Recognizing NEADS Volunteers, Part 3

April 2023

In Part 3 of our Volunteer Recognition series, we shine a spotlight on some of the behind-the-scenes volunteers who make NEADS possible, including photographers, clients, and community groups. These selfless volunteers provide crucial support in numerous ways, from fundraising to grounds maintenance to providing meals and handmade quilts to NEADS' veteran clients.

Special Events Volunteers

NEADS hosts special events throughout the year, including graduation, Get Dressed. Give Back. and the Pulling 4 Paws Truck Pull. For the past two years, we’ve been fortunate to have Keith McGilvery, Fox61 news anchor, has shared his exceptional on-air charisma and remarkable talents as host for Get Dressed. Give Back. Volunteers like Nicole Ferreira, who is also a member of the NEADS Executive Cabinet, and Pat Sumner, have been invaluable by helping with sponsorships, ticket sales, and silent auction items.

Pat describes her involvement with NEADS: "After attending my first graduation ceremony, I was deeply inspired by the incredible impact NEADS has on the lives of its clients. It was then that I knew I wanted to dedicate my time in retirement to this organization. I am honored to support NEADS' fundraising events, which not only provide crucial financial support but also raise awareness about their important work.

Last year, I had the privilege of sponsoring a table at NEADS' annual Give Back event, where I introduced ten of my friends to this wonderful organization. It was a pleasure to see their interest in NEADS' programs and to witness their participation in furthering the cause. I am proud to be affiliated with NEADS and grateful for the opportunity to support them."

Volunteer photographers play an essential role in capturing and documenting these events. Among the talented professionals who generously offer their expertise is Rich Prager, who has been photographing our graduations and other events for 12 years. He has taken portraits of many of our new Service and Assistance Dog teams, and even assisted in a photo shoot for a Ruffwear catalog. We have also worked with Stony Brook Camera Club, whose members have photographed graduations, Get Dressed. Give Back., and other events since 2021.

Keith McGilvery was host of 2022 Get Dressed. Give Back event for the second year.

NEADS Board of Directors and Executive Cabinet

The NEADS Board of Directors is currently made up of 10 dedicated volunteers who bring their expertise, engagement, and experiences to provide mission-based leadership and strategic governance. The Executive Cabinet consists of nine influential business and community leaders who provide expert advice and counsel to the NEADS leadership team and Board on issues pertinent to the sustainability and growth of NEADS.

NEADS Board of Directors pulled 4 paws at the April Truck Pull

Client Volunteers

NEADS Clients step up to volunteer in numerous ways. Some work with our staff for community outreach and support our advocacy efforts by speaking at public hearings related to Service Dog access rights. Other clients have presented to NEADS staff at our lunch-time roundtables. Still others step up to do TV, radio, and print interviews as they relate to their NEADS Service Dog. We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of the many clients who support NEADS in so many different ways.

Campus Groups

Volunteer groups provide valuable support on our 18-acre campus in Princeton, assisting with grounds maintenance and other seasonal projects. Most recently, we’ve welcomed UNUM, Liberty Mutual, CAPS Collaborative, United Way, Boston Scientific, and Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to campus. Major financial donor Payden & Rygel regularly brings a group to help with our spring clean-up.

Blue Star Mothers & Quilts of Valor

The Blue Star Mothers have been providing meals - breakfast, lunch, and dinner - for veteran clients during their training on campus since 2006. The Quilts of Valor have presented beautiful, hand-made quilts to each of our veteran clients since 2010. Together, these organizations have provided more than 4,300 meals and more than 140 quilts for NEADS veteran clients.