Giving Time

Written By: Deena Bouknight | Issue: December 2023

The National Alliance on Mental Health informs that volunteering can actually improve physical and mental health by reducing stress, boosting happiness, and establishing purpose.

Such is the case with the many who volunteer annually to host a Christmas Dinner at Highlands Country Club. H.A.N.D.S. (Highlands Area Nonprofit Donation Sharing), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, partners with The Rotary Club of Highlands and The Mountaintop Rotary.

Ricky and Helene Siegel have been volunteering from the start. “Our dear friend, Jan Zehr, owner at that time of what was the Main Street Inn, started the dinner with us in 2001,” Ricky says. “Marty Rosenfield along came on in 2002 or 2003 and has been one of the main organizers ever since then. He is also the main chef and menu organizer. The first two years, I washed dishes. After that it was volunteer coordinator, fundraiser, publicity writer – whatever. Day of the event, we all did whatever we needed to do to make the day work, from bussing tables to mopping the kitchen when it was over.”

His wife, Helene, pointed out. “In addition to raising money for community needs since 2001, the Christmas Dinner provides a sense of community for those attending. All attending become one family and come again year after year. Every year, my job at the dinner has been presenting and serving the desserts, which people have loved and are a highlight of the meal.”

Jim Oesterel has been a volunteer since 2012. “I started as a table volunteer. In 2016, I moved over to the beverage station, which is responsible for distributing water, wine, soft drinks, ice tea, etc. I truly enjoy it because all the volunteers pitch in and work hard for the benefit of the guests and those who are the recipients of the net proceeds.”

“I believe it is a wonderful way to bring people together on a very special day to break bread together and celebrate community – people coming together in unity and making things happen!” said Dave O’Harra, who noted that he is looking forward this year to being a first-time volunteer for the Christmas Dinner.

“The original reason I became involved with the Christmas Dinner was that I often was alone on Christmas Day, since my husband is the executive chef at Old Edwards inn and works most holidays,” said Laura Huerta. “It’s always been about the people for me; the volunteers and families that attended the event always made my Christmas Day feel special!”

The Christmas Dinner will be served from 11:30 A.M. until 3:30 P.M. and is by reservation only.