a wonderful can-do attitude and were happy to make deliveries to seven different buildings.
- That night, I stopped by the Missouri United Methodist Church. Diane Peterson, the site manager, kept a smile on her face as she directed people across the street to the MO Theatre to buy their buttons. Jeanne Kuntz was an usher and along with her smile had on a sequined jacket appropriate for this special night!
- The children's area was bustling with activity along with the help of more than six volunteers. Among them were friends Erin & Sharidan (pictured here).
- Upstairs at the Methodist Church, father-son team Rick & Nathan Cotner were awaiting the entertainment and the crowds while taking in the Chinese art.
- I walked over to the Missouri Theatre and saw many volunteers... Ernie & Norma Falloon, Laura Starjack and Joy Rushing. I enjoyed a visit with Willie Jones who was greeting people outside. His wife and daughter would be selling buttons there later in the evening.
- Stamper Commons at Stephens was also busy... Jody Cook was the site manager and had a great group of volunteers. Sally Burnley was entertaining with her drum circle. Bob McClure was serving as an usher.
- Then to my assignment for the night - Windsor Auditorium. I enjoyed visiting with Art Jeffrey, Michele Sisson-White and Wayne Boykin who were also volunteering there. I ran into Paul & Anne Heine who were enjoying the entertainment after volunteering earlier at the 5K run.
This is just a taste of all the fabulous people I ran into on Wednesday night. Thank you, thank you to our volunteers - for sharing your time and being wonderful people. I enjoy your friendship and your smiling faces. Here's to a wonderful 2009!
Leigh Britt
