Every April, National Volunteer Month reminds us of our core value… stewardship!
Volunteering is an intentional act that fosters deeper relationships and has a lasting impact on those we serve. We are committed to giving our time, talent, and treasure for the greater good.
We spoke with a few of our staff members and advisors who have received a grant from our Hands and Feet organization. Their stories highlight the organizations they support and the impact of stewardship in action.
“The Pelora Group’s core value of stewardship motivates me to get involved and find a space I can give back my time.”
Through the organization Heart Math Tutoring, Will Koster provides one-on-one help 30 minutes each week to two elementary students.
“When they see me in the hall, they light up with a smile and occasionally run up and give you a hug, and that makes your day.”
Will recognizes how impactful in-person, hands-on assistance is when it comes to developing math as a skill, and he enjoys working with the students to make math fun.
“Stewardship is part of [my] whole being and I feel very supported in being able to do things outside my scope of work, as long as it is advancing the community I serve.”
Amy Macari supports ZABS Place, a thrift boutique in Matthews, with a mission to train young adults with special needs to harness their talents and transition to rewarding careers, recognizing their dreams of leading meaningful lives.
“They have joy for life. I am reminded to provide the world with the gifts God gave me because that’s what they want to do as well.”
Amy served on the ZABS Place board of directors for a year. She realizes how important it is create a space for these young adults to interact and feel loved. They each have a unique talent and great ability to share with the world.
“I was raised in a family that was always very pro philanthropy, very pro giving back, get involved in your church, your local community. I see the Hands and Feet grant as a way to raise additional funds for an organization I am passionate about.”
Alexander Nolan serves on the board of directors for Queen City Art, the oldest art nonprofit in Charlotte. Queen City Art gives up and coming artists a space where they can exhibit their work in a gallery setting and network at monthly viewings.
“Learning about the artists, their background and how they got inspired to do whatever type of art they’re doing has been the most interesting part. They all have a story.”
Alex grew up around an organization similar to Queen City Art, having a grandparent who was very involved in the arts in Chicago. Alex believes it is about being present and showing the members that you care.
“Knowing that I work with a firm that cares about what their advisors are involved in and gives them resources to help follow through with support is impactful to me.”
Bret Alexander served on the Union County Education Foundation (UCEF) board of directors for 6 years, holding the title of board chair for 3 of those years. UCEF, based in Monroe, gathers community and business support to benefit students and staff of Union County schools.
“Supporting teachers and local schools is important, [as well as] educating the community on what we do and how important it is.”
During Bret’s time with UCEF, he enjoyed assisting with LIFT (Leadership and Innovation Funding for Teachers) grants, which are provided to teachers to help with innovative projects and programs.
“The Pelora Group gives me an opportunity to lead with that [stewardship]. I don’t have to hold back my convictions of wanting to be a servant leader. They give you a platform with a bigger microphone to do those things.”
James Dean volunteers at the local, state, and national level. Locally, he partnered with the Guilford County School system, bringing together community leaders and business owners for a STEM Fest. Statewide, James served on the 2023 North Carolina Leadership Cohort. His cohort focused on increasing public safety across the state. On the national level, James is an ambassador with Finseca and travels to D.C., educating others on the greater good of their profession.
“One kind act connects to another kind act that connects to another kind act. That’s always given me the conviction to go out there… making sure I’m a servant leader and making the community better as well.”
James is passionate about taking care of the communities around him. It is essential to have effective communication, so others are aware of opportunities to serve, volunteer, or partner in their community.
“I think it [valuing stewardship] allows us to go above and beyond what we’re already doing. To know that as an organization, we’re not just about finances, we’re about families and mental and physical well-being for everybody.”
Matt Pawlowski supports the Lucky Fin Project and KinderMourn Organization. The Lucky Fin Project creates awareness and community for children born with a limb difference. “For us, having a son with a limb difference, we felt it was important to not only have him acclimate to the community, but also too, for us to learn more about it.”
KinderMourn provides hope through support and counseling programs to family members who have lost a child, sibling or relative. “They’ve done such an amazing job with helping families navigate it… the work they do for families is massive.”
These two organizations are significant in generating awareness and creating community for people experiencing similar things. “Sometimes you feel like you’re the only one going through things. To know there’s other people who have been through it and are on the other side of it to help you through and navigate it is powerful.”
“The [Hands and Feet] grant is the biggest support. The organization was grateful, and I’m grateful.”
David Cove has been serving on the board of directors for Triangle Disability and Autism Services for almost a year. Triangle Disability and Autism Services work with individuals who have special needs, providing a variety of day programs, guardianship services, and daily activities.
“I learned a lot by being a parent of a special needs child. This is a group of people that need advocates looking out over them.”
As a team member at The Special Needs Plan, David equips families, individuals and caretakers with resources in an area that is complex. “These families need so much help and have a lot on their hands.”
