She's a dynamo volunteer and fundraiser who says she doesn't like talking about herself and would rather chat about family and friends or share stories of children whose experiences with the arts have changed the trajectory of their lives.
That gives you a glimpse of Susan Gelman, whom National Philanthropy Day is honoring this year as outstanding fundraising volunteer.
With her huge heart, Gelman is fierce advocate who's passionate about bringing arts programs to children, and there seems to be no stopping her. After decades of volunteering, she recognizes the impact of providing children with live arts experiences that can be life changing, and she has many success stories to prove it.
Seen as extremely generous with her time, talent and resources,
Gelman is very much a take-charge person when she sees the need for it. She takes responsibility to get things done and does it with passion, dedication and a positive can-do attitude. Its those very traits that inspire others to come along side her to make awesomeness happen.
Her lifelong dedication to children began at age 9 thanks to a fundraiser inspired by her mother's involvement with the March of Dimes March for Polio. Gelman herself went door to door for the organization. Later she was a hospital candy striper, which also contributed to her enjoying and wanting to help others. She also credits her parents for instilling this in her at a young age.
At 16, she saw "La Bohème" at the Met, and that experience changed everything, giving her an immense love for the arts. Later, as an adult, she become a national champion for arts education in St. Louis, where not only did she serve on six nonprofit boards for the arts but she led youth music and programs that brought mentoring musicians into schools and empowered students to write and perform their own original operas.
Since relocating to the desert 13 years ago, Gelman has continued her mission through the McCallum Theatre and Desert Symphony, helping to provide live performances, scholarships and instruments to Coachella Valley students.
When Desert Symphony hit an unexpected situation in the past, Gelman stepped right in, took over and created tremendous success. With the McCallum Theatre Muses & Patroness Circle, she enthusiastically participates annually in every way, from writing a check to joining committees and inspiring others to join and give. Also, her passion and enthusiasm has brought many new members to the Muses, and their engagement and participation in various programs have led many of them to become major donors to the theater. You can hear the joy in her voice when she speaks of working with school children through the MCallum Theatre's education department. When children get that first chance through the various workshops, it makes all the difference for them moving forward.
Aside from devoting time to the McCallum and Desert Symphony, she also supports The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Hidden Harvest, The Joslyn Center, Variety Children's Charity of the Desert, Loving All Animals, DAP Health and Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild.
With her leadership, she has taken on unexpected situations and handled them with calm resolve and success. She is comfortable to lead by chairing events and committees as well as serving in the background getting things done. Her friends know that if they ask her to support nonprofit organizations they believe in, she will be willing to give of her time, talent and treasure.
Truly, Gelman has inspired so many because she serves as a model of volunteerism and philanthropy.
Gelman says she will continue to volunteer in various capacities, wherever she and her husband reside, because these organizations need help and they continue to touch her heart. Feeling very blessed in her life, Gelman says about helping others: "It's the right thing to do."
As for inviting other people to volunteer, Gelman says: "Jump in, give back! Joy of giving back is the joy of life."
The 20th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards will be presented Nov. 6 at 11:30 a.m. at Agua Caliente in Rancho Mirage. For more information, visit afpcadesert.org or contact NPD co-chair Kristin Bloomer at 617-429-6070 or kristinbloomer@gmail.com.
Eva Guenther-James currently serves as board secretary for AFP CA, Desert Communities Chapter and is an NPD Awards Committee member, as well as serving on two other local boards. She worked more than 25 years in the local nonprofit sector and eight years in city government.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: National Philanthropy Day to honor outstanding fundraising volunteer
