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Volunteer Spotlight: Sherri Metzger

'I tell people that above all they should find an organization that works in an arena that is of interest to them,' Sherri Metzger says.

By Lightning Reports, Published: November 27, 2021

Sherri Metzger
Community Foundation of Henderson County

What do you do in your volunteer job?
In my role as a Rudnick Advisor at the Community Foundation, I have had the privilege to hear from many dedicated, worthy non-profits, to work with the committee members and staff and to recommend awarding grants for needs in the community. It has been an amazing opportunity to learn about so many of our non-profits and to also learn of the many needs and gaps in services. It has been an honor to help fulfill the desires of Mr. Perry Rudnick to give in perpetuity to Henderson County. The Community Foundation staff and board have strengthened our non-profits through training, coaching, and facilitating collaboration. They have enabled donors to fulfill their philanthropic desires in an efficient and wise manner. Serving as the president and serving on various committees has made me so much more knowledgeable and supportive of filling the many needs of the county and also observing the skills involved in managing and growing the funds contributed by donors.

How long have you been volunteering?
I began volunteering after I graduated from college. Having moved to Henderson County in 1974, my volunteering began within a couple of years.

Why do you volunteer?
I volunteer when I see a community need and feel that I might be able to assist in some way. I value organizations that are well managed and have a clear focus on the needs that they are striving to meet. I love Henderson County. Assisting in meeting the needs of this wonderful community has been so rewarding. The friendships that have been made have been a tremendous source of happiness.

What is the best thing about volunteering?
Seeing people’s enormous needs being met. This might be the spouse struggling to care for their partner with dementia. It might be aiding a family when the breadwinner becomes ill with no means to pay their rent. It might be an agency whose roof has developed a leak, or who dreams of expanding their needed services. Or, it might be helping to provide enjoyment of nature to folks through a beautiful garden. These are the things that bring the joy to volunteering.

If someone is interested in volunteering, what advice would you give based on your own experience?
I tell people that above all they should find an organization that works in an arena that is of interest to them. A volunteer must have a passion for the services they are assisting in providing. If that passion is not there, they will never find the satisfaction – or provide the quality of service needed by the organization.