Why do we long for spare time and what does it mean for each of us? It’s often elusive and we always seem to be looking for ways to make more of it.
One of the things I do in my spare time is volunteer.
Over the years, I have done a variety of things, many for my children with school, team sports, scouts, and church. But as my children have grown, I have been able to go outside that sphere and look for organizations that I admire and find ways to give back to the community.
One such organization is the St. John’s Program for Real Change in Sacramento. St. John’s is more than a women’s and children’s shelter, it’s a place for families to rebuild their lives, be surrounded by people who care for them as individuals, and to find a new and sustaining direction for their lives.
For the past 5 years, Spare Time Incorporated (local racquet and fitness clubs in Sacramento) has partnered with St. John’s to help benefit them during their Women’s Pro Tennis Challenger. This year, St. John’s will help host the VIP area during the evening tennis matches with all ticket sales in this area going to the shelter.
There is a dedicated group of women on the St. John’s Circle Board who help pull this off and I am proud to be a part of that Circle. In addition, we look for support from community leaders to assist with the VIP area costs. I am grateful to my employer, Walter Stahl, for making a contribution to that effort. The Stahl Companies is also very supportive in providing the flexibility to employees to participate in these outside events, even when they sometimes require a little time away from the office.
There is some great tennis coming up this weekend in Gold River and I hope some of you will think about attending to support St. Johns’ Program.
Information on the event: http://www.goldriverchallenger.com/?page_id=21
What will you do with your “spare time”?