The Hunt’ s Magic Ingredients
The Art of Keeping Volunteers Engaged
Maureen and Bob Hunt took over the chairmanship of the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest’ s Fourth of July Parade in 1996. Over the past 21 years, they have developed a volunteer base that is second to none. gmhTODAY asked them how they managed to keep such a dedicated group of individuals engaged from year to year. Basically, their formula for success boils down to treating people with respect and never forgetting their value.
The thank you cards that the Hunts send out to their volunteers each year after a successful event reads:“ The reason volunteers aren’ t paid is not because they are worthless, but because they are absolutely, positively, PRICELESS!! Thank you for all you do to ensure that the Morgan Hill Freedom Fest July 4 th Parade is a Huge Success.”
After each event, they host a“ thank you” potluck dinner complete with gift prizes that Maureen and Bob have collected throughout the year. This year it was held at the Senior Center. The above photo is of those who attended the event this year. But the dinner is just the beginning; they don’ t stop there.
Volunteering for the parade is basically a year-round commitment, with various parade committee team meetings held to plan for the coming year, Christmas cards and other communications
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GILROY • MORGAN HILL • SAN MARTIN SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2017 gmhtoday. com