What first comes to your mind when you hear “PBJ?” Peanut Butter and Jelly! For Brenda Doner, PBJ has a totally different meaning. For her it’s PBJ Connections, a non-profit organization which provides mental health and behavioral therapy for children and families using horses.
Brenda is a volunteer board member for PBJ Connections and works on fund-raising and outreach programs for the organization. Within the past year, Brenda created the “Horsepower for Kids” campaign, which connects NASCAR drivers and fans with PBJ Connections and also started “Rocky’s Reading Room,” a summer reading program at PBJ Connections.
On top of everything Brenda does for PBJ Connections, she also volunteers for Heritage Day Health Centers, Meals on Wheels, Pet Rescues, and many more. “I meet early mornings or right after work, Saturday mornings, and do a lot of work by late-night e-mail. Some of my best ideas come during the night!”
Brenda’s eyes and heart were opened to volunteering 17 years ago. She had taken
a new job downtown and one day really wanted lunch, but had no money and no
one to borrow from. “That was my first time
to a ‘soup kitchen.’ I was welcomed and fed
by strangers who seemed to care about me and nothing else.” That was the defining mo- ment for her. Brenda now wants to show people that anyone and everyone can volunteer, get involved, and feel needed. “Everyone has something to offer; sometimes they just need a little reminder.”
One of Brenda’s major inspirations is former NFL and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Kurt Warner. “He’s been through the down and out times, but somehow managed to keep himself together for the climb back. He now shares the fruits of his labor with those in need.” The one thing Brenda would change is how professional athletes want more. “How is it that we can let people go hungry or live in a shelter, while a major league player is balking over a $300 million pay day? Do you know how many services $300 million could provide?” Brenda hopes people will learn to look beyond money and not let the “mean green” rule or ruin people’s lives.
For all of Brenda’s hard work, she was recently named one of four national finalists for the NASCAR Foundation Volunteer Award – the inaugural Betty Jane France Humanitarian Award. If she is the award winner, Brenda has designated PBJ Connections to receive the award prize of up to $100,000.
In the future, Brenda wants to continue to encourage organizations to be more accept- ing. “It’s important to realize, now more than ever, that every penny counts, every donation is important and not too small, and that every volunteer minute is vital. Not everyone can write a $500 check or work 1,000 hours! Take what anyone can give and be thankful for it!”
For more information about PBJ Connections, visit www.pbjconnections.org .