Volunteering over the years

Foodshare's 30th anniversary is in 2012 and I thought that it might be nice to highlight some of the people who have been with us from nearly the beginning!  Here's a volunteer who we've been able to count on over the years:

Name: David Urbanik

Occupation/employer: Chief Operating Officer, Halloran & Sage, LLP

Role at Foodshare: Board member (and past Chair of the Board of Directors, among other roles!)

How long have you been with Foodshare? Not sure – I think I started in 1986.

How did you first become involved with Foodshare?  My wife volunteered to help in the office and Gloria asked her if she knew anyone with an accounting/finance background who could help.  She said yes and introduced me to Gloria. Next thing I knew, I was on the Board and Chair of the finance committee.

Why do you support Foodshare? Because no person in our community should be hungry.

A personal/professional goal: To see hunger eliminated in our community.

What has changed the most at Foodshare in your time with us? Almost everything. When I first joined Foodshare, there was just one full-time and one part-time employee working out of small rented space in an old industrial warehouse, not really appropriate for food distribution. Community support was minimal, the organization was struggling for survival and just starting to scratch the surface of the problem it was addressing.

What has stayed the same? A shared commitment and passion among Board members and staff to make things better.

What one word would you use to describe yourself? Easygoing.

What are you most proud of? My two children

From where do you get your inspiration / motivation to volunteer? Largely from the dedication and passion of the Foodshare staff.  I greatly admire those who have focused their careers on addressing the welfare and well-being of our neediest neighbors.  The employees of Foodshare are incredible – they truly are on a mission!

Anything you would like to add about your volunteer experience at Foodshare? Over 25 years I have learned that dedicated effort can make a difference, that positive change does not happen as quickly as one might like, and that no problem is insurmountable if you have purpose, patience and dedication.  Because of this, I truly believe that with the growing support of caring individuals, someday hunger in our community will be a thing of the past.