On Wednesday, May 8, 2013 The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts opened its doors—not for one of the 135+ shows or functions we host each year, but for a special event for theatre’s front line. Over 200 volunteers from all walks of life ranging from students, teachers, doctors, retirees, small business owners and retail associates gathered for the Volunteer Recognition Night. The event honors the commitment they make every year, donating a significant portion of their time as ticket takers, greeters, and ushers. They welcome over 170,000 patrons annually, while generating around 20,000 hours of service a year—all with a smile on their faces!
Volunteers from the 2012-13 Volunteer Recognition Dinner
Photo by Courtney Gonzalez
If you’ve attended a show at the theatre I guarantee you’ve had an interaction with AT LEAST one member of the volunteer team. They may have assisted you with locating your seats, directed you to the nearest restroom, shared their secrets of the city’s best restaurants, or helped you locate your missing pair of gloves. Our volunteers are invaluable to our organization and are the key contributors to the theatre’s high rank in customer satisfaction.
The volunteers’ passion extends beyond the theatre’s doors. When volunteer, Maureen Binienda (principal of South High Community School) expressed concern for the school’s food pantry program, volunteers stepped up to the table, donating hundreds of non-perishable items and health & beauty products. They continue to be South High’s main contributors to the food pantry.
The Hanover Theatre Garden Committee
Photo by: Bess Couture
In addition to their community outreach, they’ve created the Garden Committee, which is comprised of a core group of individuals who tend to the city of Worcester’s Federal Plaza located across the street from the theatre. Each year this dedicated team seeks donations from companies and individuals to support the necessary materials needed, which includes plants, flowers, mulch, pots, fertilizer and much more.
Meghan Patrick, operations manager and director of education, and David McArthur, inventory manager, organized an elegant evening on stage Wednesday night to recognize each and every volunteer for their efforts throughout the year. The group enjoyed dinner, drinks, and a comical video montage of volunteers dancing to LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It.” (We hope to be able to share this with you shortly)! Milestones were recognized, including those volunteers who’ve contributed 250, 500, 750, 1,000, 1,500 and 2,000+ hours of service (close to $1 million in value).
Volunteers being recognized for their hours and years of service.
Photo by Courtney Gonzalez
As members of the staff, it was truly inspiring to see the line of volunteers being recognized for the hours and years of service they’ve donated to the theatre. We are so fortunate to work with such a passionate group that has invested their valuable time for the benefit of the theatre and city of Worcester. There’s a famous quote which states, “Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”-Sherry Anderson. Our volunteers are priceless. They’re an integral part of the organization, and the theatre would not be where it is today (one of the top 50 theatres in the world) without their hard work and dedication. They are the lifeblood, the heart and soul of The Hanover Theatre.
If you’re interested in becoming a part of this exceptional group of individuals, you can fill out an application online at http://www.thehanovertheatre.org/volunteer.php. Candidates will be contacted in August to arrange an interview with a member of our front of house staff.