Home > Out of the Cage! > October 2005 > Volunteer Spotlight: Ellen Davidson: Master Event Volunteer

Volunteer Spotlight

Ellen Davidson: Master Event Volunteer

If you've attended a Mayor's Alliance/Maddie's Adoption Festival this year, you've no doubt met Ellen Davidson. Ellen has volunteered at nearly every event this season, and has mastered the art of just about everything involved in staging a successful adoption event.

Ellen sets up and takes down tents (a special talent unto itself!), hangs banners, handles dogs for participating shelters, completes paperwork at the microchipping clinics, educates the public at the Mayor's Alliance table, and escorts (a.k.a. "guides") "Maddie" through the crowds at event after event, regardless of the weather.

A Brooklynite her entire life, Ellen has three grown children who she is extremely proud of — not only for their professional successes, but more importantly, because they each volunteer their time with worthwhile organizations.

Ellen says she enjoys volunteering, especially when it helps orphaned animals. And she says that volunteering with the animals gives her something today that she can continue after she retires a few years down the road.

Three cats currently share Ellen's home. "We have always had dogs, cats, birds, hamsters…a vital part of raising a child," she says. "They learn compassion and responsibility growing up with animals."

Ellen's advice for new volunteers? "Just remember it's not about you. Do what's asked of you, to the best of your ability, and keep going. That's why you're there!"

For information about volunteering with the Mayor's Alliance or to complete a volunteer application online, click here. To find out about volunteer opportunities with any of the Alliance Participating Organizations (APOs), click here and select from the list of APOs.