In 2020, Project Sanctuary lost a dear friend, and longest serving board member, Rand Case. In his memory, we have created the Rand Case Volunteer of the Year Award, given to those who understand our mission and the great needs of our military families, and have a passion to selflessly serve. Nominations are given by Project Sanctuary staff and board members and the 2023 award goes to Rebecca Christy.
“To be a volunteer with Project Sanctuary it takes understanding, empathy, and compassion. These are qualities that Rebecca Christy, our 2023 Volunteer of the Year, exhibits every time she volunteers. She gives selflessly to help others which speaks to her strength and quality of character. Rebecca has donated 310 hours of her time to volunteer at 4 retreats and has helped with several miscellaneous tasks," said Holly Potoeski-Daddario, Project Sanctuary volunteer coordinator. "Rebecca is a huge gift to Project Sanctuary and the families we serve. We are so grateful that she chooses to serve with us!"
Below Rebecca shares why she is such a passionate volunteer for Project Sanctuary and why she chose to get involved.
How did you get connected to Project Sanctuary?
My husband found out about Project Sanctuary when he was deployed in Kuwait in 2015 and then we attended a family retreat at Snow Mountain Ranch in 2016.
What is your favorite or most meaningful volunteer experience?
There’s no way to pick just one favorite experience, but there was a particular child at a retreat who started the week completely closed off and almost rude. By the end of the week, he was being a leader and had blossomed into a wonderful kid. It was nothing short of amazing to watch!
What is your favorite part of volunteering that keeps you coming back?
Getting to watch the families start out so tentatively, and then relax and start bonding, never ceases to blow me away. And the friendships that I’ve formed with the other staff and volunteers is absolutely priceless!
What would you say to those considering volunteering?
To anyone considering volunteering: DO IT!! If it ends up not being the right fit for you, you’ve only spent 6 days, not your whole year, and you’ve still provided much needed support. But, I’ll bet you’ll fall in love with it and start planning your calendar around it!!
Anything else you’d like to add!
I want to thank Heather, and the entire staff, for creating and sustaining such a wonderful program that gave so much to us as family. Because of what y’all have made, we have priceless memories, and I’ve gone on to make some of the best friendships during my time volunteering.
