Celebrating the Heart of Our Mission: Volunteer Appreciation Event

 

For small nonprofits like Start 1 Spark and Cultural Encounters, volunteers are where mission meets action. Their generous contributions of time, talent, and resources throughout the year enable our organizations to grow and thrive. This Giving Tuesday, instead of asking for donations, we decided to give back to the incredible individuals who bring our mission to life.

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The ballroom at Deep Run Recreation Center came alive with gratitude as volunteers gathered to enjoy a festive evening. The aroma of delicious Jamaican and Dominican cuisine filled the air, and the room buzzed with laughter and heartfelt conversations. Volunteers shared their favorite stories and celebrated the impact they’ve made together.

 

Nicole, who leads a car club at Salem Church Middle School, shared a touching moment from her time volunteering. She recounted how a young girl hesitated to sit in her 2021 Supra, feeling it was out of reach for someone like her. Nicole’s encouragement helped the student take a seat in the driver’s seat—literally and figuratively imagining a future where she could own a race car of her own.

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The evening also featured heartfelt thank-you notes from the John Rolfe Middle School boys soccer team. The students expressed their appreciation for the snack kits that keep them energized during games. Edna, a dedicated volunteer who assembles these kits, shared how fulfilling it is to support the students. She loves knowing she’s nourishing and encouraging these young athletes.

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Throughout the year, our volunteers have contributed in countless ways—using their carpentry and design skills to create set pieces, capturing students’ achievements through photography, delivering snack kits across the region, and writing inspiring stories that highlight student successes. Their diverse talents and passions mirror the boundless dreams of the students they support, proving that anyone can make a difference in their community.

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To all our volunteers: thank you for being the heart of our mission. Your dedication inspires us every day, and we’re honored to have you on this journey with us.