Volunteer Of The Month: Barbie Willis |
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Wednesday, 03 November 2010 19:00
By Victoria Carroll Keck
Voice Account Executive Marideth Bernhardt presents the Volunteer Of The Month Award to Barbie Willis, the founder of the annual Spaghetti Dinner held each year to raise funds for the Severna Park Community Center.
Volunteering is something that’s always been close to Barbie Willis’ heart. Willis can usually be found working at the Severna Park Community Center in her official capacity on the Resource Development Committee and as a board member; but when any need arises she’s there to help.
"If you join an organization and something needs to be done, you help," she said matter-of-factly. "I enjoy helping out organizations that have needs. I'm almost incapable of being just a member," she joked.
Also giving her time to SPAN and Woods Church, Willis, a 30-year Severna Park resident, noted she’s always been involved.
"I can't remember when I didn't volunteer," she said.
Dubbed the "Spaghetti Dinner Queen" by Community Center Executive Director Chris Marsala, Willis initiated the Severna Park Spaghetti Dinner 11 years ago and has continued to organize and promote it ever since.
"About twelve years ago I went to my great-nephew’s fundraising spaghetti dinner," she recalled. "It was a terrible meal, but the whole town was there and I realized I missed living in that kind of place! Severna Park is more of an area; I missed the community feeling of a town. So, when I got home I decided to have a spaghetti dinner to help raise funds for the Severna Park Community Center."
Willis is quick to recognize the support she receives each year in putting on the event.
"There would not be a Spaghetti Dinner without the generosity of area merchants," she said. "They donate 95 percent of the evening, and they are incredibly gracious about it."
Stan Davis from Woods plans all the musical entertainment, which is great fun.
"So many people help. It really is an amazingly fun evening, continued Willis, who proudly declared, "We served close to 600 people this year!"
Willis has been involved with the Severna Park Community Center since its inception.
"I have been a fan of SPCC long before it became a reality," Willis said. "I started fundraising for the Community Center long before there was such a committee. My husband, Dick, served as construction liaison between SPCC and Woods Church while the building was being constructed. He was on the original board and I currently serve on the board."
For over 30 years, Willis was a senior ballet teacher for the Carter School of Dance, which is now housed in the Severna Park Community Center. After retiring last spring, she looked to fill her time.
"If I didn’t volunteer and help out and get to have the fun of doing that, what would I do?" she asked rhetorically. "I love to read, so I could read a lot more, or I could sit around, or I can help out with things! I like to help because, personally, I think of it as an American thing. Americans help each other out - try to fix problems - help those who can’t do for themselves."
Giving back to others was a concept instilled in Willis at an early age.
"My mother was a very active volunteer when I was growing up. It was just what you did," she said. "I was raised to help out, to not sit around and watch others. It’s really no big deal, and it’s great fun!"
