Week 11 – Giving Does Give Back

Five lovely years giving of my time, love and energy as a volunteer paid me back this week, literally.  I received my first check as a team captain at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.  I started that part-time role early this month, and I am ecstatic with the opportunity.  My role involves supporting and directing groups of volunteers and helping resolve patron issues so guests can have a memorable experience.

There is nothing quite like being part of a phenomenal, encouraging organization, and helping to bring so much joy and celebration into people’s lives.  If you’ve never been to Kansas City, this place is reason to come!

The building contains two halls – the Muriel Kauffman Theater and Helzberg Hall.  MKT is home for the Kansas City Ballet and the Lyric Opera.  Helzberg Hall is home for the Kansas City Symphony.  All splendidly talented groups.

Helzberg Hall is made almost completely of wood … as I understand it, the same wood from which musical instruments are made.  The sound quality and vibration in this place is unmatched.  Yo-Yo Ma, the great cellist, was extremely impressed when he performed here, as other artists have been.

Right now, the holiday festivities are in full gear, and for me, that triggers so many positive emotions and memories, all spilling into the work we’re doing in our Master Key class.  I’m so grateful to have the class, my classmates and friends encouraging me on my journey to a new life, and I’m grateful to have the Kauffman Center as a giant step forward on this new life.