Kelly Godbout
What makes a Stellar Volunteer? Passion! Talk to Kelly Godbout about the Tyler Foundation and her passion for the children and the mission comes through loud and clear. “Kelly is pure energy! She is exactly what you need in a volunteer. She completely understands and embraces our mission, goals and programs and is proud to tell the world! This also comes in very handy when looking for sponsor donations,” noted Kim Forsythe. You hear Kelly’s passion when she talks about being so involved and committed, “I just think the programs they provide for these children…it breaks my heart that these children can’t go home during the day…like kids in other countries might…but the programs, like having parties and books for the kids to read, don’t cost a whole lot of money, but at the end of the day, make a tremendous impact.”
Kelly, who grew up in southern California, finds the most rewarding part of her connection to the Tyler Foundation, in knowing that “…the money that’s raised isn’t going to high administrative costs…,” but rather, “…it goes directly to the programs, the kids and their families making their lives a little easier. Funds raised go right to the source…to the National Center for Childhood Development to make the kids happy while they’re there.”
Kelly has lived in Tokyo with husband Jim, their son Michael and daughter Megan who are in 7th and 3rd grades respectively, and their rescued Golden Retriever since 1998. Kelly met Kim and Mark Ferris many years ago through a neighbor, before Kim was even pregnant with Tyler! “My neighbor Neta, who’s known Kim for 20 years , had a barbecue and invited Mark and Kim. We got to know each other through once-a-month Sunday night barbecues! Kelly, a marketing major from San Diego State, has loads of volunteer fundraising experience through working with her children’s school events. It was no surprise that Kelly jumped right in and helped with that first event – the Sports Extravaganza! She organized and ran the live and silent auction – hospitality – she did a little of everything! Kelly reported that it was “Tons of work, but so fun and successful! Kelly recalled Kim’s speech at that first event, “She had this amazing passion to her speech. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place. You knew why you were there.”
The Tyler Foundation is lucky to have Kelly’s volunteer time, but we share her with another of her passions – Girl Scouts! Kelly says she “really believes in girls working with girls on girl projects. Her troop is going to be doing a “Girls Walk for Girls” which will raise money to send adolescent girls to school in countries like Cambodia where they often are unable to attend and end up on the streets.” Last year they supported the U.N. campaign, “Nothing but Nets” campaign that provides treated mosquito netting and education on its use to families.
When you talk with Kelly you find that programs like “Nothing but Nets” and the Tyler Foundation fits well with her charitable perspective – working passionately for things she wholeheartedly believes in. According to Kim, “Kelly has no qualms about going up to someone and saying, ‘Hey we've got this great organization here - support us!’ And believe me, it's pretty hard to say ‘No’ to Kelly!” Kelly encourages all to be involved because “Financially you know where you’re money is going. You truly know your money is being spent with the utmost responsibility possible. In terms of volunteering – you’re bettering the lives of children. Working with the Tyler Foundation you are supporting something that is truly, truly giving back to the kids.” Kim said, “We really wouldn't have come this far without Kelly!” She continues to be there for the Tyler Foundation for the major fundraising event each fall and will be handling hospitality – seating, registration, invitations, etc. again this year for the October 2nd event (mark your calendars!) So look for our Stellar Volunteer – Kelly Godbout when you arrive!