get involved » Volunteer Spotlight
Volunteer Spotlight: Kelsey Thomas
Kelsey is a phenomenal volunteer! On-site two days a week, she balances her time between Gay City’s Wellness Center as a member of the reception crew and the LGBT Library Resource Center as deputy librarian. She’s also played a leadership role in Gay City’s Fun Squad, helping organize social activities for volunteers. A Gay City volunteer for over two years, Kelsey exemplifies leadership every day.
"I love volunteering here because I believe in all the hard work that everyone does to provide a safe, beautiful and healthy environment for a community I love and cherish," says Kelsey. "I feel good about spending my time helping people and sharing all the great resources there are in Seattle, and I get to make new friends that have just as much fun as I do. Gay City makes me happy."
Thanks for everything you do, Kelsey.
Past Spotlight: Oscar Volunteers
Gay City offers a big Thank You to the dozens of volunteers that stepped up to help make our 7th Annual Academy Awards Party such a fabulous success. On Sunday, Feb 26, hundreds of Gay City and Three Dollar Bill Cinema supporters descended on Seattle Cinerama in their finest attire for an evening of food, fun, and frivolity in honor of the 2012 Academy Awards. We couldn't have pulled it off without the volunteers' generous donation of their time and talents.
Gay City hold many events and fundraisers throughout the year that wouldn't be possible without the efforts of you, our Volunteer Crew. Thank you, Volunteer Crew, for everything you do.
Past Spotlight: Inshaal
A pre-med student, Inshaal enjoys serving the LGBTQ community through Gay City, an experience he finds also provides him with a more holistic view of health and wellness. Inshaal believes that our community stands to gain when we expand our views on diversity as well.
“Volunteering here provides an outlet for me to interact with individuals I might not otherwise and vice versa," says Inshaal. "These experiences enhance our personal growth. Gay Pakistani Muslims and people of color like me are not commonly acknowledged in the gay community. My volunteer work at Gay City shows folks that we do exist and, hopefully, also provides an opportunity to educate people about the misconceptions someone like me is labeled with.”
Thanks for everything you do, Inshaal!
Past Spotlight: Heather Sage
As current Chairperson of the Gay City Board of directors, Heather Sage brings a special passion and vitality to Gay City. Her willingness to consistently go the extra mile is an inspiration to all of us - Board members, staff and volunteers alike.
"I really enjoy giving back to a community that has given so much to me," said Heather. "Serving on the board has been a valuable and rewarding experience, giving me a chance to use my gifts and experience to make a real difference at Gay City. I'm excited about Gay City's growth, and look forward to seeing all sorts of great things in the future."
We're glad to have such an encouraging and capable Board Chairperson in out time of growth and transition, and look forward to all of the wonderful things that Heather brings to Gay City. Thank you for everything you do, Heather!
Past Spotlight: Matthew Robinette
As a Front Desk Lead volunteer in our Wellness Center Crew, Matthew has invested his time and energy into ensuring our front desk volunteers are properly trained and supported in order to meet our clients' needs.
“For a few hours every week, through the time I spend in the Wellness Center, I am able to give myself to others without any expectations of return," says Matt, adding, "Volunteering provides my life with purpose, and the reward I receive by my commitment at Gay City is simply the feeling I get from selflessly helping others. That feeling is what motivates me to continue.”
In addition to his work in our Wellness Center, Matthew had also lent us his time and support at important Gay City events like PrideFest and Eden. Thanks for everything you do, Matthew!
Past Spotlight: Shawn Boley
As a Front Desk volunteer in our Wellness Center, Shawn has invested his time and energy into ensuring the client’s satisfaction and well-being.
“I volunteer for Gay City because I care about the health of gay men and our community at large”, says Shawn, who regularly steps up to fill in when needed and goes above and beyond his duties.
Shawn also recently volunteered at our Eden Garden Party Benefit, where we raised more than $31,000 as part of our EDEN event team. Thanks for everything you do, Shawn!
Past Spotlight: Mike Santovec
Mike Santovec is one of Gay City's longest and most dedicated volunteers, donating his time and efforts here for more then twelve years. Mike is a regular at our monthly Bulk Mail sessions, and has served on on event planning committees for everything from Gay City University to Gay City Forums.
"I volunteer with Gay City," says Mike, "in order to stay connected with my community, as well as to promote the welfare of my community. Gay City is a great place to do that."
We're glad to see such dedication and drive in volunteers such as Mike, because we wouldn't be the Gay City we are without them. Thanks for everything you do, Mike!
Past Spotlight: Jesse Harris
As a long-time Gay City Library volunteer, Jesse Harris consistently proves his willingness to show up and suit up for Gay City. From cross-training in other areas, to taking on the tasks that others shy away from, Jesse is willing to do it all.
"I volunteer at Gay City because I enjoy the camaraderie and spirit here," said Jesse. "I can get the message out that HIV/AIDS does not discriminate. I volunteer in the library because it is an honor to see the volumes of GLBTQ literary works that have been published, and gathered in one place. When I was young and the movement was silent and underground, it was difficult, at best, to be able to lay hands on a fraction of these books."
Thank you for everything you do, Jesse!
Past Spotlight: Soren Estevold
As an Administrative Crew and Special Events Crew volunteer, Soren has invested his time and energy into ensuring the volunteer trainings have the volunteer perspective, and doing an incredible job working at our fundraising events.
“Volunteering for Gay City is a lot of fun. One of my favorite experiences was helping at the Eden Garden Party. I got to meet many members of the community there while helping with one of Gay City's biggest fundraisers. At the end of the day I feel that I am helping to affect positive change in others, whether it’s just bringing a smile to their face, or throwing a fabulous party.”
Thank you for everything you do, Soren!
Past Spotlight: Ted Healy
Gay City is proud to recognize the efforts of volunteer extraordinaire - Ted Healy.
As Training Captain for the 2011 Team Gay City, Ted dedicated hundreds of hours through the spring and summer to ensure that those riding the STP for Gay City were ready for the challenge. Under Ted's leadership, between 8 and 20 individuals trained together every weekend beginning in early March, building strength, character and relationships that will last far beyond this year's ride.
Also thanks to Ted's preparation, on July 9 & 10, fifteen Team Gay City members finished the STP without any serious incidents or accidents and with a great sense of personal accomplishment. Ted also raised nearly $2,300 as part of his Team Gay City commitment.
Gay City thanks you, Ted!
