Employee Volunteerism Stories
Practice starts in the dark at 5:30 AM every morning, but when the sun rises, it is worth every minute of lost sleep.
Just before the "catch" and "drive", timing, focus and teamwork come together into the perfect stroke.
- Gregory Hayes
- Business Banker, Centre County
Volunteer Coach for the Penn State University Crew Team
Greg is very passionate about his position as a volunteer coach for the Penn State University Crew Team. "At this point in my life, it is something that I can give. It is something I can do to help others enjoy a sport that I love," Greg comments.
The Penn State University Crew Team is a club rowing program, averaging 80 student athletes who compete in the fall and spring racing seasons against other club and varsity collegiate rowing programs. Ninety-five percent of the funding for the Penn State Crew Club comes from funds raised by the club members. The average crew student athlete raises $1500 per year in order to support coaches' salaries, equipment, travel, and race fees. The coaching staff is one of the most important but costly aspects of a team sport. The team cannot operate without coaches.
As a former rower and president of a collegiate club rowing program, Greg understands the value of a volunteer coach. In tough years, it can mean the difference between getting on the water and not.
"A great philanthropist, Walter Annenberg, once said that 'Services in behalf of others should be in keeping with your own good fortune in life, and that is what it is all about.' I was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn to row, and now I want to help make that opportunity available to others. Offering my time and love for the sport is something I can do to help serve others."
