For volunteer Bonnie Newman (front row, center), retirement signified not the end of a career, but rather the beginning of a passion.
Bonnie was introduced to the Coalition through her job at Orlando International Airport, less than one year before she retired. While perusing art receptions as inspiration for a new airport display, the Art By Coalition Children's (ABCs) exhibit at Orlando City Hall left a lasting impact. Shortly thereafter, Bonnie arranged for the first-ever ABCs showcase at the airport.
"It was like cupid shot me right through the heart," Bonnie reminisces. "I just thought, 'I love this, this is great, how do I get involved?'" That was Fall 2004.
Nearly three years later, Bonnie is the lead volunteer for the ABCs program, helping to bring in professional artists from the community to teach a four-to-eight week class to homeless children.
Bonnie's dedication to the program extends well beyond most volunteer expectations. She never misses a weekly art class, holds "make-up" classes for absent children, rewards them with completion certificates, and often puts together portfolios of each student's work at the end of a class.
In addition to her devotion to the kids, Bonnie attends monthly committee meetings; represents ABCs at Coalition fundraisers, never missing an opportunity to advocate the program; and even created her own ABCs volunteer business cards in an effort to recruit artists and potential volunteers. She unselfishly used her contacts in the art world to help advance a former client who taught an Acrylics class.
Bonnie is a great role model for the children and other volunteers. She gets to know each one of her art students personally and takes pride in their growth and success. Her commitment, energy and empathy for the children make Bonnie stand out above the rest.
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