My Backstage Pass to Giving
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“Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for a few hours.” - Elton John
Even though I am not a musician, I’ve been around music all my life.
My grandmother and great aunt sang on the radio as The Clay Sisters. My brother performs as Jim Morrison in "The Dirty Doors, A Tribute", and my boys’ father was the lead singer in a popular Raleigh, North Carolina band, called “The Long Stem Daisies”.
In 1991, I went to my first Grateful Dead show at Madison Square Garden. My intention was to hang out in the parking lot because my boyfriend at the time had a ticket and I didn’t. But the adventure of going with him would be fun.
As I strolled around the parking lot, striking up conversations, I found myself getting a “miracle ticket” — a Deadhead term for last-minute, cheap or free entry to a sold-out show — for $20. The show and the scene were euphoric. Everyone was so joyous, free without a care in the world. That same year I attended my first music festival, Lollapalooza. From that point on, I was hooked!
The more I attended these live events the more I paid attention to my spirit, attitude, and mental health after the fact.
The music washed over me like a much-needed bubble bath. I would always meet the most amazing people who just had a sparkle and energy that exuded friendship and goodwill towards all. The sense of community was alive and well. I would go back to school and work rejuvenated and ready to take on the world. From this moment I knew this was my calling somehow.
In 2004, four years into my Cisco journey, I moved to Pittsboro, North Carolina. That same year, I was elated to learn of a new music festival practically in my backyard. I took my young boys to the first Shakori Hills Grassroots Festival in the fall, which turned out to be a huge success.
There was something for everyone — not just great music but crafts for the kids, and workshops. I had a great time and so did the boys. As they got older, they had more freedom to run around, explore, and make new friends. I never worried and always felt they were safe and among family. We all looked out for each other.
When Cisco started providing Time2Give hours, I wanted to use them in a way that spoke to me and allowed my strengths to help others. When I saw how music festivals can help rejuvenate from the stresses of life and nourish the soul, I knew I had to make this my mission. I echo the mission of Shakori Hills, to “provide diverse, culturally significant arts, music and sustainability education and inclusive outreach to our local community and schools.”
By now, I’ve been with Cisco for 24 years, predominately in a customer-facing program manager capacity. My strengths and passion lie in relationship building and being curious.
I treat my volunteer role like I treat my own Cisco role, with my teams and customers: Serious yet having fun doing it. I built great relationships with staff and even performers and become someone they can count on.
I have used my project/program management skills at Shakori Hills in the hospitality kitchen to create templates and a project plan for more efficiency in getting the meals to the staff and artists, while managing any dietary restrictions.
My passion and drive for giving back at Shakori caught the attention of the organizers, leading to an invite to volunteer in the hospitality kitchen at the parent festival in Trumansburg, New York.
Earlier this year, I had a goal to volunteer at Merlefest, also in hospitality. The opportunity was another magical experience. My heart swells and smiles knowing I am contributing to a source of natural therapy for others.
The program guidelines say, "Time2Give is your personal benefit, and you may volunteer at any nonprofit, school, or faith-based organization of your choice." All three of these festivals are nonprofits. I am thrilled that Cisco allows me time to give back in a way that is so near and dear to my heart.
I encourage everyone to take advantage of this benefit and give back in a way most meaningful to you.
If you are interested in learning more about any of the festivals mentioned, visit Shakori Hills, Grassroots Festival, and Merlefest’s websites for more information.
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