I have the best job n the world. I get to introduce folks to one of the greatest places to live. Many of my clients are fortunate to be able to purchase a second home as weekenders. Others are urban pioneers who contribute to the community by restoring one of our aging dowagers. I also have the privilege of helping irst-time home buyers realize their dream of homeownership. Another important job (one I don’t take lightly) is helping the little ones pick out their new bedrooms. I deal with young folks, senior citizens and those in between. People of diferent races, sexual orientation and political persuasions, and I learn from all of them. I have a blast and thank my lucky stars every day.

One reason this job makes me so happy is the spirit of Galveston and the people it attracts. For example, the amount of volunteers and their commitment to our community is amazing. his weekend alone the Galveston Historical Foundation Homes Tour had over 900 volunteers, not counting the gracious homeowners who opened their homes to strangers looking to peek inside Galveston’s past. Ed Fest has community and GISD volunteers ready to showcase the Leaders in Education. Over on Bolivar the 30th anniversary Crab Fest is a huge community undertaking! I’ve been to them all and have met many amazing people through volunteering.

volunteer opportunities in galvestonOpportunities abound to make a difference. Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Ronald McDonald House, Children Advocates and Scouting to name a few. Short on time? Being a mentor is only an hour a week and the diference you make is invaluable in a child’s life.

The city of Galveston is fortunate to have a large number of citizens who are willing to volunteer their time, energy and expertise to serve the community as members of our various boards and committees. hey are always looking for new volunteers, visit www.cityofgalveston. org for more info. Did you know one of our volunteer organizations, Clean Galveston, is an organization that manages the Adopt-ABeach cleanup? his all-volunteer efort’s goal is to rid Texas beaches of litter. So far, more than 476,000 volunteers have removed 9,000 tons of trash making it one of the most successful volunteer eforts in the nation. Clean Galveston also sponsors the backyard garden tour coming up June 6 and 7, another great event extolling the great foliage and green thumbs of our neighbors made possible by volunteers.

Volunteering is a great way to meet people and also a way to make a community stronger. My job is made much more enjoyable by being able to provide opportunities for my clients to jump right into the community. I would need a year of columns to mention the volunteers of all the charity balls, service organizations, the UTMB President Cabinet, Junior League programs and annual festivals that raise money for so many outstanding organizations. Another great reason that those of us lucky enough to live by the sea are lucky enough.