The NASCAR Foundation is celebrating National Volunteer Week on April 23-29, 2017 by recognizing members of our very own volunteer family!
John West has been a tigertastic volunteer since 2011. He has led volunteer groups in Daytona and Talladega to help make our at-track fundraising a success! We sat down with John to find out more about why he loves to volunteer with The NASCAR Foundation.
1. Why did you decide to become a volunteer?
I had been a volunteer on a NASCAR style Race Car Driving Experience. When I moved to another city there was not a permanent race car driving experience team in the new city. So I went online and found volunteer opportunities on the NASCAR Foundation webiste.
2. What aspect of our mission motivates you to volunteer?
The fact that the NASCAR Foundation benefits children.
3. What have you enjoyed most about volunteering?
Meeting all the NASCAR fans at different tracks who are so generous everywhere we go, working with all the volunteers who give so freely of their time and working with the wonderful NASCAR Foundation staff!
4. Describe a typical day volunteering.
A typical day of volunteering is arriving at the track early to set up the booth. Welcoming ther other volunteers and helping them get organized and ready for a successful fundraising day. Making sure all the volunteers understand about The NASCAR Fouindation, what we do, the rules of the particular track, the best methods for successful fundraising, making sure they know they we have free water to keep them hydrated, giving them free food vouchers when they get hungry, giving them “product (wrist bands, lapel pins, lanyards) for which the fans give a donation, replenishing product when they run out, keeping records of how much each volunteer “sells” and amount of funds they each raise, answering any questions they may have during the day, answering fan questions and describing how The NASCAR Foundation benefits the children to inspire them to give a donation, closing down for the day by helping the other volunteers to check out, counting cash for each volunteer. and closing down the booth for the night.
5. What kind of satisfaction do you get from volunteering?
I always have great satisfaction during and after each volunteer day knowing that I’ve helped the fans enjoy their spare time before the race, and that I’ve helped the other partner volunteer organizations raise the maximum amount of funds for their children’s charity. Most of our partner children’s charities are eager to work with us and very thankful for the opportunity to have such an organized way of raising funds. And because we encourage families to volunteer with us it makes for a fun family outing and at the same time teaches the children the importance and benefit of giving to others.
6. What motivates and inspire you do your best? Do you set any goals?
What motivates me is helping all of us succeed for the children. I’m usually aware of our financial goals for a given weekend and do everything I can to help everyone beat the goals, while at the same time having a fun, safe time doing so.
7. What are two accomplishments you are most proud of?
I take pride in being part the team anytime we exceed our fundraising goal for a given weekend and also in having new ideas accepted for raising even more funds.
