Make a Difference
Volunteers play an important part in the success of our organization and in the lives of our clients. Whether it’s sharing your time with a client, playing a game or going for a walk and fostering a friendship along the way, you can make a difference.
Volunteer Opportunities
We have volunteer opportunities to fit a variety of interests and time commitments.
- Support for Families and Clients: assist in monthly Saturday Fun Respite events and activities like BINGO!
- Special Events: Assist with planning, set up, clean up and a variety of activities at our special events:
Dinner Theater – Fri. February 21, 2025
Golf Tournament –Mon. July 14, 2025
Summer Fun Day – Sun. August 10, 2025
Flannel Gala -TBD
Community Thanksgiving Dinner -Thurs. November 27, 2025
LBSA’s December Gala – TBD
- College Friends: College students are paired with an LBSA client for weekly visits
- Community Friends: Community members are paired with an LBSA client for weekly visits
- Corporate or Team Events: If you have a group looking for a volunteer project, we can match some of our needs with your group’s skillset or interest
“I’ve been volunteering for LBSA for the last eight years in a variety of different roles and I am honored and feel incredibly fortunate to have LBSA part of my life.”– LBSA Volunteer
Sign Up to Volunteer
Interested in making a difference? Please complete the form to get started.
Recognizing Distinguished Service
At the conclusion of Robert (Bob) Bonner’s stellar service on the LBSA Board of Trustees, the board chose to honor Bob with a Distinguished Service Award, named in his honor. Annually, we honor those who have made a real difference at LBSA through their constant involvement, time, energy and resources.
Past Award Recipients
- Kent Holden (2023)
- Abby Grismer (2022)
- Greg Closser (2021)
- Frank Zastera (2020)
- Dave and Ruthie Neuger (2019)
- Chris and Sheila Kennelly (2018)
- Cheryl Buck (2017)
- Annette Nierobisz and Rob Morrow (2016)
- Charlie and Lorraine Sewich (2015)
- Ed and Anne Lundstrom (2014)
- Bob and Marilyn Matta (2013)
- Mike Hero (2012)
- Steve Kelly (2011)
- Bill Cowles and Pam Schiele (2010)
2024 Award Recipient
Bob Gilbertson
Back in the day, a young attorney and his wife attended the Gala with neighborhood friends. The young attorney was impressed with the organization and wanted to learn more. He expressed an interest in joining the board. In 2012, Bob Gilbertson joined the LBSA board and began a journey that has provided wide-ranging benefits to the organization.
Bob is curious, and needs to understand, at a deep level, issues he cares about. He asks a lot of questions. Questions that create opportunities for thinking differently about things. Bob has a wide array of connections that he has called upon to help LBSA in a variety of ways. He is generous with his time, his connections, and his treasures. He is passionate, and cares deeply about people’s stories.
To ensure that our services’ funding is stable and adequate to support our clients, including ensuring we can hire and retain staff members, LBSA needs to advocate with legislators and the public. Bob uses his voice to advocate. He uses his connections to ensure that the people who need to hear our messages are listening. Over the years, he invited the Secretary of State and the judge who is overseeing Minnesota’s consent decree for the Olmstead Plan attended our Gala. He got us repeated audiences with Governor Walz’ office. When needed, Bob occasionally offered his legal advice to the Association, pro bono.
Bob served within the Association as a board member for 12 years, and an officer for 6 years. He worked to improve board processes. He reached out to friends and strangers to ask them to support LBSA. Bob is generally a voice of reason when issues are heated, helping to create solutions amenable to all parties. He also has a wicked sense of humor.
We are pleased to honor Bob Gilbertson with the 2024 Robert Bonner Distinguished Service Award.
