The Jack of All Trades, Geoff Cutler
Congratulations to Geoff Cutler, our November 2012 Volunteer of the
Month!
Geoff is originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania and is a part of his
family’s business, Race-West Company which distributed potatoes and onions
nationwide. He moved to New York City in 2008 and enjoys playing basketball and
volunteering during his free time.
Geoff first heard about Met Council through his friend, Stefanie
Greenberg who is the manager of our volunteer department. When he went looking
for community service opportunities, he knew just who to turn to and the rest
is history.
He began his volunteering experience at Met Council at the Sunday
Senior Lunch Program. After demonstrating leadership and devotion, he was
nominated to become a Volunteer Leader for the program. Ever since becoming a
leader, he has engaged countless volunteers and built lasting relationships
with Met Council’s low-income seniors.
His time at the Senior Lunch Program has become much more than
volunteering. Speaking of his experience, he said, “The most rewarding part of
volunteering for me is to see the smiles on the faces of the elderly we are
helping. Although it is a small three hour lunch program, once a week, I feel
that the program allows for the residents to socialize with each other,
socialize with the volunteers, and be reminded of what it means to be part of a
community. For residents It can be stressful to live alone and fend for
themselves. This program allows the residents to see that the Met Council is
there for them and that people care about their well being. “
He is an exemplary
leader and has stepped up on several occasions. During our Hurricane Sandy
relief efforts, he answered our last minute call for volunteers to head out to
Seagate Brooklyn. Geoff has also led the Senior Lunch Program on short notice
after cancellations of other leaders. Because of this, we were able to hold the
program as usual without cancellation and denying the seniors a much needed hot
meal.
For Geoff, it is
“important to give back to others that are less fortunate. I am very grateful
for everything in my life and I feel that giving back is a great way to show
it.” He continues to demonstrate his commitment to Met Council’s mission to
fight poverty. Even though he leads the Senior Lunch Program several times a
month amongst other volunteering and work commitments, he plans on also getting
involved with our new program, “Just the Boys” to mentor at-risk youth.
