Long before volunteering at Cleveland Sight Center, Dave was making a difference in Northeast Ohio’s community.

In 1967, at just 8 years old, he, his siblings and a friend held a neighborhood auction and backyard carnival – raising $29.07 (about $270 today) for what was then Cleveland Society for the Blind, now Cleveland Sight Center. The local paper came and wrote a feature about it, and took their picture!

That early experience left a lasting impression, sparking a lifelong connection to CSC and a passion for giving back.

“I remember feeling proud that we were helping people who needed it,” Dave shared.

He also distinctly remembers getting into the car with his fellow neighborhood fundraisers and driving to hand their donations over to a CSC staff member.  Dave says the in-person interaction opened up his perception as a child on how you can make a difference.

“I realized we can do more in this world,” Dave said. “To donate our money and hand that to a person? I think that means a lot.”

Decades later, Dave returned to CSC as a volunteer because of his personal goals. He wants to give back after retiring from a successful career and continue to stay active. Volunteering is the perfect fit!

“This helps me give back a little bit to the local community,” he explained. “That was important to me: a local company, a local nonprofit. That's where I wanted to work, and that's where I wanted to give my time. And Cleveland Sight Center takes care of this local community, which has meant so much to me through the years.”

Now, he’s a regular volunteer at CSC, where he makes survey calls to clients, assists at the front desk and helps with events like White Cane Walk.

“It feels good to help,” he said. “It’s rewarding to give back locally and connect with clients and the community.”

Since he began volunteering at CSC, Dave uncovered several other connections he didn’t realize he had to CSC’s community. His supervisor at CSC is someone he once met through church, and one of his golf buddies volunteers as a Radio Reader for CSCR, CSC’s radio station!

Connecting with CSC’s community is just one of the reasons Dave volunteers.

“There's so many different people, stories and I enjoy talking to people,” he said. “It feels comfortable coming in. You get smiles from everybody!”

From childhood fundraiser to devoted volunteer, Dave’s story shows how an act of kindness can grow into a lifetime of giving and connection. Next time you’re in CSC’s building, make sure to say hi to Dave if he’s behind the front desk!