Many ways to volunteer!

Name:  Nancy Aborn Wuennemann

Occupation/employer:  Patton Enterprises, LLC

Role at Foodshare:  Public Relations Advisory Council, Video Producer

How long have you been with Foodshare? Since 1996

How you first became involved with Foodshare:   At first, it was work! Working on-air at WFSB in 1996 in Hartford I had the opportunity to work with Gloria and the  team VERY EARLY in the morning to feature various aspects of the operation most notably at Thanksgiving and around the time of the Walk Against Hunger in May.  Gloria ALWAYS made sure I had coffee at 4 am. One year, I stood with Gloria at the Phoenix and served cake to passers by the lobby to recruit teams to walk with us. Another year, when my kids were smaller, much smaller, I pushed the baby carriage with both of them in it the full three miles in heels. Ouch! Gloria still laughs at me about that one. I was the MC at a roast for Gloria called the Glorious Gloria Gala and I still have the jar opener with her face on it in my kitchen drawer and I smile whenever I use it. In 2000 and 2001 I worked on and supported the Foodshare Annual Ball. Many years ago I solicited a graphic designer to work on the first Convoy of Caring logo. Recently, I worked with a talented young man from NW catholic to develop videos for the organization. We toured WFSB’s new location and recorded with Scott Haney. I am currently serving on the team working on the new website development.

Why I support Foodshare:  Hands down there is no finer organization to support in the Greater Hartford region. The staff is exceptionally well run, passionate, almost zealous in their quest, and the organization continues to grow and respond to the challenges of hunger within our neighborhoods from the suburbs to the city itself. The credit goes to the outstanding volunteers who make it happen every day. For if not for them, none of it would be possible. Secondly, the credit goes to Gloria McAdam and her “authentic,” on message stewardship of the organization from the time she started as employee #1 to the CEO of the robust community catalyst it is today. Thirdly, the credit goes to the board for the financial stewardship in good times and bad and supporting Gloria’s vision for the organization.

Most recent accomplishment: Sending my daughter to the college of her choice to study Foreign Relations and Diplomacy in Washington DC.

  

A personal/professional goal: To take up ballroom dancing and be proficient in the Cha Cha, Rumba and Waltz.

What was the hardest thing you’ve had to learn while volunteering with Foodshare? Sadly, that fancy sneakers do not equate with a full stomach in many communities.

 What has changed the most at Foodshare in your time with us? The building. Now we need to expand…

What has stayed the same?  The twinkle in Gloria’s eye when she is being interviewed.

What one word would you use to describe yourself? Relentless

What are you most proud of? My kids.

Share something about yourself that few people know: I am addicted to CAKE BOSS. I worked in a bakery at age 15 and learned to decorate cakes. I have been decorating cakes ever since for loved ones and “friends like family.” But I do not decorate with fancy tips and bags. I do it all from paper cutting.

From where does your inspiration / motivation to volunteer come? Growing up in a Masonic “family” and my participation in “Rainbow” taught me volumes about community service.

Anything you would like to add about your volunteer experience at Foodshare? I highly encourage non-volunteers to tour the facility and see the work that goes on. Visit a mobile pantry in action.