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

A: Since I was 6 years old (my dad was in the military) (55 years).

[caption id="attachment_9935" align="alignleft" width="214"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Profile-Connie-Hipp.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-9935" alt="Volunteer Connie Hipp by Captured Moments Photography" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Profile-Connie-Hipp-214x300.jpg" width="214" height="300" /></a> Volunteer Connie Hipp by Captured Moments Photography[/caption]

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

A: Leadership Beaufort, a program of the Beaufort Regional Chamber of Commerce.  Additional volunteering:  Ghost Tale Storyteller on the carriages for Exchange Club fundraiser benefitting Child Abuse Prevention Association for the past 20 years; Altar Guild and Wedding Committee Director at the Parish Church of St. Helena; Member of the Beaufort 300 committee.

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

A: I was a participant in the second class of the Leadership Beaufort program (Class of 1987), and have been the volunteer director for 25 years. Then in April 2012, I became a chamber staff member with this program as one of my responsibilities.

I love volunteering and giving back to our community.  I have slowed down a lot on what I do, but have enjoyed every minute of it.

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

<b>A: </b>Three years ago we celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Leadership Program with a party. People came back to Beaufort from all over the country for the reunion, and those that couldn’t come shared comments on how the program had impacted their lives.  It touched my heart to hear all their stories and reunite with so many.  Beaufort (and the world) have benefitted from the commitment of so many of our graduates and they have improved the lives of the citizens of their communities.  What a wonderful group of people that I have been fortunate to get to know and work with.

Several years ago my youngest stepdaughter Catherine went through the program. I was very honored that she thought enough about something I was involved with to do it also.  And she was a great asset to her class that year since she had grown up in Beaufort.

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

<b>A:</b> Fishing and boating with my husband Eddie and spoiling my grandchildren. Plus I love to read!

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

A: The people here are so very friendly and have the warmest hearts.    We are very blessed to have such wonderful volunteers helping out in so many ways.  And the coastal living can’t be beat.  I love the smell of the salt air and the pluff mud — and miss it when I am not in town.

<b>This Volunteer Spotlight portrait was taken by Captured Moments Photogrpahy at 509-B Adventure St., Beaufort SC 29902. 843-379-0223,</b>

<b>www.capmom.com. Nominate a volunteer by emailing theislandnews@gmail.com and tell us the person’s name and contact information.</b>