Name: Chuck Michael
Current employer or place of business: Pacific Continental Bank
Organization(s) I volunteer with: Partners in Careers; Humane Society of SW Washington; Leukemia-Lymphoma Society; Classroom Law Project (a nonprofit organization of individuals, educators, lawyers, and civic leaders teaching students to become active citizens); Meals on Wheels.
How I got involved: Over the years I have gotten involved with each of these organizations through connections in the community – and because of the great work they do. Each of the above organizations touches a part of our community that I am passionate about. With the Humane Society, it’s about animal care; Partners in Careers is assisting our returning military and others who are trying to get their lives in order; the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society – because cancer sucks!; and I’m passionate about volunteering with Classroom Law because of the impact they have on youth. Our community has so many great organizations it is actually hard to choose where to place our efforts!
Why I give back: I have been blessed with a good family and a good career and want to give back to the community that has done so much for me.
Proudest moment as a volunteer: There are so many it is hard to select just one. I am proud of the direction the Humane Society is going – a result of the great staff and hundreds of volunteers. Meeting the family of a young girl battling Leukemia and hearing how the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society played a big role in their lives was most rewarding. The many military and/or troubled youth that have found jobs through Partners in Careers rate high my list. And of course, anyone who has volunteered with Meals on Wheels knows how rewarding it is to visit those on the route; knowing we may be their only contact on a given day.
What local challenge or issue are you most passionate about? My strongest passion is for the animals. They bring so much joy and happiness to our community. We face a constant challenge of raising money for the shelter operation. I am always amazed and humbled by the support of the community.
Just for fun: What are your hidden talents? I am not sure how or why, but I can add numbers in my head almost as fast as someone using a calculator. Unfortunately, it doesn’t do much in the overall scheme of life!
“Paying it Forward: Volunteer Businessperson of the Week” is sponsored by Pacific Continental Bank.