Minnesota consistently ranks as one of the best states for volunteering. Each year, thousands of Minnesotans give their time, money and talents to various nonprofits across the state. To celebrate that legacy and its 100^th anniversary, the nonprofit HandsOn Twin Cities has come out with the book 100 Years of Volunteers. The book celebrates the stories of 100 volunteers and the impact they have had on the communities and organizations they serve.

Two associates from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota are featured in the book – Andrea Gates, senior business systems consultant, and Thomas Noon, principal financial analyst and chair of Blue Cross’ African American Professionals Network (AAPN), associate resource group.

Both have been active in several nonprofits throughout the Twin Cities and bring a strong sense of volunteering and community connection to their work every day. We spoke with Andrea and Tom about their volunteer efforts and being featured in this new book.

Blue Cross honors our associates Andrea Gates and Tom Noon, who are featured in the new book 100 Years of Volunteers.

 

Andrea Gates – “We all have something to share and give through volunteerism”

One of Andrea’s earliest volunteer experiences happened when she was 18 years old. She and her volleyball teammates worked with young athletes through the Prior Lake Athletic Youth Program (PLAY).

“I recall how the little girls were in awe of me, like a superhero,” she says. “But the joy of seeing them accomplish new skills brought me immense joy and satisfaction. I loved feeling needed and appreciated for something I could do.”

These days, Andrea dedicates her time and talents to an impressive list of organizations.

Special Olympics Minnesota: Through Special Olympics, Andrea volunteers as both a softball coach and a track and field coach. She also is a co-coordinator for Blue Cross’ Polar Plunge team.

Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly: Andrea works with the program director of Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly to coordinate volunteers from Blue Cross to spend time with local seniors to help relieve loneliness and isolation.

Twin Cities Dragon Festival: Andrea has also been a long-time volunteer and board member for the Dragon Festival, held each summer at St. Paul’s Phalen Park.

West Point Parents Club of Minnesota: To support West Point Parents Club of Minnesota, Andrea has organized “boodle” packing events at Blue Cross to send boodles (packages of candy, sweets, and other goodies) to military personnel.

Andrea says volunteering has allowed her to learn more about the communities Blue Cross serves on both a cultural and generational level. She also encourages her team members to join her in these activities.

“I find the feeling of accomplishment and success doesn’t have to be based on my job title or salary, but by how my work impacts people’s lives through my volunteerism,” she says.

Andrea says she appreciates Blue Cross’ spirit of volunteerism by allowing associates to use up to 40 hours of volunteer paid time off (VPTO) in 2020 to volunteer during work hours and to find organizations to support that align with their interests.

Andrea says she’s honored and grateful to be recognized by HandsOn Twin Cities in 100 Years of Volunteers.

“I still don’t feel I am deserving of such an incredible recognition as I know there are so many more people who volunteer so much more than I do and they may never get this kind of recognition,” she says.

Her advice to others when it comes to giving back: “Find what makes you happy in giving as we touch someone’s lives every time we volunteer.”

Tom Noon – “People can make a difference in their community if they are willing to give their time and energy.”

Growing up in Colorado, Tom Noon and his family would often volunteer at their local church. They would spend several hours on a Saturday preparing boxes of non-perishable food for families in need. To his mom, it was a way to pay it forward to the church.

“Just a few years prior, we were one of those families relying on those food boxes, so my mom always felt it was a way to give back to something that helped her along the way,” he says. “At the end of those days of volunteering, I was always so happy helping those families that weren’t sure where their next meal was going to come from.”

Tom (pictured volunteering with fellow Blue Cross Carolyn Link at a recent event) now focuses much of his volunteering energy on an organization called Reading Partners. He works with students as a reading tutor at Maxfield Elementary School in St. Paul and serves as a liaison for a sponsorship/volunteer program that Blue Cross has with the nonprofit. More than 20 Blue Cross associates actively volunteered through Reading Partners during the 2019-2020 school year.

“I love being involved in helping our young scholars get the foundational learning tools they need to do well in school and in life,” Tom says. “Reading is so critical to the success of our young people and is the building block. I also enjoy being a positive role model in a young person’s life and take great pride in being an example to them.”

Tom says he also participates in volunteer opportunities through Blue Cross as often as possible to share in the volunteer experience with fellow associates.

“Blue Cross does a great job supporting associates through volunteer PTO, volunteer appreciation events and other recognition, and by having a department that specifically communicates and calls attention to volunteerism and various opportunities available,” he says.

Tom says he’s humbled and appreciative to be featured in 100 Years of Volunteers. “While I feel there are others that do far more than I do, hopefully someone will see my story and be inspired to want to volunteer and do for their community as well,” he says.

HandsOn Twin Cities will host a virtual book launch party on Facebook on July 23 at 4 p.m. Click here to learn more about 100 Years of Volunteers.