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Volunteers enjoy a free meal together, hosted by The Plaza Arts Center, as thanks for their time and dedication to the center. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff -
Volunteer Coordinator Bobbie Thompson and Board Chair Bev Berado give thanks to their volunteers. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff -
Volunteers are served a free buffet dinner. BAILEY BALLARD/Staff
The Plaza Arts Center hosted a volunteer appreciation party on April 21 in celebration of the many efforts their volunteers make for the betterment of the center.
Volunteers help run the entirety of The Plaza Arts Center from being ticket takers to ushers to bartenders and assisting in community events.
“We could not do what we do without volunteers,” said Taylor Hembree, marketing director.
Bobbie Thompson, the volunteer coordinator, assists the plaza in dividing work to volunteers and working personally with individuals who choose to volunteer.
“The volunteers at The Plaza Arts Center are essential to everyday work,” said Thompson.
Volunteers help in many different areas such as office support, theater events, children’s programs and giving tours. The board of directors is also made up of volunteers.
“We have at least 150 volunteers, including our board members. We always need more,” said Thompson.
Duties can vary for volunteers from doing paperwork in the office, working in the theatre or maintaining the facility. Volunteers will be assigned duties based on which area of the plaza the individual would like to work in.
“If someone is looking for something to help promote the community and the arts, this is a wonderful place to volunteer,” said Bob Wheeler, volunteer of two years. “It gives me a purpose and a feeling I have done something for the community.”
Wheeler and his wife Jeannie Wheeler have volunteered with the center for about two years and helped at multiple events including: Celtic Angels Christmas, the Jimmy Buffet tribute band, the Take Ten Trio and the Matt Rogers concert.
“We love to help any group that promotes theater, music, and education,” said Wheeler. “ We volunteer at many other places but the people who run Plaza Arts are some of the best.”
Another volunteer, Nancy Marshall shared her experiences. She previously served on the Plaza Board of Directors and was responsible for the “Meet Me at The Plaza” outdoor concerts.
“That was my greatest volunteer responsibility and I enjoyed that role for several summers,” said Marshall. “The greatest thing about volunteering for me is serving—filling a need or providing an enriching opportunity for someone. Volunteering is also a fabulous way to meet new friends! Volunteers are always welcomed at The Plaza!”
For all that these volunteers have done, The Plaza Art Center celebrated each of them and their contributions. The center hopes within the next year, even more volunteers will join the program.
“I cannot say enough great things about volunteers. Since COVID-19, they have been excited to be back helping,” said Thomspon. “That’s what our volunteer appreciation event is all about. Thanking our wonderful, generous volunteers who have spent hours of their valuable time helping.”
To volunteer, visit plazacenter.org and click on support. There are options for junior volunteers who help with children’s performances, but most volunteer jobs are for anyone 18 years old or older. If there are any questions about volunteering, contact The Plaza Arts Center at 706-923-1655.