By Mary Jo Viero
BAPA Executive Director
Wow, 2023 is off and running. Our Big Night is over! It was so much fun, and I want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us. I hope you had as much fun as I did.
The event would not have been possible without the help of our Big Night committee. It was made up of volunteers. Each member of the committee Kate Ciani, Joe Murphy, Amy Moran, Maryann Drake, Maureen Kelly, Kasey Kelly-Carey, Kathy Sanders, Terry Donley, Davia Douglas, and Grace Kuikman, gave up their time to help plan the event, decorate and get things ready and then come the morning after to break it all down and clean up. They brought their creativity to each meeting, and we had a ball getting to know each other throughout the process.
No matter what BAPA is doing, we can’t do it without volunteers. This year I urge you to “Resolve to Get Involved.” I have been volunteering for over 25 years and I can’t think of one time that I regret. No matter what the task, event, or weather — rain, snow, heat, or mud — I always had a great time. Looking back over the years, I met many of my good friends by volunteering.
If you are saying to yourself, “What can I do this year to help others, help my community, or give back?” I have the answer: “Get involved and volunteer with BAPA.”
There are so many ways to get involved. Our all-volunteer BAPA Board of Directors uses their time and talent to help shape and support the organization. Are you interested in learning more about being considered for a Board position? Contact me at mjviero@bapa.org.
You can join the hundreds of volunteers who sign up for a shift at one or more of our community events throughout the year. If you’re interested in being more deeply involved, you can join an event planning committee.
Right now, BAPA is in the midst of planning for the Ridge Run, Memorial Day Parade, Home Tour, Garden Walk, and Porch Concerts. We are forming the 2023 Ridge Run committee, made up of, you guessed it, volunteers.
Each year, BAPA needs over 700 volunteers to pull off our events. We have something for everyone, from planting trees, and pulling weeds, to being a house captain at the Home Tour or working a water station at the Ridge Run. The potential for having fun, meeting new friends, and feeling good is very high! Did I mention you get a T-shirt too?
Please email me if you are interested in volunteering. I’d love to meet you!
Best,
Mary Jo
