Leader Spotlight: Lexi Tarnow

Volunteering with Chicago Cares became a lot more exciting in February 2009 when Lexi Tarnow joined our organization. Lexi started volunteering at a variety of ongoing hunger and health programs and quickly transitioned into a leadership role within her first six months. Since then, we’ve heard that every project with Lexi is like a party!  She is passionate about the work that happens at her projects and makes sure everyone knows how important their role is in the process.

Lexi shared some information with us about her program ‘Shopping on Broadway’:

“This project is very unique in its set-up, but not in its mission.  Like many projects within Chicago Cares, even though we volunteers are often behind the scenes, what we have accomplished does not go unnoticed.  With each list we check, and each shopping cart we fill up, we are essentially getting our clients food that will sustain them and their families for the coming days and weeks.  Nothing is better than realizing that!  [Shopping on Broadway] and many [Chicago Cares] projects can be summed up by this quote: ‘No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another’ (Unknown).”

We also asked Lexi what she enjoys most about her Chicago Cares leadership role. This is what she had to say: “Just one day a month not only helps the clients, but new friendships are also made between all of us which strengthens our community!  An outgoing bunch, we chat and catch up on each others’ lives all while shopping, restocking shelves, and bagging groceries.  That camaraderie is something each of us looks forward to, not to mention what makes my leadership role so fun…and easy!  This project wouldn’t be nearly as successful without the ‘A Team’!”

Since Lexi’s projects are so popular, we wanted to know what leadership trick she would pass on to others. She said, “If your project allows it…tunes!  Music keeps the energy up and the clients love to sing along (and dance) too!”

Chicago Cares appreciates Lexi’s energy and enthusiasm. You can meet Lexi at ‘Shopping on Broadway’ projects one Saturday each month.

Thank You, Leaders!

During the holiday season most of us reflect on our year and our family, and start to get introspective.  During Thanksgiving you might share your thankfulness for others around the dinner table with family and friends.  In the spirit of thankfulness, the Chicago Cares family wants to personally say “THANK YOU” to all of our treasured leaders and volunteers!

We love all of our volunteers, but without the dedication of our leaders we wouldn’t be able to serve even a small percentage of the organizations we partner with or offer opportunities for even a portion of the volunteers that we have!  Below are just a few of the many reasons the Chicago Cares team loves our leaders. 

“I am thankful for the amount of time and dedication each of our leaders gives to their programs and students.  Our leaders are the most energetic, inspiring people!  I am motivated every week by their stories and updates.”  -Alisha G. Flores

“I’m thankful for our volunteer leaders because their impact extends beyond any one project they lead.  Each Youth in Service project is just as much about encouraging youth volunteers on a path of continued service as it is about meeting community needs.  The multiplying effect our leaders can have is humbling.”  -Erin Rasler

“I love that our leaders get so invested in their programs – they are really dedicated to the work they do and constantly help us improve our programs.  With all the projects we have every month, it’s impossible to be at every one and see where we can improve.  Having such great leaders at our projects enables us to make sure all our programs are the best they can possibly be for our community partners and volunteers.”  -Joyce Cruz

"Chicago Cares leaders are the only reason I haven’t gone COMPLETELY bald…” – Dan Alberti

So THANK YOU LEADERS for your passion, enthusiasm, commitment and for encouraging us through the busy times so we don’t lose our hair!  Without you Chicago Cares could not exist.

RSVP for the Star Awards

Our Star Awards Event is fast approaching! Chicago Cares will spend an evening at the elegant Four Seasons Hotel on Monday, October 25^th from 6:00-9:00pm honoring outstanding members of our volunteer community.  T hanks to your time and effort nominating your fellow volunteers, this year’s selection process has been especially competitive. 

Star Awards is the perfect time to come together and celebrate all the great achievements from our dedicated volunteers in the community. It’s more than simply a night to honor a few individuals; Star Awards is an opportunity for our corporate partners, weekly volunteers, youth groups and community partners to meet. We have transformed our awards to focus on and celebrate the volunteer community that Chicago Cares considers its greatest asset. Please join us for what will surely be a night to remember.

RSVP now at http://chicagocares.kintera.org/starrsvp or visiting our website: www.chicagocares.org. We hope to see you and your Chicago Cares’ family there!

Nominate a Star By August 13th!

Do you have outstanding volunteers at your projects, know an incredible Team Coordinator or PSM, or participate in a high-functioning leader team at our Serve-a-thon, Celebration of Service, or at one of our calendar programs?  We’re honoring our Chicago Cares volunteer community and their distinguished accomplishments at the Star Awards this October. We need your nominations by August 1^st to make this a possibility.  Take a few minutes to nominate outstanding individuals or teams in our volunteer community today! Volunteer Star Award, Leader Star Award, Leader Team Star Award.

Nominate a Volunteer for a Star Award

Here at Chicago Cares, we're extremely proud of our volunteers. It’s because of the hard work of our volunteers and leaders that we are able to provide continued excellence in our work and make a difference in our communities. In an effort to show our gratitude and appreciation each year we present the Chicago Cares Star Awards to outstanding members of the Chicago Cares community. This year, we need your help to find those who are truly going above and beyond the call of duty. Perhaps you have encountered an amazing volunteer, project site manger, or team coordinator who has inspired you through their compassion and commitment to volunteering - help us recognize their commitment and impact!

To nominate a Chicago Cares volunteer click here, Leader click here, or leader team for a 2010 Star Award click here.