Volunteer Spotlight: Ginger Willms

For Ginger Willms and her family, being involved at the YMCA is a part of life.

Her 86-year-old mother still works out at the , 4029 Northdale Boulevard, and her husband and two sons help with fundraisers and  volunteer throughout the year.

For the past six years, Willms, of Carrollwood, has been helping raise funds for the YMCA's largest fundraiser, Caribana, which is an event that includes a live band, silent and live auction, dinner and cocktails. Money raised from the event, which Willms is chairperson of, goes toward scholarships for local kids who may not be able to attend programs at the YMCA.

Willms, who is on the advisory board at the YMCA, talked to Patch about why volunteering is important, and how she got her start as a volunteer.

Patch: How did you get involved volunteering at the YMCA?

Willms: My boys have always belonged to the Bob Sierra Y, and I started working out there and talking to people at the Y. I had done fundraising when my boys were at Jesuit and Academy of the Holy Names. I was familiar with the world of fundraising and auctions. I know there are many opportunities to make a difference. The idea of doing something that helps people close to home in your own community is an important thing.

Patch: How many hours per week do you volunteer?

Willms: I probably put in a couple hours per week.

Patch: What do you enjoy about raising funds for the YMCA?

Willms: It's a lot of fun to create something that will bring people enjoyment, and you're raising money, as much as you can, to provide scholarships. Any parent in this area who can't afford after-school care can apply for a scholarship, full or partial.

Patch: Why do you think volunteering is important for people who reside in communities like Northdale and Carrollwood?

Willms: It's one of those things that has to be done. I think everybody has the ability to give back in one way or another. I think it's one of our social responsibilities.

For more information on volunteering opportunities at the Bob Sierra Family YMCA, click here.