Note From this year’s President:

About 6 years ago, I encountered a woman named Margaret who was an impressive dynamo at her three “life jobs”: being a dedicated single-parent to her daughter, working in a demanding corporate Information Technology leadership role, and volunteering countless years to various community services initiatives. When I asked her how and why she put so much time into volunteer service, she merely replied: “If you’re not actively working to help the community you live in, then you’re part of whatever problems it has.”

Though she swept through my life in a matter of the few moments we spent conversing, I quickly realized that I thought she was right – and moreover, I’ve never been able to forget that conversation. Her words resonated with my life experience as the oldest child, ever responsible for others and getting things done, and forever feeling the need to be counted on by people. So, five years ago, when a neighbor suggested I join the Lakewood Service League so I could help the community, it seemed like a reasonable thing to do. It’s fair to say, though, that I didn’t at the time understand the quality of people or service I was joining. For me, there have been three main ways the League has mattered to me – that are also our means to make a difference to others – in something of a “yin and yang” kind of way.

First, having joined the League when I was fairly new to Dallas (from Seattle), I soon discovered a terrific camaraderie among my fellow members. As we volunteered our time and contributed our talents, laughed over funny stories and cried when the experiences of those we served touch our hearts, the hours volunteered soon yielded cherished friendships. We often supported each other through personally challenging times and celebrated together in good times. The band of sisterhood I found in the League has indeed been an unexpected membership reward for me.

Then, there’s the actual work we do to support the 30 plus charities we serve in East Dallas. I never imagined I’d have the opportunity to experience the mission of such a diverse set of “lending hands,” all afforded to me by my membership in the League. From providing a safe haven for children during a crisis period or helping them recover from abuse, to providing transitional housing to those in poverty, or feeding the elderly or the homeless, there really is something meaningful to support for almost anyone – all the while feeling great about having been part of the volunteer effort, as well.

Third, it’s been incredibly invigorating to be part of, and in some cases, lead, our various fundraising events. The Lakewood Service League has been hosting its annual Spring Benefit (or gala) since we organized some 28 years ago. And each year, with a new chairwoman and a fresh theme, the affair not only provides the chief means to fund the bulk of our charities, but also is a lot of fun to attend! Our Fall event, the Walk Wag & Run, allows us to present our face to the Dallas/Fort Worth community at large while promoting a healthy lifestyle. With a 5K or 10K race for humans, a 2K walk and agility course for dogs, and a Halloween-themed fair for the kids, this event facilitates healthy family fun. Our fundraising efforts, thus, have been a fantastic way for us to convene as collaborating members while also touching the lives of those who attend them.

Having taken office as President on June 1st, I find myself incredibly proud to have been elected by my fellow members to serve this fine organization. With approximately 175 women, spanning the young Millennials to the seasoned Traditionalists in generations, working both inside the home and outside of it, and being single or married, we’re a powerful force in our community. And together, dedicated to our mission to leave the community in which we live better than we found it, we’re definitely part of the solution.

Yours in Volunteerism,

Alise Cortez
Lakewood Service League President

214-597-6463 | Email me »