Liz Dannenbaum has been volunteering with the Friends of San Damiano since 2022. Liz lives in the Lake Edge neighborhood in Madison and she has always felt that San Damiano is Lake Edge’s unofficial “front yard.” As an avid nature lover, Liz was an early supporter of keeping the gorgeous grounds of San Damiano free from private development.
Her volunteer responsibilities began with data entry—a task she would be happy to continue with if ever needed. She initially joined the Community Engagement Committee and was later invited to serve on the Communications Committee. She now acts as a liaison between both committees, strengthening their collaboration.
“This is such a pivotal moment for San Damiano,” says Liz when asked what inspires her volunteer work. She is very excited to see “what will happen next.” Liz is looking forward to the San Damiano events planned for 2025, including World Migratory Bird Day, the three summer Biergartens, and Celebration on the Shore. She was amazed by the beautiful sculptures produced by the Harry Whitehorse Festival last summer.
San Damiano is beautiful indeed, but Liz says the best part of volunteering is “the people I work with at SD.” She feels particularly lucky to work with Patricia Howell who is, says Liz--a volunteer with many organizations over the years-- “ the “most focused, most thoughtful” committee head she has ever worked with. “But everyone is so committed and so kind—what a great team to be associated with.”
