Meet our volunteers! Each month, we highlight a stand-out volunteer (or two) and how they support families. For April, meet Bridget Adu-Dapaah, whose work as part of our Teen Advisory Council has made a big impact on families.
I have volunteered with Ronald McDonald House of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) for about two years. It all started when my principal nominated me to join the Teen Advisory Council. I agreed to participate and have loved being involved with the group. I particularly enjoy volunteering on-site at the House, where I get to meet new families each day. Being involved with RMHC-CNI has taught me so much, and I am very grateful for the opportunity to volunteer with such a great organization.
I volunteer as a member of the RMH near Advocate Children’s Teen Advisory Council (TAC). I was the TAC secretary last year, and in that role I was responsible for organizing and distributing information, documenting our meetings, and producing agendas. In addition to my work as the secretary, I also support RMHC-CNI by getting sponsorships for fundraising events. In fact, I secured a presenting sponsor for this year’s Paint the Night event in February! Plus, last year I volunteered for 40 hours outside of my work with the TAC, and this year my goal is to hit 50 hours.
My first experience with the organization was when a family friend fell ill, and their family received support from Ronald McDonald House. I went to the House to visit the family and was immediately interested in volunteering.I find volunteering very rewarding, and I truly enjoy helping others. I love the atmosphere at the House and never want to stop volunteering. My experience with RMHC-CNI has enabled me to answer my call to service. Being involved with the organization allows me to make a positive impact in so many ways – preparing meals, fundraising, and simply greeting families staying at the House.
My favorite memory happened when I was turning over a room at the House and a family approached me and thanked me for my service. They told me that I will be successful because of my open heart and sympathy for others, and I will never forget their words of encouragement.
I would have to say that my greatest accomplishment is getting event sponsors during the pandemic. Many local businesses were hit particularly hard, but I still managed to secure donations for the organization.
Committing my time to RMHC-CNI means so much to me. I love volunteering at the Advocate House and I feel great every time I volunteer. I feel like I have changed the world in some way by being a volunteer. If I was able to donate more than my time to the organization, I would.
Thank you Bridget for your outstanding commitment to helping families get better together!
