Joe Judd

(photo – volunteer Joe Judd)

Volunteer Spotlight

A Friend’s Request for Help Opens Door to His Involvement

All it took was a phone call from a friend for him to get involved. Joe Judd is just that kind of guy.

Little did he know that night of volunteering at a special event in 1998 would lead to all kinds of fun and fulfilling opportunities. He’s enjoyed every one of them. For example, take the 1999 Chicago Marathon. Joe participated in the Joints in Motion training program and ran his first marathon in honor of his Aunt Gerri Bersano of Richmond, MO, who has rheumatoid arthritis.

Joe is a huge sports fan. “I like pretty much anything to do with sports,” he shares. Every year, he looks forward to the Chiefs Night event, where he has volunteered for the past five years. “It’s always held the Tuesday after Labor Day, so we’re all usually pretty tired after returning to work from the long weekend. But the excitement and enthusiasm of that event is really energizing. Plus you know that Chiefs season is about to begin!”

You can count on Joe to do whatever it takes to make an event successful. He’s a seasoned volunteer at the annual Jingle Bell Run, helping to set up the facility in preparation for 1,000 walkers and runners, then taking it all down at the event’s conclusion.

At the beginning of this year, Joe sat down with his wife, Chris, and shared his resolution. He told her, “This is the year I’m going to give as much time to the Arthritis Foundation as I am able.”

He joined the Volunteer Advisory Council. He helped with the office move to its new location. And he served on the Arthritis Walk committee, coordinating food and beverages for hundreds of participants. “I learned a lot from my experience. I learned it can take 15 phone calls to secure a donation of bottled water. I also learned 1,000 containers of yogurt will fit in the back of my van,” he shares with a laugh. “It was a lot of work, but working with the other volunteers was so much fun. I’ll definitely do it again.”

It must be clear to others that Joe enjoys his involvement. “At every event, I have people ask how they can volunteer.”

Learn how you can get involved by calling us today at (913) 262-2233.

Western Missouri/Greater Kansas City Chapter

Joe Judd

Volunteer Spotlight