meet volunteer tori bolton of st. louis county
caring for kids: to provide essential resources to meet the urgent needs of abused, neglected or at-risk children in St. Louis County
How long have you been a volunteer?
I’ve been serving on the board for a little more than two years.
What made you interested in this particular cause?
I was introduced to Caring for Kids by Susan Block. She is a mentor of mine and was a pioneer in founding the organization 14 years ago. I was struggling with a lot of emotions due to local events that occurred around 2015. I wanted to make a difference, and I feel that change truly starts with children. They are the future of everything. When I learned about Caring for Kids, it was like the stars aligned! The board needed a new member, and I was looking for an organization that gives back. Caring for Kids helps children going through the judicial system be reunited with their families, and makes an impactful difference in their lives. It was a match made in heaven.
What kind of volunteer work are you involved with?
I now serve as vice president of the board. A lot of my time and energy is devoted to fundraising efforts. For the past three years, I’ve co-chaired the fall fundraiser, which is our biggest event of the year. It’s focused on raising awareness throughout the community and raising funds to provide school supplies, uniforms, bus passes, bedding and whatever the kids may need. One of my duties is finding exciting items for the silent auction. For 2017, our goal is to provide 80 beds with bedding. That means raising around $16,000. We’re small, but we’re mighty. Every little bit goes a long way. In August, we provided beds to 27 children in St. Louis County. I’ve also organized a Young Professionals Board to help raise awareness about the organization in the under-40 age group.
If you could do anything for the organization, what would it be?
Even though Caring for Kids has been around for 14 years, I don’t think there is enough awareness in the community. I want to change that and bring more publicity to our cause. I’m not in the legal profession, so my understanding of the judicial system and foster care is limited. I think it’s that way for a lot of people in our community. Caring for Kids educated me on how the process works and how big of an impact it has on children’s lives. I want more people to be aware and get involved. Also, Caring for Kids only serves people in St. Louis County. I want to move our efforts into the city, so we truly serve all of St. Louis.
in the words of caring for kids: “Tori is the Energizer Bunny with a never-ending smile. She takes on any task for our mission with gusto, and we know whatever it is will be done well. Tori’s devotion to the kids we serve is endless. She is the breath of fresh air that every nonprofit needs—and Caring for Kids is so lucky to have her!”
Photo: Colin Miller of Strauss Peyton Photography
Strauss Peyton is a proud sponsor of the T&S Reaching Out Awards. Know a standout volunteer? Nominate them to be featured at townandstyle.com/reachingoutawards or email tellus@townandstyle.com for more information.
