As the Volunteer Coordinator for the Del E. Webb Center for the Performing Arts, one of Cheryl Lampron’s responsibilities is planning a celebratory event honoring those responsible for filling so many of the theater’s roles throughout the season. When she began planning this year’s event, Cheryl had a desire to express gratitude with an act of service to those that served the theater as Front of House volunteers from November through April.
On Friday, April 8, the 2021-2022 group of volunteers, some members of the Webb Center Board of Directors, and a few special guests enjoyed an “Appreciation Breakfast” prepared and cooked to order by staff, with special help from Chef Dulce Jimenez. Instead of ushering patrons, scanning tickets, or handing out concert programs upon arrival to the Boyer Atrium, the women and men who gave time and energy to Wickenburg’s performing arts center during the 20th Anniversary Season spent the morning relaxing, eating, and visiting while staff members were flipping pancakes, cooking omelets, and refilling coffee.
“From November 2021 through April 2022, our volunteers gave 2,374 hours of their time to the Webb Center,” Cheryl explained. “The idea behind the staff serving the volunteers is to show appreciation for all of the hard work and dedication they put in throughout the season,” she said. “Our volunteers are amazing, and we ask a lot from them. It is important to express how respected and valued they are to the Webb Center. We are celebrating twenty seasons due in part to the caliber of service that patrons have come to expect from our volunteers through the years. We cannot do what we do without them,” Cheryl smiled, adding “What better way to say thank you than made-to-order omelets and pancakes from our staff?”
With over 210 shows and events under their belts, long-time Volunteer House Managers, Mary and Steve Filbert received recognition during the morning’s event for their service throughout seven seasons.
“Every strong program relies on experienced leaders who are enthusiastic about the mission and have a willingness to mentor new volunteers while welcoming them into a community. Mary and Steve Filbert embody such leadership and remain shining examples of the Webb Center’s continuing legacy of volunteerism and community,” remarked Cheryl.
Lynda Proehl and Lee Welbanks each received “Volunteer of the Season” titles in honor of outstanding patron services, time commitment, flexibility, and overall dedication to the Webb Center throughout the year. Cheryl admitted it would be easy to list a reason each volunteer deserves a title, but Lynda and Lee offer an extraordinary level of service that merits special recognition.
Betty Jackson was honored as “Rookie of the Season,” a title inspired by the fact that over half of the 65 active volunteers during the 2021-2022 season were new to volunteering at the Webb Center. Cheryl described Betty as, “a cheerful person who spent the entire season just happy to be of service.”
The Webb Center offers a unique opportunity. While serving the community and supporting live performances, volunteers often spend their shifts witnessing excellent entertainment from artists and musicians known worldwide for their talent. When volunteers are not committed to serving during a performance, select tickets become available to them throughout the season for $10 each.
Anyone interested in learning more about the volunteer program at the Webb Center should email clampron@dewpac.org or call the Box Office at 928.684.6624.
