Volunteer

Chapter Leadership

The Arthritis Foundation is the only national, voluntary health agency seeking the causes, cures, preventions and treatments for the more than 100 forms of arthritis. The Foundation has 150 chapters and service points nationwide to provide community-based programs and to raise funds. The Arthritis Foundation is a volunteer-driven organization with program, research, budget and policy decisions made by volunteer committees. Click to see a listing of our chapter's volunteer leadership.

Volunteer Spotlight

Chicago Volunteer Extraordinaires--Bob & Bonnie Starzyk

Bob and Bonnie Starzyk have been involved with the Arthritis Foundation since 2003. In April of that year, Bob, a sweeper driver for Waste Management, began to wake up in tremendous pain. After numerous trips to doctors he was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.

Living with the pain of arthritis, Bob became passionate about wanting to do something to raise the much needed funds for a cure. His wife Bonnie, a nurse, and family and friends showed their support of Bob's newfound desire.

Bob turned his hobby and love of classic cars into an annual fundraiser to benefit the Arthritis Foundation. The Classic Car Event is held the first Sunday of each August in Burr Ridge. Bob owns a beautiful old Buick in pristine condition. It only comes out the day of the car event, that is, if there is no rain.

To promote the car show, Bob and Bonnie attend other car shows, talk to participants and passing out flyers. As they promote their fundraiser to other car enthusiasts, they educate the public about rheumatoid arthritis, and raise the profile of the Arthritis Foundation.
Over the last four years the Starzyck's have raised more than $8,000. They are dedicated to the Arthritis Foundation and raising awareness until we have a cure. Volunteers truly do make a difference. Bravo to Bob and Bonnie, we are glad to have you on our team! If you are interested in getting involved with the Arthritis Foundation, and putting your own personal spin on the type of service you want to give, call (312) 372-2080.

Northwestern Ohio Volunteer Extraordinaire--Cindy Binkley

"I think that the Arthritis Foundation has a lot to offer in terms of programs and education and would love to find an avenue to make all of these more assessable to those with arthritis." says Cindy. Both her professional life, as the administrator of Central Park West Rehab, and her life as a volunteer are pointed in the direction of helping those with arthritis.
In the picture of Cindy, you can see pictures of her two daughters. When asked to tell about her hobbies, Cindy laughingly said, "Hanging out with my family," which includes her husband Brad.

Cindy served in the 180th Air National Guard from June 1982 until October 2002. She is currently the secretary for the Ohio Kinesiotherapy Association and has been the legislative chair for that organization for the last 7 years.

Cindy became involved with the Arthritis Foundation in 1989 when she became certified as an Aquatics and Self-Help Leader in order to offer more opportunities for the patients at CPW Rehab. She was asked to serve on the Health Promotions Committee, a position she has chaired since 2000. As a result of her passion for excellence, Cindy was asked to serve on the Board of Directors of the NW Ohio Arthritis Foundation in 2001. She says her favorite part of volunteering is being able "to meet and work with the other volunteers" and seeing "the benefits that those with arthritis obtain through the different exercise and educational programs."

Cindy Binkley, we salute you and thank you!

The Greater Chicago Chapter needs volunteers in the areas listed below. You may indicate interest in more than one area. For more information call the chapter office (312) 372-2080 or (800) 735-0096 or contact us via email.

Health Fairs

Represent the Arthritis Foundation at community health fairs throughout the city. At health fairs you will meet people, answer basic arthritis questions and distribute literature. To volunteer contact Tarisha Washington at (312) 372-2080 x 14.

Support Groups and Self-Help Courses

People with arthritis who like helping others are needed to lead our monthly groups and self-management programs. Leaders must have a positive attitude and good organizational skills. We provide the training to become a support group leader or leader of the six-week arthritis self-help course. For more information contact Tarisha Washington at (312) 372-2080 x 14.

Arthritis Education Program for Children

Get involved in educating our youth, either 3rd-6th grade or high school students at any school at your convenience! An informal training will be offered at the chapter's office in order to familiarize you with the curriculum that takes about an hour and a half to teach. Topics cover issues such as arthritis education, disability awareness, health education, and character education. If you are interested in becoming trained as a volunteer for this project, please email or call Tarisha Washington at (312) 372-2080 x 14.

Special Events

Join a planning committee or just come out and help day-of. Events that need volunteers include:

The Arthritis Walk

Black Tie Gala and Celebrity Golf Event

Joints in Motion and Jingle Bell Run

Have fun while you help raise funds to support programs and fund research!

Speakers Bureau

Do you enjoy public speaking and would like to improve your skills? If so, join our Speakers Bureau and help us educate the community about arthritis. Our one-day training will provide you with outlines to follow and ways to improve your presentation technique. Contact Marge Marcus at (312) 372-2080 x 16 for information on upcoming speaker training dates.

Awareness Project

Here's an easy way to get involved! Help us raise awareness about arthritis and the Arthritis Foundation by distributing informational flyers to your local businesses, houses of worship, gyms, doctors' offices, laundromats, etc. To be emailed a new flyer every other month, please contact Sharon at the Arthritis Foundation at (312)372-2080 x30 or statom@arthritis.org.

Office Volunteers

You would have regular office schedule and hours. Office tasks include stuffing envelopes, managing major mailing projects and labeling literature. Contact Jeff Stout to become a regular office volunteer at (312) 372-2080 x 25.

Northwestern Ohio area volunteer needs

Join a committee or work the day of the event. Jobs range from stuffing "Goodie Bags" to handling registration and selling T-shirts:

Red Wing Alumni Hockey (March)

Arthritis Walk (May)

Arthritis Expo (May)

Camp Busy Bee (August)

Dinner/Gala (August)

Doc Watsons Golf Outing (September)

Jingle Bell Run (December)

Joints in Motion (October and December)

Call Cherie Chatreau-Grifo at (800) 735-0096 to learn more about volunteer opportunities in NW Ohio.