Help End Abuse for Life (HEAL) deeply values the people in Lincoln County for their ongoing, passionate support. It also values the community’s many dedicated volunteers and donors for their generous contributions toward its mission of ending violence everywhere. Like many beloved non-profit organizations, the staff of HEAL and the Nest receive great joy in watching timid first-time supporters being bitten by the altruism bug and ultimately serving with all the love of a Nobel Prize candidate.
Marty Buse is no stranger to volunteering. As the Fraternal Chair and past Exalted Ruler of the Ruidoso Elks Lodge, she has championed several fundraising projects around the community. Recently, she chose to make a small contribution to the Nest by giving the children residing at the shelter a game of Chutes and Ladders. Buse said, “I wanted to do something for the kids, and I chose Chutes and Ladders because it was a game I enjoyed playing with my kids when they were young. I thought with it being summertime, the Nest could use more games. Plus, it helps teach children to count.”
As a donor, Buse received a hand-written thank you letter from staff at the shelter. Buse said, “I felt appreciated and I wanted to do more. It brought tears to my eyes because I know what they are going through. I have always felt a connection to the Nest because I’ve always loved Sweet Charity and I used to help raise money and get donations for them when I was working with Wells Fargo.”
Buse was determined to do more. After reading about Bill and Carol Carpenter, Sweet Charity’s volunteer delivery workers, and speaking with staff at HEAL, she discovered Sweet Charity is in need of a box truck and volunteers for deliveries and pick-ups. She approached her fellow Elks and presented the idea to apply for a grant to get a truck for Sweet Charity. After an entirely unanimous vote, the organization will soon begin writing a $10,000 grant. The group decided to do more to help and a dozen Elks agreed to volunteer with deliveries and pick-ups. Marty Buse’s husband and Elks Treasurer, Al Buse, offered his box truck and time for deliveries during the interim.
Marty Buse has quickly discovered what so many volunteers know as divine wisdom: altruism is addictive: it grows and it becomes a deep part of your character. She said, “I was inspired by the willingness and readiness of my fellow Elks to contribute their time and vehicles. I challenge members of our many fellow organizations to do the same. I encourage each of you to give it a shot. You may be surprised by how readily people step up.”
Marty Buse and the Ruidoso Elk’s Lodge are prime examples of folks who, through their inspired actions, have embraced the domestic violence organization, the survivors and the community with love and generosity. Their stories illustrate an excellent example of how even small donations can grow into long-time, dedicated and altruistic support that survivors depend on to break the vicious cycle of violence.
Pictured are Marty and Al Buse of the Ruidoso Elks Lodge.
