Volunteer Spotlight

December 2007

Sara Wolfe

Sara Wolfe has been a volunteer with the Arlington County Chapter of the American Red Cross since September 2006.  In her professional life, she works for Red Cross National Headquarters in Washington, DC.  Passionate about the organization’s mission, she wanted to get more involved at the Chapter level as a volunteer.  Since her start as a volunteer, Sara has significantly contributed to our Chapter in several leadership roles through serving on the March Mania planning committee and as the Leadership Committee Chair for a new young professionals group called Club Red.

     In 2007, our annual basketball tournament fundraiser, March Mania, was taken to a much larger level thanks to a very dedicated volunteer team.  Sara plays basketball recreationally and was able to contribute her expertise on the sport to the Chapter.  She helped organize the tournament’s schedule and brackets and recruited several teams.  “I recruited a team from Red Cross headquarters to play in the March Mania tournament and we are all still good friends today,” Sara recalls.  The Chapter is currently gearing up for March Mania 2008, to be held on March 8, and Sara has already begun helping to plan and organize the event.

      Sara has also lent her leadership skills to the Chapter’s new young professionals group, Club Red.  Club Red is a way for volunteers in their 20s and 30s to contribute to the Chapter through fundraisers, special events, and volunteer projects in a fun and social setting.  “When I was first toying with the idea of starting a group like this for the Chapter, I knew I would need several strong volunteer leaders to get it off the ground.  Sara Wolfe was the first to come to mind.  When I approached her with the idea, she was immediately excited and ready to get started!  Thanks to her hard work over the past several months, we’ve been able to get Club Red off to a successful start.  Her enthusiasm for our mission is contagious!” states Heather Pritchett, Volunteer Coordinator.

                  When asked why she enjoys volunteering for the Red Cross, Sara stated, “I think it is a great cause. The Red Cross has done so many great things for people and I like feeling as though I’m a part that , even if it’s a very small part.”  We are ecstatic to have Sara on our team of volunteers.  Her leadership abilities, motivation, and determination have helped to make our Chapter and the entire Arlington community a better place.

Beginning June 2007, the Arlington County Chapter is proud to begin a new tradition of spotlighting a volunteer every several months.  The volunteer, chosen by the staff, is someone who demonstrates a great enthusiasm for our mission and a drive for giving back to the community.  By spotlighting these volunteers in our newsletter, Volunteer Word e-newsletter, and website, other volunteers will get a sense of what their peers are doing for the Red Cross in the field or in the office. Our goal for the spotlights is to build a sense of community amongst the volunteers and raise awareness of the hard work of others.

Check out our former Volunteer Spotlights Here