Volunteer Spotlight - George Spencer

November 9, 2011

SECU Family House is an extraordinary place. We not only provide a home away from home for families and their loved ones, but--in the nearly 3-1/2 years that we’ve been open--we’ve also seen relationships amongst strangers develop that play a large part in the healing process.

Among the relationships we’ve seen develop are those between our highly skilled volunteers and guests. One such volunteer is George Spencer. Educated with a law degree and an MBA and having worked as an editor for the business and life style media, he’s been our guest entertainment coordinator for the past two years. His primary responsibility has been to bring the arts to our guests and, as a result, our guests are treated to live weekly performances that include singers, pianists, a cappella groups, magicians, cellists, harmonica players, and far more. The music ranges from classical to rock, with bluegrass being the favorite among our guests. You name it, our guests have seen it this past year, thanks to George and arts grants from the Mary Duke Biddle Foundation and Strowd Roses that he co-wrote with Family House staff.

According to George, volunteering at SECU Family House "dovetails with his love of the arts. It’s such a delight to listen to the artists while making the guests feel good." He feels that even if only two guests come to a performance, you know it’s made a difference in their lives. "Music does something to people. It transports them to other realms. The guests love talking with the musicians."

By the end of this year, George will have booked nearly 100 performances. And even though he’s on the job market for a "real" job, he considers his volunteer work with us as his avocation. "Being a talent scout for SECU Family House is my ministry," he says. All of us--the staff, volunteers, and guests--hope George continues his "ministry" to our guests for a long, long time. Thank you, George, for bringing the healing arts to this House.

Comments

No comments have been posted.

View all articles from SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals

Return to the overview page for SECU Family House at UNC Hospitals