GOTO Volunteer Profile: Jennifer Montalvo

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I first heard about GOTO from my friend, Christine Pecorella a few years back and got involved this year after seeing a volunteer posting via Zogsports.

2) What are your roles as a GOTO volunteer?

I work on the development committee assisting with some new and exciting initiatives including grant proposals and donor outreach.

3) What is your favorite GOTO moment so far?

A true highlight, was the moment GOTO's first grant proposal was sent out. It felt like that start of the next phase for our development committee and I was so happy to be part of the team when it was sent. Now time for many more!

BONUS: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

I would LOVE to major in Rockestra, but I'd likely major in Wind & Woodwind Ensemble; I play the alto sax.

GOTO Volunteer Profile: Hailey Weniger

1) How did you first hear about GOTO?

I first heard about it through Nisha Phatak, who is currently volunteering as well. I was trying to find something that I could give back to the community and feel as though I was a bigger part than just signing up for random volunteer opportunities and Nisha told me about GOTO. I figured it would be awesome to get involved!

2) What are your roles as a GOTO volunteer?

I’m helping out the marketing committee, mainly updating the blog posts and such.

3) How would you describe GOTO to a friend?

I would describe it as a group of young professionals that really want to help the youth explore opportunities they may never have had. GOTO does this by organizing events and giving tribute to the Appel Farm and the many talented kids that deserve a chance to be creative! It’s exciting to see the kids really develop their talents knowing you are behind the scenes!

4) What is your favorite GOTO moment so far?

Seeing as how I have only been a part of GOTO for about a month, it would have to be the Halloween Party as a whole. It was great to see so many people brave the horrible weather to celebrate the night and give back to an awesome cause. Everyone had great costumes on- but I think Beeker takes the cake! Best costume ever!

5) Where do you see GOTO 20 years from now?

I see it expanding to other cities, I mean, it was relatively easy to convince me to get involved and it’s for an amazing cause.

BONUS: If GOTO sent you to Arts & Music Summer Camp, what would be your major?

I have always had a passion for photography, I love being behind the camera and capturing moments before they pass by. It’s awesome when you can take a picture and have a moment forever!

11th Annual Halloween party: Hell Raised for Heavenly Cause!

The weather outside was frightful, but Giving Opportunities To Others' 11th Annual Halloween Ball was as delightful as ever! Angry Birds, Mavericks and Gooses, the Baywatch Crew, the Mario Kart gang and even a Mr. Softee braved the freak October snow storm that left many in the dark to pack the Broad Street Ballroom to Raise Some Hell for a Heavenly Cause!

The October 29th event SOLD OUT with nearly 600 tickets purchased. Party-groovers monster mashed from 10pm until the wee hours of the morning, all while enjoying a five hour open bar filled with spooky top shelf spirits!

A spook-tacular thanks goes out to the event's generous corporate sponsors-- Laguintas Brewing Company and Palm Bay International Fine Wine and Spirits, which donated IPAs and specialty Aperol and Prosecco cocktails for the event-- and with half of every ticket sold going to GOTO's mission of enriching the lives of underpriveleged NYC-area students through the arts, over $20,000 was raised!

We even had a write up in the Lifestyle and Charity Magazine!

http://www.lifestyleandcharity.com/2011/11/the-11th-annual-goto-halloween-ball/