BIG Brunch Honoree Laura Vardon
JBBBS is thrilled to honor four incredible JBBBS volunteers with the Chaverut Award at this year’s Big Brunch on November 17. These four volunteers truly exemplify the word chaverut which is Hebrew for friendship.
Laura Vardon is one of this year’s honorees and we had the pleasure to recently ask her a few questions about her volunteer experience.
Why did you decide to first volunteer with JBBBS?
I think, like a lot of people, the pandemic and lockdown made me reassess my priorities. I hadn’t been doing any volunteering recently, which led me to volunteermatch.org. I indicated interest in an opportunity to match with an adult “buddy”, and the next thing I knew (after applications, interviews, references, background checks, etc.) Bonnie and I were matched.
What is your favorite thing about volunteering with JBBBS?
JBBBS has been a great organization with which to volunteer. The team at JBBBS has been unfailingly helpful and supportive.
What are your favorite activities to do with your match?
Bonnie and I like to go to the Museum of Science and look at the dinosaur exhibits, watch the live animal experiences and the 4-D movies. We also enjoy the zoo and the aquarium.
What is your favorite memory of your JBBBS volunteer experience?
The first time we went to see Disney on Ice and the look of joy on Bonnie’s face.
What have you learned from volunteering with JBBBS?
I’ve learned to slow down and enjoy the experience, that all questions are valid, and that one day a month can make a big difference in someone’s life.
What are three words you would use to describe your JBBBS volunteer experience?
Rewarding, fulfilling, fun.
What would you say to someone who is considering volunteering with JBBBS?
I would say that the joy you get out of volunteering with JBBBS is exponentially more than the time you put in.
Do you have advice for someone who is just starting out their volunteer journey with JBBBS?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions and lean on the staff for advice. The team is here to help you maximize the experiences of you and your buddy.
Since April 2021, Laura has been an enthusiastic Friend 2 Friend volunteer, where she has been matched with her Friend Bonnie. Born and raised in Connecticut, Laura is one of four children and a doting aunt. After 25 years in the hospitality field, Laura is currently an executive assistant at Harvard Medical School, where she has enjoyed learning more about global health and social medicine.
Laura is an amazing human. Many people volunteer because they have a volunteering requirement. Laura volunteers because she truly wants to help and support others. Laura is a very important person in my life, and I’m so happy that Bonnie has Laura in her life.