In honor of National Spouses Day (January 26, 2024), we'd like to recognize a few of the amazing couples who volunteer to support CCMOW! Their dedication to each other and our mission is unmatched - we are so grateful for their support!
Cindy & Tom Mates
How did you meet? We met in 1986 at a "60's-style" bar outside of Chicago. Cindy asked me to dance.
How long have you been together? We will be married for 34 years in March.
Why did you start volunteering with CCMOW? Several of our friends were already involved with Meals on Wheels and we were looking to insert ourselves into an organization that we already knew about.
How long have you been volunteering? Cindy has been a hostess for almost 3 years; and I've been a route driver for almost 2 years.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with your spouse? The fact that despite being in non-overlapping roles, we talk about our experiences and the interesting people we come in contact with every day.
Gene & Minnie Bourque
How did you meet? Gene and I went to High School together in Lubbock, Texas. We ran around together In a small group of friends. After high school, I moved to CO to live and teach school and Gene went off to join the Marines. When my first husband died in '97, Gene and I reconnected and he moved to CO in 1999. We married in 2004 on the beach in Kauai, Hawaii!
How long have you been together? We have been married for 20 years.
Why did you start volunteering with CCMOW? I started volunteering for CCMOW in 2013 when it was headquartered in the church we attended. I thought it would be the best way to learn the layout of the various towns that CCMOW serves, and I truly enjoy meeting the other volunteers and serving the clients. Gene joined me shortly afterwards after hearing all of the stories of my clients. He volunteers with me when his role as President of Westie Rescue of CO allows him the time.
How long have you been volunteering? I have been volunteering for 11 years.
What is your volunteer role(s)? I am a delivery driver.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with your spouse? Our favorite part of volunteering for CCMOW is the interaction with the clients and staff. I have had some true friendships formed. CCMOW does far more for me than I do for it!
Annie & Steve Palius
How did you meet? We met in June 1965 at Penn Station (train station) in Newark, NJ. While Steve was at college in Washington, D.C., he became friends with two guys--Joel and Danny. Unbeknownst to Steve, Annie grew up with Joel and spent 12 wonderful summers at camp with Danny. When Annie found out that Joel was also going to be a counselor at camp the summer of 1965, she asked him for a ride into NYC to the counselor meeting. He agreed, but said we needed to stop in Newark to pick up his friend Steve and that his friend Danny would be meeting us in NY! Although Steve kept calling Annie Randy (until corrected), that was beginning of a relationship lasting 58 years and counting!
How long have you been together? 54 married (55 in June 2024) and 58 together!
Why did you start volunteering with CCMOW? Shortly after he retired, Steve saw an article in the newspaper about CCMOW needing drivers. He thought it would make a great contribution to the community and provide him with something worthwhile to do in his retirement. Annie knew about CCMOW through Steve and starting volunteering in the café as a server. When the then café coordinator left to return to school, Annie volunteered to take on this responsibility!
How long have you been volunteering? Steve has been volunteering for almost 11 years and Annnie almost 3 years.
What is your volunteer role(s)? Steve is a driver for two routes and a "Buddy" for one of his clients. Annie is the Café Coordinator.
What is your favorite part about volunteering with your spouse? While Steve delivers lunch via his car, I do the same in the café. So aside from occasionally running into one another in the café, we rarely see each other at CCMOW. However, we both love serving our community and strongly believe in the mission of CCMOW! Interacting with clients and guests is one of the best parts of volunteering.
Are you and your partner or friend looking for a way to give back to the community together? Visit our website to learn more about our volunteer opportunities and to apply today!
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