Volunteer Spotlight: Jerry Budd
Jerry Budd never missed an Anchorage International Rotary meeting. He was the group’s contact with The Salvation Army for decades and found great satisfaction in organizing volunteers from Rotary for holiday bell ringing.
His seven kids were often pulled into that effort, said daughter Bridget. “I remember making signs for it as a young girl. We would also go around to the stores and make sure everyone was in the right place.” Budd always scheduled Rotarians to work in pairs, which gave them a chance to get to know each other better.
“He was not afraid to chide us a little bit if he still had open slots a week ahead of our assigned day,” said Anchorage International Rotary President Kevin Fimon. “Everyone understood it was his baby and we better do our part!”
So when 80-year-old Jerry passed away unexpectedly in early December, his children knew what they had to do. Son Bret found Jerry’s carefully organized list of volunteers and the Budd children began their rounds, checking on bell ringers to make sure they were all where they needed to be. “It’s what Dad would have wanted us to do,” said Bridget.
Jerry is described by his family as a man who lived hard and played hard. He pursued many opportunities in Alaska after arriving here with wife Carolyn and children in 1967. He was a land developer, seafood broker, salesman, and sports promoter, who loved fishing and snow machine racing, among many other activities.
Giving back to the community was a tenet of his life, and his contribution to The Salvation Army, through Rotary, helped countless individuals over the years. “The Salvation Army does so much for the community. Dad liked the fact that all money raised goes where it’s supposed to,” said Bridget.
Cooperation from community organizations such as Rotary is a critical support for The Salvation Army programs, especially during the holidays. Thank you to Jerry and his family, for pitching in all those years and motivating others to do the same.