“The world is moved along, not only by the mighty shoves of its heroes, but also by the aggregate of tiny pushes of each honest worker.”  Helen Keller

A favorite quote and one that I’ve considered many times when reflecting on the significant impact that volunteers  – these honest workers – provide to non-profit organizations.  Minnesota is rich in volunteers; ranked 3rd in the nation with more than $1.5 million people giving of their time and expertise each year.  How fortunate we are to have such a wealth of resources to
work with.

Angel Foundation is one of the fortunate organizations that reap the benefits of this time and talent.  Whether it’s providing administrative support for special projects and data entry, greeting guests at a fundraising event, or providing a gentle shoulder to a family member facing cancer, Angel Foundation volunteers truly enhance the quality of our organization and the experience of our adults facing cancer and their families.    

Typically, we try not to specifically bring attention to one fundraising event over another, but I would be remiss not to mention Angel’s Attic.  This phenomenal event, first held in 2010 has been faced with profound challenges this year.  In the past few days, for instance, the organizers have faced the need to move 80,000 square feet of donated merchandise from one space to another in less than a week. However, through the perseverance and dedication of several hundred volunteers led by a handful of extraordinary people – Kay Melemed, in particular, this huge move was accomplished, with enthusiasm, humor, plenty of muscle, and a positive, can-do attitude. Knowing Kay and our volunteers as we do, we never doubted that this and other challenges would be overcome.   

The tiny pushes are many; but Angel Foundation has moved forward because of them. True heroes are among us.  Our many thanks!  

By Vicki Stute, president of Angel Foundation