Volunteer Activity Photos and Member Reviews:
Click to enlarge photos!
Click on "Your Privacy" above for a note on membership privacy.
A. Photo Galleries:
National Park Service volunteer activity along with photos
from BCV's Fundraiser VoluPalooza at Whole Foods Market P Street, and the
Capital Pride Hero Reception & Parade Ride. Click the photo (and then
click "slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
70 BCV members volunteered as Balloon
Wranglers for the 2006 National Cherry Blossom Parade, where we were responsible
for handling 4 huge parade balloons: "Fortune", the Panda, and 3 Giant
Easter Eggs. Click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
BCV Holiday Party 2005, Halloween Costume Party, and Social @
Halo, along with photos of BCV members baking Holiday cookies at Green Door.
Click the photo
(and then click "slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
German American Friendship Garden of National Park Service &
the 3rd Annual BCV VoluPalooza Fundraiser at Whole Foods Market.
Click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
60 BCV members volunteered as Balloon Wranglers for the 2005
National Cherry Blossom Parade, where we were responsible for handling 2 huge
parade balloons: Arthur & Bob the Builder. This Gallery includes
recent photos of us volunteering at Lost Dog Pet Adoption in Falls Church, where
we helped dogs find a new home! Click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
Photos from VoluPalooza at Whole Foods Market P Street Store,
Capital Pride, New Volunteer Picnic, Mautner Project Gala, the BCV Board
meeting, Volunteering at Food & Friends, and the BCV Halloween Happy Hour at
Halo: click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
Photos from the BCV volunteer activity at the 2004
National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade taken by John Tease, Mark Mastalerz,
Phil Mackall, and Eric Cohen: click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
Photos from Holiday Events, 2003: BCV Holiday Social,
Clear OUT Your Closets Thanksgiving Dinner & Clothing Drive, BCV at DC Central
Kitchen on Christmas, BCV at the Mayor's Holiday Party & Toy Drive for
Children: click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
Photos from our October 2003 BCV Children's Art Book Drive
Social at Logan Tavern with NBC4's Wendy Rieger: click the photo (and then click
"slideshow" in the upper-left-hand corner).
Photos from BCV Second Anniversary Celebration at Mimi's
American Bistro: click here
or the photo.
Photos from the BCV volunteer activity at National Cherry
Blossom Festival Parade taken by BCV members Phil Mackall, John Tease, Ken Brown,
and Jon-Paul Rippetoe: click
here or the photo.
VoluPalooza 2003: BCV BBQ Fundraiser at Whole Foods
Market, 1440 P Street, NW: Click
here or the photo.
B. Member Reviews and Individual Photos:
Actor's Theater of Washington:
"After Dark"
MEMBER REVIEW: "We were generously requested to stay to watch the
performance and to help out if needed at intermission. The people were friendly
and the performance and show were well done."
MEMBER REVIEW: "It was really simple. In fact, I felt kind of guilty for
taking the free ticket. The artistic director was very
appreciative for our being there. There were about 45 people there--full
house. Fun show, too."
American Red Cross:
MEMBER REVIEW: "This turned out to be a lovely experience. Sorting the
letters was interesting and the Red Cross folks were really nice. Thanks for
getting us involved."
Capital Pride:
 BCV
members working at the Capital Pride/BCV informational booth (including the BCV
Banner donated by BCV member Mike Larson of 202Design; shirtless men in the
background not included). BCV members also volunteered for the GLAAD booth,
Mautner Project booth, and as Parade Marshals.
DC AIDS Ride Closing Ceremonies:
Some of the 18 BCV members who volunteered in shifts from 7am to 4pm:
 "Wanna
bath?"
Parking and protecting the bikes; cheering, hydrating, and helping the
riders:
DC Marathon:
Serving Gatorade at the Finish Line
MEMBER REVIEW: "This is one of the best events I've ever volunteered with.
Granted, we were at the finish line, providing
much needed libations to folks who had just run 26 miles, so our situation was
ideal:) Really though, I had a great time, really enjoyed the atmosphere and
people with whom I was working, and truly enjoyed helping the runners. I would
be delighted to work with them again next year!" -- Sabrina
Food & Friends:
Working in the kitchen
Lending a hand (or two) before Thanksgiving!
Front Page of Washington Post, Thanksgiving, 2002:
"A Bounty of Food And Compassion For Those in Need: Food is being packaged
in large bags by volunteers along an assembly line at the Food & Friends
complex, here [BCV member] Jared Powell (left) of DC, along with Claudia Soho
(center, background) of Alexandria, along with others [including the back of BCV
member Sam Taylor], insert pies into the bags." (photo by Rich Lipski - The
Washington Post).
MEMBER REVIEW: "Thanksgiving was amazing. The Food and Friends folks and the
other volunteers were fantastic to work with, and I'm looking forward to
volunteering with them more. After we finished, they had a ton of pies left
over. I mentioned the [Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless and Needy] at
Rosemary & Thyme Restaurant, and the F&F folks loaded up my car with about 5 big
boxes of pies! Turns out there weren't any other desserts at the Rosemary and
Thyme dinner, thus, thanks to Food and Friends we were able to provide some to
the dinner guests. Talk about luck! I think one of the coolest parts of the day
occurred while we were packing up the boxes at F&F, and the delivery driver
volunteers started streaming through the kitchen. We started clapping for them,
and they started clapping for us. What a cool sight to behold. Very
inspiring. It was truly the coolest thing I've seen. Each time a new group of
the drivers walked through, everyone started cheering. Such a cool feeling.
Truly the most gratifying Thanksgiving I've ever had." -- Sabrina Steele
Brunch afterwards
Chef's Best fundraiser for Food & Friends
Fund for Animals Volunteer Night:
MEMBER REVIEW: "It went really well last night at the Fund for Animals, and
they really seemed to appreciate the help that our members provided. Jennifer
and the whole staff are terrific to work with. Their mailing nights are similar
to the NGLTF's, so anyone who does those might also like the FFA. We even
finished a little early! It's centrally located in Silver Springs, on Georgia
Ave. and in a nice office bldg. In fact, they put out one of the best food 'n
snack tables that I've encountered while volunteering, if missing dinner is a
concern for anyone. Count me in for the next FFA." -- Margaret
Gay Men's Chorus of Washington:
BCV members, after ushering for the Holiday Concert.
Ground Zero to Pentagon Face of America 2002:
 Photos
courtesy of BCV member, David Bunk.
Read the
Washington Post article.
MEMBER REVIEW: "None of us knew what we were getting into, and wondered at
times if we were even really needed in the first few hours. However, that
changed once the riders came in. It turned into an incredible experience, being
able to give in many different ways, one on one, with total strangers minutes
before. That is one of the reasons I believe so much in what Burgundy Crescent
is doing, making a difference a little bit at a time, in many ways, ways that
are meaningful. I look forward to many such experiences in the future." --Andy
Lee
GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation):
Media Awards
Beau was the "man to know" if you wanted the best goody-bag!
GLAAD Booth at Black Pride
MEMBER REVIEW: "I had a very nice time. We had 3 volunteers for most of the
1.5 hours I was there (I stayed later till the new shift arrived) -- and it
seemed like a nice number -- one person could wander or go on a food or restroom
break while the others had each other for company. During the time I was there,
the booth was just staffed by us BCVers. The GLAAD booth was easy to volunteer
at since they had a great display and visitors loved all the free giveaway
goodies! And since GLAAD is such a great organization, I enjoyed talking about
GLAAD with visitors who had more of an interest. We had plenty of BCV flyers.
In hindsight, I wish one of us had thought to walk around to all the booths and
hand out a BCV flyer to each of the other booths since most of them were
non-profit organizations that could well use BCV's help. "
GLBT Arts Festival and Benefit Concert for Mautner Project for Lesbians with
Cancer:
 BCV
co-founder Eric Cohen is taking the fight against Cancer among Lesbians to a new
level. He is flanked by BCV co-founder Angie Hunt and BCV coordinator,
Anne-Margaret Olsson (aka AMO).
Goodwill Embassy Tour - Indonesian Embassy:
If you look really close in the first photo, you'll see Jonathan Blumenthal
practicing for his role in Evita, "Don't cry for me, Indonesia!"
Lyra Chamber Ensemble:
MEMBER REVIEW: "I didn't know what to expect from Lyra since they are a new
organization and you can hear so much well intentioned but bad music from
non-professional groups...but they were excellent! Both of the performers are
professional and the music choices were uniformly very good. Pam was very
pleasant and thanked us several times. I already decided on Sunday that I was
either going to volunteer again at the next concert or go as an attendee.
Please do sign me up for the next concert."
HRC (Human Rights Campaign) National Dinner:
Mautner Project (for Lesbians with Cancer):
Helping with a mailing
Mautner Gala
MEMBER REVIEW: "Woo! This one was fun! And a feast for the eyes, especially
for those of us who still enjoy playing dress-up. I enjoyed this event
tremendously, in part because there was a lot of need for BCV folks to pitch
in. Although I ended up doing something very different than I had signed up
for, that was fine, because I like to be busy. The organization's director,
Kathleen, came by and thanked us for just sorting through the silent auction
bids... that was really nice of her to take the time on such a busy evening.
This activity was a little short on food, but otherwise terrific. I will
definitely be there next year!" --Maggie
Mayor's GLBT Holiday Party and Children's Gift Drive:
 2001
DC Mayor Anthony Williams with BCV members collecting holiday gifts for needy
DC children.
 2001
 2002
photographs courtesy of JP Rippetoe and Ken Brown.
 2002
with Cookie Buffet
MEMBER REVIEW: "It felt great to be a part of something really meaningful
for the holidays. We are all so encapsulated in our comfortable lives, never
REALLY wanting for anything. Thanks to the awesome and generous members of BCV,
alot of kids will have a happy Christmas. Regardless of what you believe or how
you celebrate, that is what the holiday season is truly about...big thanks to
all members who so generously donated [155] gifts!" -- Jodie Cady (the lovely
lady in pink)
NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt:
MEMBER REVIEW: "Wow Jonathan!!! I had a fabulous time last night with the
NAMES Project. Jason Johnston was a great host and there were many NAMES
Project Board members there helping with the mailing. They provided the best
spread of any group I have attended: sandwiches, chips, carrots, cookies,
soda. Plenty of food for everyone to have as much as they wanted to eat. Jason
offered each BCV member there a copy of the newsletter and a t-shirt. Great,
Great, Great group that I would be more than happy to volunteer for again."
NCADV (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
Volunteer Night:
MEMBER REVIEW: "This is a terrific group for BCV volunteers. They are
friendly, welcoming, and they have lots for us to do! You'll really feel like
you're making a difference by helping this small, vital organization, which
operates with limited resources but lots of energy and dedication." -- Maggie
NGLTF (National Gay and Lesbian Task Force)
Volunteer Night:
 If
you look closely, you'll see that Ned Read is still working even during the
photo shoot--give that man an extra slice of pizza!
MEMBER REVIEW: "The NGLTF
Thursday night event was great! As usually Eryca did a great job at rallying
the troops and breaking the ice for everyone with introductions. We had a large
group and we finished what needed to be folded, stuffed, and labeled within the
first hour and a-half. Everyone was engaged in conversation right from the
start."
MEMBER REVIEW: "Things went
really well last night; thanks for asking! Everyone seemed to have a good time
and one guy mentioned to me that it was nice to have an activity where gay men
and lesbians were working cooperatively together. I totally agree with him. We
need to do more to break down the barriers between our communities. There were
lots of people there. There was also a cadre of their regular volunteers
helping so it made for a nice mix and interaction of people. They treated us
very well and had some good food for us for dinner. I would definitely
recommend scheduling another activity with them again. Eryca Kasse was very
nice and the event was very well organized."
NMHAC (National Mental Health Awareness Campaign)
Volunteer Night:
MEMBER REVIEW: "Just to let you
know how much I enjoyed volunteering for the NMHAC mailing. Paul was really well
organized, the people were nice and the atmosphere was relaxed and casual.
Looking forward to future events."
MEMBER REVIEW: "It was a totally
positive experience, and a group that's worth helping out. I would definitely
volunteer for them again."
MEMBER REVIEW: "I did enjoy
working for NMHAC. They were very well organized and friendly, and their
offices were a very comfortable place to work. I would certainly work there
again. Please let me know when the date is set." - Paul Kearney
MEMBER REVIEW: "It was my first
BCV experience, for a very worthy cause, and it was great. Had excellent
organization and lots of different job requirements, so if you got tired of
stuffing envelopes, you could organize papers or play with the stick-on stamps.
It took a bit of time for people to kind of warm up and start chatting, but it
could have just been me...., the newbie. All in all, a very good experience.
Would be glad to help them again. "
Pets-DC Fun Dog Show in Dupont Circle:
BCV Members working registration:
Pets-DC President (standing) flanked by BCV members.
MEMBER REVIEW: "What a good time! Entertaining canines and their
entertaining companions, lots of humor, too. I helped with registration, which
involved a lot of last-minute financial transactions. I felt like my experience
was really well utilized and appreciated. I'll definitely sign up for this one
again." --Maggie
Picnic at Fletcher's Boat House on the Potomac River:
Some of the survivors of the oppressive humidity, scattered thunderstorms,
and even a hairpin
turn into the park!
Servicemembers' Legal Defense Network:
MEMBER REVIEW: "...would most definitely volunteer for the same activity
again...nice meal with iced beverages, invited to fill empty table to hear
speakers...event coordinators made a special point to note our names, and
express appreciation for our assistance...very personable - proud of what they
were doing and wanted to share the pride." --Jon W Rose
MEMBER REVIEW: "The event went well, I definitely think SLDN is a group to
support in the future. They are a worthy
cause and treated the volunteers well. They provided a lovely dinner prior to
the event, and seemed relatively organized."
Socials at Buffalo Billiards:
First Social
Second Social
Social and Thanksgiving Food Drive for Food & Friends at Freddie's Beach Bar
in Arlington, VA:
Brett Parson, the DC Police Gay and Lesbian Liaison, joined us for this
Social. Brett read the article in the Blade and wanted to join us to thank us
for all the important work we do in our community and to let us know about the
new Metropolitan DC Gay and Lesbian Liaison Unit website:
www.gaydc.net/gllu.
Victory Fund Brunch:
Washington Parks and People:
MEMBER REVIEW: " I really enjoyed the event on Saturday. The organizers and
volunteers at WPP were laid back and fun. I would definitely go back. It's a
nice event because it's very hands-on and you can see the immediate results of
your work."
MEMBER REVIEW: "I had a great time with Washington Parks and People. They were
really nice to us. The organization has a lot of volunteer groups come in to
help with the mansion restoration, so they are quite organized and quite good at
putting people to work, even those who have done little work of this kind. We
mostly did 2 tasks while we were there: painting windows and scraping excess
paint off of windows that had been painted earlier. I'm told tasks change from
week to week. Since we worked together, we had ample opportunity to chat with
one another. And at lunch, we shared a few laughs. Once again, [BCV
Coordinator] Jen Berger proved to be a laugh riot. All in all, I'd say this is
a great BCV activity. It is very manual-labor, so it's a nice change of pace.
The organization seemed to really appreciate our help. And it's a nice group
activity, i.e., you're not necessarily assigned a task where you go off on your
own and do it by yourself." --Leo
WETA (PBS TV 26) December Pledge Drive:
2001
How do the last two photos differ? We were asked to act "wild" in the second
one.
2002 BCV partnering with Equality
Fairfax.
Backstage tour of the News Hour with Jim Lehrer set.
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