By Sam Maloni
After being introduced to Laura Reece three years ago, I have not only had the pleasure of getting to know her, but also the pleasure of working with her, and in time have come to respect and admire her.
After coming to College of Charleston to get involved with the for-profit art world, Reece never imagined that through Dance Marathon and the arts management program that she would find a love non-profit fundraising.
Reece has made a difference in countless lives and I have no doubt that after graduation she will continue to volunteer countless hours and make a difference in many people’s lives.
About Laura Reece:
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
Major: Arts management, art history
Graduation: May 2011
Volunteer activities: I have been involved with Dance Marathon all four years of college and in the past I have also volun
teered with Charleston Miracle League and various arts organizations in Charleston.
What do you enjoy most about community service? What I enjoy most about community service is the feeling I get from helping people. I love getting to know the people I am working with and especially getting to know the people who I am helping. It is a wonderful feeling to know how much people appreciate your help and to know that you have made someone’s day a little brighter.
Most memorable volunteer experience: My most memorable volunteer experience is from sophomore year, which was my first year on the executive board for Dance Marathon. I got to experience all the work that goes into planning the event and also had the opportunity to visit MUSC Children’s Hospital and meet many of the children and families who directly benefit from Dance Marathon. I have never been as emotional as I was after that year’s Dance Marathon.
What are you most proud of contributing to your organization? I am most proud of contributing my love and enthusiasm for Dance Marathon and the importance of giving back to the community and MUSC Children’s Hospital.
How have you personally benefited from volunteering? Aside from being able to build my resume, the greatest benefit from volunteering is getting that “warm fuzzy feeling” that is so often talked about but rarely achieved.
At the end of the day after volunteering I can go to bed feeling like I have made a difference in someone’s life even if it is as simple as making someone smile.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about volunteering? I would tell someone thinking about volunteering to choose an organization that they think they would get the most out of or enjoy the most. Once they choose an organization, make sure that they get to know the people they are working with and if they are able, get to know the people they are helping. It is always inspiring to know who you are helping and to be able to share a passion for volunteering with others.
How do you think your friends and family would describe you? My friends and family would describe me as warm-hearted creative, and passionate. I would like to believe that if they were asked this question that they would also say I am funny, but it is entirely possible that they just laugh at my jokes to humor me.
What are your plans after graduation? I plan to get a job in development for the arts, and be lucky enough to come home from work every day with a smile on my face.
More information about Dance Marathon can be found at www.dmatcofc.yolasite.com
About the writer: Sam Maloni is a senior communication major and dance minor at the College of Charleston.
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