Congratulations to our November volunteer of the Month, Tarah Stewart! Gwendolyn has volunteered with Atlanta Track Club since 2009. She started volunteering with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race when she realized she needed something else to do when her youngest daughter was graduating from High School. Gwendolyn volunteers at least eight times per year with us and is a crew chief at three events per year. Outside of Atlanta Track Club, she volunteers at Garments of Grace Clothing Ministry 40 Saturdays a year. Additionally, she volunteers for events with Chic-fil-a Peach Boal and CHASE (Citizens for a Healthy & Safe Environment). Thank you for everything you do for your community, Gwendolyn!
1.Do you remember your first time volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? If so, what event was it and what brought you back again?
My first event was the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race. I was afraid to run it so I figured I would volunteer. I needed something else to do because my last child was graduating from High School. I was very much involved with the high school at one point, MLK PTSA, Treasurer, MLK Lady Lion Basketball team booster club, Principal's task force, a band, football and soccer parent. Oh boy, these days are about to end so I switched gears and started volunteering.
2.What is your favorite Atlanta Track Club event? Why?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Peachtree Road Race was my favorite at one point because I could get my daughter to volunteer with me. And my favorite task was the Human Chain. All of the runners would pass through this zone.
3. What is your favorite thing about volunteering with Atlanta Track Club? What brings you back?
I enjoy meeting the people, the volunteers on your team and the runners/walkers. The cheers and the thank you for being there. The runners really appreciate the volunteers. You know you could be anywhere on those days but I mark my calendar with the events that I'm going to do. And it is exciting.
4.Do you have a favorite volunteer assignment? If so, explain.
I like Mile 10 of the Invesco QQQ Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon.
5. What do you do for a living? Do you work? Are you retired? Professional volunteer?
I am the Campus Life Coordinator at The Salvation Army Evangeline Booth College.
6. Do you have any advice or words of wisdom for any new Atlanta Track Club volunteers?
Volunteering is done from the heart. If you love it, you will come back again and again.
7. Tell us something interesting about yourself - an interesting fact or story that will help us get to know you...
I love watching cartoons and cutting lawns. Once grass cutting season is in you will find me on my zero turn lawn mower cutting grass.
"Volunteer of the Month" began in March of 2015 with the launch of our new website as a way to honor and recognize our amazing Atlanta Track Club volunteers who go above and beyond the call of duty. Congratulations to our Volunteers of the Month and thank you for all that you do!