We are endlessly grateful to our volunteers for giving their time to better the lives of those impacted by Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Our volunteers are truly the heart of the Alzheimer’s Association here in North Carolina.
In honor of National Volunteer Week 2023, we’ll be spotlighting a different volunteer from our Chapter each day. Today we are featuring…
CATIE LECOMPTE & GINNY NORTHRUP
CHARLOTTE, NC
What brought you to volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association?
Ginny: I was introduced to the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter as a catering partner in 2022 for the Memory Gala. During the time, as a partner, I lost our grandfather to the disease and felt the need to become more involved.
Catie: Ginny is a persuasive individual and managed to convince our parents to chair the Gala committee and asked me to join too. I was looking for a way to get more involved and make a greater impact in honor of our grandfather so the opportunity was a great fit.
What volunteer role(s) do you have with the Association?
Currently, we both serve on the committee for the Memory Gala. Through the committee, we have worked to secure corporate sponsors in addition to auction items. Ginny has leveraged her experience in events to assist with planning the Gala and securing event enhancement sponsors. We have lofty ambitions to make this the biggest Memory Gala to date and hope to see it grow even more next year.
What do you enjoy most about your volunteer role?
Ginny: I love the challenge of something new combined with benefitting a greater cause. It has been such a fun opportunity to tap into my personal network in different ways to see who can donate. The nonprofit world is incredible and it’s amazing to see how people care.
Catie: It’s been great working side-by-side with my sister and parents to achieve our big goals. I also enjoy figuring out how to engage our local community and trying to think outside of my normal day-to-day box. At the end of the day we’re working to create a fun event for the Charlotte community while contributing to the advancement of Alzheimer’s research and advocacy.
What piece of your role do you feel makes the biggest impact?
We feel like our network of people in Charlotte has had the biggest impact on what we’re trying to accomplish. We’ve found people all over the city and across industries willing to support the work we’re doing. The more people we engage, the more success we see, which means the more we support the Alzheimer’s Association.
If someone were considering volunteering with the Association, what would you say to them?
Ginny: I would say dive in and go for it. You can make it a huge commitment or not. It is what you make it.
Catie: There is always an excuse not to get involved – but life doesn’t slow down. Say yes to one thing, attend one event, find the one thing. There is something for everyone – just let the Association know you’re interested!
THANK YOU, CATIE & GINNY
Volunteers truly help move our mission forward. Interested in becoming a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association in NC?
Visit alz.org/volunteer or call 800-272-3900.
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