Volunteer of the Month - November 2019

We have an amazing community of volunteers who faithfully and generously give their time and energy to serve seniors throughout Boulder County. In an effort to recognize their work, and so that our entire community can get to know our volunteers, we started our Volunteer of the Month award program.

We are delighted to introduce you to Betsy Imig, our November 2019 Volunteer of the Month.  Betsy has volunteered with Cultivate in a variety of ways, currently providing seniors with groceries through our Carry-Out Caravan program. Get to know Betsy below.

Inspired by Betsy? You, too, can support seniors in our community as a volunteer. It’s a great opportunity to give back. Get started today!

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in the Appalachian Mountains in Maryland.

What was your childhood ambition?

Gosh I don't even remember. Maybe a cowboy or a librarian. I love to read, I love books!

What was your first job?

I would say a babysitter, but my first actual real job was at a candy factory.

What was your proudest moment?

Graduating from nursing school at Regis University. I was 50 years old when I graduated.

What is your greatest challenge?

Probably parenting to 3 kids: two girls and one boy.

What are you most passionate about?

Gardening and books.

What are your hobbies?

I have a few. Biking and hiking. I hike twice a week. I ski. And I enjoy genealogy. I also read a lot.

What would your perfect day look like?

My perfect day would be going on a hike, then doing some gardening around the house, taking my grandkids somewhere fun, and ending it with a great dinner with friends.

What is one item on your bucket list?

Visiting Africa! I have read many books about it. Not because of the animals, just because I want to experience everything about it!

What three words would you want to describe your legacy?

I guess hardworking, thoughtful, and fun!

Who/What inspires you?

Ordinary people. I like the CBS Sunday Morning Show. They interview normal people that are doing something amazing. People who really stand up for themselves. I also think that women are the future impact of the world.

What advice would you give to people of a generation other than your own?

Advice I would give to the generation right now is to put aside technology, focus on relationships and people, and give yourself the time to experience the world!

Why do you volunteer?

I volunteer because I feel like my parents set a good example to us. They always volunteered. I really like people and learning their experiences and somehow I get as much back as I give.

Why Cultivate?

I wanted to stay in my community, helping people there.

Who is a senior who made a significant impact on your life, and what is one lesson you learned from them?

My parents, my mother. My father developed Alzheimer’s and it was hard on my mother. She grew up on a farm in Hudson. A Mom-ism I always remembered was if someone was going on and on, she would say he’s “telling how the hogs ate the cabbage”—something I’d imagine every farmer would already know!

Volunteering with us is easy, flexible and fun! Join our volunteer team today and, like Betsy, make a deep impact in the lives of your senior neighbors.