“What is the essence of life? To serve others and do good”-Aristotle
Meet our December Volunteer of the Month, Lisa Hall. Lisa recently moved to the Central Valley a few years ago after being a Bay area native. She first got connected with our House through her now daughter-in-law who was doing service hours as a student for Fresno State at the time. She has since supported our House through many different volunteer opportunities such as a regular Front Desk volunteer, at our annual fundraising events, and most recently, the Red Heart Ball planning committee. We look forward to seeing her bright smile and friendly personality every week and want to congratulate Lisa on being December’s Volunteer of the Month!
1. Your name and a little bit about yourself.
Married for 33 years, with one son who is 27 and recently married to his high school sweetheart. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree on that one. Born and raised in the S.F. Bay area and recently moved to Madera. Spent many years working in Silicon Valley and now works at a Non-profit out of S.F. from home and enjoying the opportunity to have a better work-life balance.
2. How did you start volunteering with our House?
Our now daughter-in-law was a student at Fresno State and was fulfilling volunteer hours with Ronald McDonald House Charities and asked if I wanted to get involved. We held a movie night with pizza and snacks and I was hooked after that. There is nothing better than bringing some joy to families during a difficult time.
3. What type of things have you done while volunteering?
I work at the front desk two times a month, where I get to help the staff by answering phones, assist families, give tours, shuttle families back and forth to the hospital and many other tasks that help keep the house running. I have volunteered at the annual “Fore the House” golf tournament a couple of time and currently on the Red Heart Ball planning committee. I’ve even run in the Color Me Rad 5K at Woodward Park.
4. What is your favorite part of our House?
The encounters I have with the families.
5. What is your favorite thing about volunteering at the House?
This is not a thankless opportunity. Everyone from the families to the staff say thank you at every encounter. While that might seem like a common word used by all, it is very apparent at the House how thankful people are for the time you spend making things ever so better.
6. Tell us something fun about you that we don’t know. Hidden talent, funny story, favorite pastime, etc.
First of all, I’m a terrible baker. It’s always so obvious during the Holidays. So I stick to planning dinners and buying presents. I love spending time with family and friends and giving back to the community.