The Duchess of Vonh Castle
Sharing, Caring,and
Giving Of Oneself
Foundation
501(c)(3) Non-Profit

"If I can help somebody as I pass along,
then my living shall not be in vain!"
                                                    Alma Bazel Androzzo

I grew up in a Christian family, and extremely passionate about philanthropy, was greatly inspired by my two parents who were both philanthropists, and cared deeply for their fellow man.  Christian in their beliefs and very active in their church, they gave of themeselves constantly, by giving to others all throughout the year, and also showed love and concern on a daily basis.  Along with her industrious talents and compassion, a music-teacher, master-baker, excellent cook, skilled artisan, philanthropist, and extremely active in her church, my mother was also gifted with a prophetic vision, and had an undying love for those less fortunate than herself.  She gave away her baked goods, organized events for her church and community.  Her Christian beliefs, hard work and discipline, along with honesty and integrity, left an indelible mark on her family and community.  She always put herself last, and constantly thought about what she could do for others to make their world brighter.

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My father, a Chief Postmaster and church elder, my family's rock, was a great example of fatherhood, cared tirelessly for our family, and his fellow man.  He had an excellent work ethic, and worked side by side with my mother as a team, assisting with organizing events for their church and community.  These attributes of my parents inspire me daily , and assist in keeping my feet planted firmly on the ground.  In their footsteps I trod, and savor the wonderful opportunities I had to learn and grow.

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As a result of the burning love and passion I had seen in my parents from a tiny tot to my preteen years, for helping the needy and less fortunate, their deep involvement in church, community service, and spirit of resilience, it is no doubt that I felt an equally burning desire to get involved in community service, and helping the less fortunate as well.  One event I remember specifically, because the memories are so sweet, and I cherish them so much, took place when I was about 5 years old.  On a beautiful Summer Sunday afternoon, in British Guiana where I spent my formative years, my mother with the help of my father, organized a church banquet which was held at a community center.  I assisted with handing out goodie bags to attendees as they departed the event.  It was on this day that I believe I first got my lesson of giving of oneself.  I saw my parents sharing, caring, and giving constantly as well as abundantly to those in need.  They were true leaders in their community and worked together as a team.

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I feel abundantly blessed with Godly gifts and talents, as well as energy which I must use to make a difference in this world.  Following in the footsteps of my parents, my philosophy is that "Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself means living a meaningful life in a meaningful way!" I believe that one of the most rewarding experiences of one's life is community service, volunteering in church, helping the less fortunate and our communities.

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At a young age, I thought that I could use my God given gifts and talents to assist in brightening the world of groups of people whose lives seemed to be consumed with darkness, and whom most of society had written off.  A number of these people resided in the Palms referred to as Alms House - home for the shut-in and indigent, and the Dharam Sala, home for the poor.  Both facilities were located in Georgetown, British Guiana (now Republic of Guyana.)  This is how my service to community began.

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I was around 14 years of age, when I heard the news that Lions International, an organization dedicated to community and humanitarian service, was going to be holding a meeting in my neighborhood regarding starting a youth club.  The news of the youth club called the Leo Club (youth organization of Lions International) magnetized my attention, and brought me great excitement.  This seemed to be the perfect opportunity for me to attend the meeting to find out how I could use the Godly gifts and talents I was blessed with, to assist the needy, less fortunate, and my community.  I invited my younger brother and friends to attend, and my younger brother accompanied me to the first meeting.

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At this meeting, we were briefed by Senior Lions Club members about Lions International, a service club, and the mission of the organization.  The Lions, an international network of men and women, work together to answer the needs that challenge communities across the world.  We also learnt that a Leo Club functioned like a Lions Club, electing their own officers, scheduling meetings, running their own fundraisers and service projects.  Leo Clubs, however are run by younger community members, ranging from about 12 years old to about 24 years of age, or slightly older. This felt like a perfect fit for me, and it was.  The club was formed, and my younger brother and I became Charter members.  We were deeply involved in the Leo Club which the members voted to name Spurwing after one of the beautiful birds of Guyana.  The members were called Leos and I was voted President for 3 consecutive terms. During my time as President, the Leo Club in Georgetown, Guyana, consisted of boys and girls.  For a very long while it was notably a club for boys in some places outside of Guyana.

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Club projects included but were not limited to visiting the elderly in the Dharam Sala (home for the poor), and the Palms also referred to as the Alms House, home for the shut-in and indigent; hospitals; planting trees; painting fences; fundraising events such as organizing a dinner party for the elderly; reading to the elderly; visiting the blind; performing simple household chores for the elderly; running errands for them; delivering food such as 100lb. bags of sugar, rice, flour, cartoons of milk and other food items for the sick and elderly.  We also presented a cheque to the Red Cross, proceeds from a fundraising event.  It gave us a great sense of duty, pride and satisfaction to be able to present them with these items, as well as money which would assist the residents, and the less fortunate in the community.

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During my three terms as president, one of the most rewarding periods in my life, I learnt at a young age the importance of interpersonal skills, how to inspire people to do their best, working together as a team, caring for each other and the community, respecting each other, planning fundraising projects, and that a fruitful life comes not out of just thinking of myself, but how much I can do for others.  These skills have stayed with me into my adult years, and have well served my enduring passion for helping the needy and less fortunate.  I also never doubted that blending my talents with those of others can bring change to my community as well as the world.

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A Lions Club member attended each meeting and shepherded the club to ensure that we were on course with the mission.  When presiding over meetings, it was always reassuring to see a senior member/s present.  If I stumbled, they were always there to guide and direct not only me, but the club as a whole.  We all had their full support,and they shared their experience in organizing community projects with us, as well as their valuable time and talents.

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Christmas - Season for Caring, Gratitude, and Love Fundraiser:

 

One of our fun and most rewarding projects was organizing a fundraiser dinner dance, proceeds to be divided between the Palms, Red Cross and Dharam Sala.  A Christmas Party would be held for the residents of the Palms, with a presentation of food supplies and other necessities for the residents.  The same would also be presented to the management of the Dharam Sala at a later date, and a cheque for the Red Cross in Georgetown.  I remember working with the planning committee to locate a venue, etc. The event took place without incident, and everyone had an enjoyable time.  It was a huge financial success.  The next step was working with the organizing committee to meet with the management of the Palms to schedule a time for a Christmas party and presentation. 

 

It was around mid December, the day of the Christmas party.  As club members arrived at the Palms, we noticed the residents sitting and anxiously awaiting a night of merriment.  We greeted the staff on arrival,and shortly after, a member of the staff announced that our Club had sponsored the event.  As club members started to mingle and chatted with the residents, the music started to play and echoed through the building.  Each club member chose one of the residents to have a dance.  In choosing a dance partner, it did not matter if the person was male or female.  Girls danced with elderly ladies and boys vice versa.  We were there to make them happy, hopeful, and loved.  I remember choosing a tall slender elderly gentleman and how happy I made him feel as I gently held his two frail hands and we swayed back and forth to the music.  As I finished my one dance with him, I moved to an elderly lady and asked her for a dance.  The music changed to a waltz.  As I assisted her slowly up from her chair and she was steady on her feet, we started to waltz.  I remember her having the sweetest smile, and giggling.  She was enjoying herself.  When the music stopped, and as I held her hand and slowly escorted her back to her seat, she got closer to me and whispered in my ear that she had enjoyed the dance.  She also thanked the club for making that Christmas her best Christmas ever.  One regret is that I did not save pictures of these memorable moments, and this amazing event!

 

At one point in the evening Club members joined together in singing Christmas carols to the residents.  It was indeed an evening of merriment, laughter, joy and giving gifts from the heart.  It made the residents feel loved, hopeful, relaxed, and extremely happy.  Also, that they were not forgotten.  Club members could not help but count their many blessings. I ask

myself now, just as I asked myself back then, "why did God put me on this earth, and why has he blessed me abundantly?"  It is because he wants me to bless the less fortunate and needy with the gifts and talents he has blessed me with.

 

The Duchess of Vonh Castle Sharing, Caring, and Giving of Oneself Foundation was founded, and the "Never Give Up on Your Hopes or Dreams!" scholarship was created.  I believe that the Dream starts with the individual, and for the Dream to become a reality, the individual must have intense ambition, perseverance, passion, and hungry enough for that education in order to succeed.

 

The name of the scholarship was taken from one of my inspirational quotes - "Never Give Up on Your Hopes or Dreams! They may not occur with your timing, but in God's.  A dream not pursued is a dream wasted.  A hope not believed will soon be forgotten.  Listen only to 'Can' and not 'Cannots',  'Cannots' are impediments to success!"  This program will assist high school Seniors from low income families, who wish to pursue their dreams in the fields of Culinary Arts, Social Work, Music, and Interior Design, with educational supplies and books.

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The foregoing life experiences give a glimpse of how my service to the community started as a young girl, and how it has shaped my adult life.  Galations 6:9 states "Do not grow weary doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  1 Cor. 15:58 states "Therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable always abounding in the work of the Lord, know that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." (Please see pictures below)

 

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