Can one person really make a difference? The answer, simply, is yes. From folding letters and addressing envelopes to stuffing goodie bags for campers, each contribution of manpower helps us keep costs low, ensuring that our mission is sustainable.
Pamela Burton first saw Elaine on Cable TV selling a Christmas CD recorded by the famous San Francisco Phantom of the Opera cast led by Lisa Vroman and Frank D’Ambrosio. She and her husband bought over 100 CDs to give as gifts to his employees that year. Pamela became a regular volunteer, coming in twice a week or more to help with anything that needed getting done. While she was willing to do anything to help, she felt her best efforts included introducing friends to The Taylor Family Foundation (TTFF) and inviting them to attend Day in the Park. The Burtons and their friends embodied our mission and vision, always contributing generously to help ensure that camp would remain free. They were true ambassadors for the children and families we serve.
Carl and Karen Kohnert’s daughters, Hillary and Summer, volunteered during their high school years. When they saw the spot on Cable TV about the foundation, they signed up as a family to help with Day in the Park. Little did they know this would lead to them becoming fully engaged with TTFF!
That one afternoon at Day in the Park turned into summer intern jobs for the girls and so much more! With an expertise in HR and fantastic skills to put to work toward grant writing, Karen went on to help TTFF four days a week, despite challenging personal times. The family’s home burned down in the Oakland hills fire and Karen was diagnosed with cancer. Even her most trying days of treatment didn’t stop her from lending a hand. Her husband Carl, who worked for the Environmental Protection Agency, helped with “environmental services” during Day in the Park. He eventually became a volunteer supervisor and helped at Day in the Park for many years to come. Their entire family gave an enormous amount of volunteer hours to TTFF. In fact, camp was such a special place for their daughter Summer, she got married on the dining hall deck in what guests only describe as a gorgeous ceremony!