High school teacher Cathleen Smith wanted to donate her time to a worthy cause. Her friend suggested the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund and it proved a perfect fit.
Cathleen, who has been a volunteer for two years, said, “This [charity] does amazing work and they have fun while working hard to raise funds to help those in need.”
She first volunteered at the LAFD Invitational golf tournament and immediately felt like a part of the family. “Everyone was so welcoming and appreciative of my efforts,” she said. “It was this attitude of other volunteers and staff that made me want to continue to donate my time to this wonderful organization.”
She’s since helped out at a number of events and fundraisers, including the inaugural El Coyote Café Firefighter Salsa Competition. For her, it’s about giving back to a brave group of people who risk their lives to help others and the charity that aims to assist them when they’re in need.
“Firefighters do an admirable, difficult job,” she said. “And the organization … works long and hard to help the families survive the loss of their fallen firefighters.”
And this high school teacher feels everyone would love to learn what it’s like to be a part of the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund team. She said, “I have totally enjoyed my [time as a volunteer] and would encourage anyone to join the volunteer opportunities.”
Cathleen continues to volunteer as often as she can, so you might see her at any one of the amazing events that benefit Widows & Orphans. If you’d like to become a part of our volunteer family and have fun helping our heroes, sign up online now.
By David Vienna