How You Can Help

Volunteers of the Year 2008

Chuck and Alma with Volunteer Coordinator Joy Nolan

Friends of the Arts, a non-profit arts education organization located in the Silver Center for the Arts in Plymouth, has been providing art education and cultural programs throughout Central New Hampshire for over thirty-five years. What started as a volunteer Board of Directors has turned into a staff of five part-time employees and almost 100 volunteers.

Friends of the Arts would not be able to accomplish its’ mission of presenting quality visual and performing arts that are affordable and accessible to children and adults as both observers and participants without it’s dedicated volunteers. Friends of the Arts volunteers are a diverse group of talented individuals from all walks and stages of life; from stay-at-home moms to those enjoying their retirement. They serve on the Board of Directors, Education Committee, Fundraising Committees, help to seat hundreds of children for a bus-in performance at the Silver Center for the Arts at PSU, install the Annual Juried High School Art Exhibit, and attend in-school performances. These individuals are passionate about bringing art education to area schools and increasing patronage of cultural events and support of local artists.

Each year Friends of the Arts chooses a volunteer who goes "above and beyond" in providing volunteer work and resources for Friends of the Arts. This years' Volunteer of the Year is more than one person. It's an entire family! Friends of the Arts is pleased to announce "The Grand Family-Alma, Chuck, Ren, Sally & Annie" as the Friends of the Arts 2008 Volunteers of the Year.

Chuck, Sally, Ren, Annie, and Alma

Here are just some of the ways the Grand family supported Friends of the Arts this past year:

• Alma Grand, who has been volunteering for over 30 years, is always ready to help when called upon. Whether it's an in-school performance, a Silver Series performance, High School Art Exhibit Opening, donating food, or artwork, she is always willing to give her time and energy to Friends of the Arts!
• Chuck Grand, Alma's wonderful husband of 45 years, is a computer whiz and is often called upon by the Friends of the Arts office. Chuck put in countless hours getting the office computers up and running this year. His time and talents are very much appreciated!
• Ren (Grand)Boyer, Alma & Chuck's daughter, has been involved with the Installation and De-Installation of the High School Art Exhibit for the past two years. Last year Ren hosted the beautiful Art Auction preview party at Holderness School.
• Sally Grand, Alma & Chuck's daughter, has been making Friends of the Arts look good for the past 3 years. Sally has done many of the graphics for Friends of the Arts events. Her eye for detail and creativity has helped to successfully promote the mission of Friends of the Arts.
• Annie D'Elia, Sally's daughter/Alma & Chuck's granddaughter, has performed at the 2007 "Arts for Kids" Golf Tournament and the 2008 Art Auction & Benefit Dinner.

Congratulations to the Grand Family! From all of us at Friends of the Arts! To learn more about volunteering contact Joy Nolan, volunteer coordinator at 536-1182.