Volunteer Spotlight
Bernadene Boggs began volunteering for the Heirloom Tomato Festival in Pierceton in part because of a family connection. Now, after 14 years as part of the event, she continues to be motivated by the opportunity to give back.
“I first got involved in it because my aunt started it,” Bernadene says.
“I’ve stayed involved because it brings a lot of interest to my hometown and it’s a great way to give back to my community.”
Given Bernadene’s appreciation for volunteerism, it’s no surprise that she’s eager to encourage others to share their time and talent. And that has led to her working with the young men at Pierceton Woods Academy in support of the Tomato Festival.
Bernadene says she first became aware of Pierceton Woods’ contributions to the community through the students’ holiday tradition of delivering cookies throughout the town. While she knew they had come from challenging backgrounds, she saw it as an opportunity to provide them with another positive experience.
“We needed some help,” she explains, “and we wanted to make them feel like they’re part of the town. It was also an opportunity to teach them more about volunteerism and how much good can come from giving back.”
In the eight years that the young men and staff of Pierceton Woods have partnered with the Tomato Festival, Bernadene says they’ve become a small but important part of a successful event. The students get involved in a variety of efforts, including helping vendors load and unload their exhibits, setting up stages, and cleaning. Pierceton Woods has also been a vendor at the Festival, showcasing woodworking products, and selling sandwiches.
While these represent small steps in a young man’s journey, Bernadene says they can help transform what’s possible in someone’s life.
“Everything from the experience they have at the Festival to the vocational and culinary classes at Pierceton Woods helps them develop themselves now and can be useful as they look for employment in the long run,” Bernadene says.
Ultimately, what Bernadene sees when she works with Pierceton Woods is an opportunity for redemption and a chance for its students to reach their full potential.
“Everyone’s path is different,” she says, “and these boys are trying to better themselves and get on the right path. I believe in second chances, and that’s the opportunity these young men have.”
