Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Dan & Sarah Tarabori

When people think about volunteering at LPCS, they most often picture helping out in the kitchen making a meal, teaching a class to guests, or even answering phones at the front desk. Beyond these hands-on opportunities, LPCS has several committees made up of volunteers who do everything from help with marketing to planning fundraising events such as A Taste of Fall and the Metamorphosis Party. Dan and Sarah Tarabori are two such volunteers.

Sarah, until very recently known as Sarah Goalstone, began volunteering at LPCS in 2006 teaching financial literacy, time management, and conflict resolution classes to guests. She found LPCS online while looking for volunteer opportunities and “really connected with the mission and idea of getting people back on their feet and into their community again.” In 2008, Sarah joined the planning committee for the first Metamorphosis Party and has continued to be an integral part of planning this event every year since then.

One of her most memorable experiences while volunteering at LPCS occurred after teaching a class one night. “After a class discussion a couple of gentlemen came up and told me this was very meaningful for them. It meant so much to have been a part of an evening that changed peoples’ thinking.”

One of the things that she likes best about volunteering with LPCS is “knowing that the guests are part of my community and that we are in it together to get them back to a place where they feel confident and accomplished.”

Dan decided to get involved in LPCS after he and Sarah attended a fundraiser in 2007, where he learned about the organization and its mission. At that point, he decided to get involved with planning similar events, so along with Sarah, joined the inaugural A Taste of Fall planning committee in 2008.

When asked what he likes best about volunteering at LPCS, Dan responded: “I strongly believe in the mission of the shelter. Knowing that my efforts support that mission makes volunteering easy. It doesn’t hurt that there is plenty of good food, drink, and socializing to be had at the spring and fall events.” And Dan sure does love his events! His favorite LPCS memory—winning his first ever silent auction item at the Metamorphosis Party in 2009.

Both Dan and Sarah have spent countless hours each year since 2008 helping to make sure that both A Taste of Fall and the Metamorphosis Party are huge successes. In 2010, Sarah received the Vision Award at our annual appreciation event, in recognition of all of the work she has done “behind the scenes” on these events. Despite being in the middle of planning their October wedding, both were eager to help on this past fall’s event which raised over $16,000 thanks to their help! Congrats to Dan and Sarah on their marriage, and thanks for all that they do!