The Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts attracts some of the world’s most renowned performers and entertainers. As a non-profit organization hosting nearly 300 performances each year, it relies on a core group of nearly 600 active volunteers who ensure patrons have a positive experience.
“We are able to offer outstanding programming and support the excellent work of our resident companies thanks to hundreds of generous community members each year who play a vital role in helping the Kauffman Center remain strong and vibrant,” said Paul Schofer, President and CEO of the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts.
One notable volunteer, Pam Smedile, has shown extraordinary commitment and dedication to the Kauffman Center’s success since its inception five years ago. Pam recently received her Royal name tag for giving more than 1,000 hours of service.
Pam became involved upon retiring after 41 years in the airline industry. “Music and theater have been a part of my life since a very young age, so when the opportunity to become an ambassador for the Kauffman Center presented itself, I immediately applied! Somehow, I knew then that it would be a very special place, but I had no idea what an incredible gift it would be to the arts community and to Kansas City!”
Pam volunteers primarily as an usher and tour guide, and she enjoys both. “As an usher, I love welcoming patrons to the Kauffman Center and helping make their experience an enjoyable one and one they will want to repeat.”
Volunteering provides the opportunity to see many wonderful performances. Pam added that she “finds the events that really give me joy are the daytime performances for school-aged children and events largely attended by first-time audiences. Their awe, their excitement and their eager anticipation of the amazing experience they expect to have in this beautiful place are reminders of how many lives the Kauffman Center continues to touch, and what an incredible gift it is and will continue to be for generations to come.”
–Megan Felling
Photo above: Kauffman Center volunteers gather for a group photo at the annual Volunteer Recognition Event held in June. Photo by David Riffel.
