University of Tennessee Volunteers, Volunteer

Nearly 25 University of Tennessee student volunteers will make their way to Charleston and leave lasting impressions on three local agencies. The American Red Cross and the YWCA will be the recipients of this group’s goodwill and community service efforts. During their three days in Charleston, students will provide their services in areas such as landscaping, cleaning, painting, and the pre-positioning of disaster supplies.

Charleston was the city of choice for this group of volunteers who are choosing to make a difference in a community instead of relaxing during their fall break. “We are honored to have the UT volunteers in our city. Hopefully they will be inspired to visit more often or make Charleston a future place of residence,” said Alliance CEO/President, Matt Ballard.

In the spirit of giving, local organizations have come together to make sure the students have an enjoyable time and comfortable stay while in Charleston. The North Charleston Community Center is providing shelter, while the American Red Cross is providing cots and personal hygiene items. The Charleston Area Alliance and the City of Charleston have coordinated and arranged this community service project for the volunteers.

Opening Remarks from Matt Ballard, Alliance President/CEO Made During Kick-off Breakfast

I am so proud and honored to welcome you to Wild and Wonderful West Virginia and to the Charleston Area.

You are visiting at a time when our leaves are full of change, the change of color. Things are changing in Charleston too. While you’re here you may take part in an event at our new baseball park or new cultural center. You may find yourself in one of the most successful and one of the few remaining urban malls. Maybe one of our great downtown shops on Capitol Street, and the one thing I know you will find is a community that is collectively seeking to fulfill a mission:

That mission is articulated in the mission statement of the organization that I work for… The Charleston Area Alliance

It states:

Working to build a more Vibrant Community and Prosperous Economy.

We cannot thank you enough for helping us to fulfill this mission.

Growing up, just about two hours north of here…in a middle class family, the son of a coal miner and a school teacher… Philanthropy to me was something for the wealthy, people giving money. This as a young person is what philanthropy meant to me.


You have figured out that philanthropy is not just about giving money…You have made the strategic choice with your philanthropic capital… that is sweat equity… and with it, you are helping us to make a better future for our community and we appreciate your gift to us.

Many of you know that Warren Buffett recently gave most of his fortune away to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. When he was asked by President Clinton about this gift (President Clinton who will by the way be in Charleston Saturday) Warren Buffett said the following;

“My gift is NOTHING. I can have everything I want with 1% of my wealth and my work in life has been disproportionately rewarded compared to a teacher or a soldier. I’m just giving back a surplus, claims that have no value to me, but can do a lot for others. The people I really admire are those who give up a movie or a restaurant meal, to help needier people.”

You are those people Buffett admires. We admire you too.

If there is anything that the Charleston Area Alliance can do for you during your stay, please do not hesitate to ask. Our organization has developed an entire program to retaining our youth and attracting new youth to our community. So after you return to the University of Tennessee, and you graduate, please let me be the first person to invite you back, to begin your professional’s career, or start a family, or start your own business in West Virginia.

You see, I mentioned Wild and Wonderful, our state slogan when I first welcomed you. But many call West Virginia, Almost Heaven. I think you’ll find both to be descriptive of this place we call home. I hope you’ll consider coming back and calling it your home too.