<b>Q: How long have you lived in Beaufort?</b>

<b>A:</b> Eight years. I got transferred here with orders in December 2004 from Charlotte, N.C.

<b>Q: What organization do you represent?</b>

A: I am currently active duty Navy, however I am involved with a variety of organizations that I donate my time to including Main Street Beaufort, HELP of Beaufort, Chain Free Beaufort, and an annual holiday toy drive that I host. I also coach a Beaufort Volleyball club 17U girls volleyball team.

[caption id="attachment_11363" align="alignleft" width="214"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSCF6274.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-11363" alt="Donna Patrick" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/DSCF6274-214x300.jpeg" width="214" height="300" /></a> Donna Patrick[/caption]

<b>Q: How did you first get involved with these organizations? </b>

<b>A: </b>Main Street Beaufort, USA, was given my name by a fellow co-worker when they were looking for a logistics coordinator and I did my first Shrimp Festival in 2011; I have been a part of most of their events ever since. I met Kim Bonturi, the head of Chain Free Beaufort, and we became friends after I DJ’d her niece’s wedding and I started volunteering her with fundraisers and parades. HELP of Beaufort is all Steve Curless’s fault. The annual toy drive is something that Steve Curless and I started together after a group of local DJ’s held a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina victims.  I love volleyball and some local youth talked me into coaching.

<b>Q: Describe one of your most memorable experiences as a volunteer?</b>

<b>A:</b> Honestly my most memorable experiences as a volunteer are the great people I have met, the amazing things that I have seen people from all walks of life come together and accomplish and the lifelong friends I have gained.

<b>Q: When not volunteering,</b><b> what other activities do you enjoy?</b>

<b>A:</b> Doing things with my children such as playing sports, (especially volleyball and softball), traveling, and listening to music.

<b>Q: What do you like best about Be</b><b>aufort?</b>

<b>A:</b> The beautiful surroundings, the locals who become your “family” and the fact that I can wear flip flops and shorts for the majority of the year.