THE REWARDS OF VOLUNTEERING

I am often asked why I volunteer so much at our Moose lodge. The Moose fraternity is comprised of Lodges all over the United States and Canada and each Lodge survives mostly on volunteer help by the members.

My particular Lodge is very successful and it's the work of the members which makes it so. Sometimes the rewards are not always visible but last night we were witness to a very worthy reward.

Each year the men of most of the Lodges choose one woman they consider the one who helped their lodge the most and there is a celebration called the Sweetheart Dance at which time this one woman is crowned "Sweetheart". It's usually a well kept secret between the men as to who will receive this honor, although there is quite a bit of guessing among the women. To most non Moose members, it might be considered silly, but to a volunteer, receiving the acknowledgement of your work in front of your peers is a nice reflection on the appreciation of your Lodge brothers.

One of our members received such a surprised acknowledgement. Deb has given of herself to our Lodge and Chapter (women's division of the Moose)more than we can ever repay, yet each year the title of "sweetheart" always bypassed her.

Last night Deb was named Lodge sweetheart. The most rewarding part turns out, not that she finally received this well deserved volunteer reward, but the reaction of every woman attending. When her name was announced, the entire group of women and most of the men, as though it were rehearsed stood up at the same time, applauding and yelling cheers in unison. Everyone was so very pleased that Deb had finally received this well deserved honor.

To witness the joy on the faces of all these members reminded me what the joy of volunteering brings. Money is not always a reward. Sometimes just the acknowledgement is a much better reward.