More than a position: Why serving on a Board matters to you and the organization

For professionals seeking an opportunity to further their leadership skills, expand their network and give back to the community, becoming a board member of a local nonprofit can achieve these goals. ?

When joining a board, you are connected to new philanthropic-minded individuals that you can build relationships with. These relationships often turn to friendships or even open the door to new opportunities.?

Research indicates that helping others also releases serotonin, dopamine and endorphins, increasing the mental health of the volunteer. In addition to meeting throughout the year, Nashville Wine Auction board members often volunteer their time and resources to support our events.?And someone usually shares a great bottle of wine or two at those board meetings!

“The organization's events are not only fun and engaging, but they also serve a higher purpose by raising critical funds for cancer research, treatment, and caregiver support,” board member and former Pairings event co-chair Gabriela Lira says. “It's incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our efforts have on the lives of those affected by cancer, and being part of such a dedicated and enthusiastic community is truly inspiring."

For some, being a member of the Nashville Wine Auction board is an opportunity to turn professional endeavors into opportunities to give back to the community. Current board chair Jay Erter serves as an Hematologist and Oncologist for Tennessee Oncology, PLLC.?

“As a practicing physician, the mission of the Nashville Wine Auction speaks to me,”? Erter says. “Being able to do good and do so with great friends, new and old, as part of the longest running charity wine auction in the country - it's an amazing organization to get to be a part of.”?

Current board vice chair and incoming board chair Carrie Kitko also connects her career and time on the Nashville Wine Auction board.?

"Caring for children with cancer has been the focus of my career for the last 20 years,” Kitko says. “My family has also been impacted as I have very recently lost my dear aunt to colon cancer.? I serve on the board of the Nashville Wine Auction to help support patients and their families through their difficult journey."?

For others, joining the Nashville Wine Auction board stems from their personal journey or support of someone with cancer. A CBS News poll reports that 54% of Americans say that they or someone in their immediate family has been diagnosed with cancer.?

“I support causes that fight cancer because everyone in my family who has passed away in prior generations has died from that disease,” board member and former l'Eté du Vin event co-chair Marc Goldstone says. “Working together, we can fund the fight and end the impact of cancer on future generations.”

“I do this for my family, for my community, and for me,” Goldstone adds. “I'm so pleased to work with an organization with such a great focus, amazing staffers, wonderful fellow Board members, and, of course, our phenomenal patrons and volunteers. We couldn't be so successful without any of them!”?

Board members are often at the heart of a nonprofit and their support helps the organization achieve its mission and more. Interested in learning more about the Nashville Wine Auction board? Contact [email protected] today!