Making a Difference in OKC, One Volunteer Hour at a Time

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Heather Treaster. Read her story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light. 

At a time when many of us are trying to find our purpose, Heather Treaster, a first vice president at IBC Bank, has found hers in the quiet, purposeful act of volunteering. Over the last year, she has dedicated over 515 hours of her time to causes, including Positive Tomorrows and the Civic Center Foundation. Her journey began with a simple goal: to earn the President’s Volunteer Service Award. But, as often happens with true leaders, her motivation runs far deeper than a pin or a title. It is a genuine commitment to her community. 

Heather’s work with the Civic Center Foundation is one example of her hands-on approach. She serves as a volunteer usher for a variety of performances – from Broadway shows and concerts to ballet recitals and graduations. Her specific duties include welcoming guests, taking tickets and helping patrons find their seats. She is also a friendly face for those who might be new to the theater, answering questions and helping to resolve issues that may arise. 

By providing a team of dedicated volunteers like Heather, the foundation eases the financial pressure on the performing groups who would otherwise have to pay for ushers. Heather’s compassion is also evident in her interactions with patrons, both regulars and first-time attendees. She finds joy in helping people, whether it is showing them how to find a ticket on their phone or simply engaging them in conversation. She understands that a little help and conversation can make a big difference in a person’s experience. 

Heather’s journey to achieve all three levels of the President’s Volunteer Service Award is a testament to her dedication. She earned the bronze pin for 210 hours of service, the silver for nearly 300 and the gold for over 500 hours. Even after learning the award program was paused, she never wavered in her commitment. Her dedication is a consistent drumbeat, volunteering three to five times per month and even more during the busy dance competition season.

Heather shows us that true leadership and service are not always about grand gestures. Instead, they often shine in the quiet moments of consistency and compassion.

Tell us about your volunteer role. 

I volunteer for the Civic Center Foundation, which manages the Civic Center Music Hall in Oklahoma City, as well as the Rose State Performing Arts Center in Midwest City Oklahoma. The Civic Center Foundation mission is to provide culturally rich performing arts experiences to the greater Oklahoma City community.  

As a volunteer with this organization, we serve as ushers or ticket takers. As a ticket taker, we assist guests with finding the box office and scanning their tickets. We are the first faces the guest sees and provide a warm welcome as they enter the facility for what might be the first time. Other volunteer jobs include greeter and usher. As a greeter, I welcome guests in the lobby after their tickets are scanned and assist them with finding the correct location for their seats as well as concessions or bathrooms. As an usher, I am responsible for working inside the theater to help guests find their correct seats, provide programs and monitor all show policies such as if photography is prohibited.  

All of these roles aid in the welcoming and comfort of our guests. We are there for any questions or needs, such as where to go, how to get booster seats or Kulture City bags. We also volunteer as ushers during dance competitions, recitals and graduations, supporting families as their loved ones compete or celebrate the end of a successful season of life such as in dance or graduation. 

What inspired you to get started with this initiative? 

I’ve always been into volunteerism and theater from a young age. I participated in choral singing throughout my K-12 education, as well as volunteering for various theater performances at the same time. The bank I work for, IBC, values volunteerism and I have been involved with the community in a variety of ways through that connection. When my friend Betty asked if I wanted to start volunteering at the Civic Center it seemed like a very logical fit for me. Two things I love: performing arts and volunteerism. 

Why are the performing arts so important to you? 

The performing arts are important to me because they provide different perspectives to consider, as well as entertainment and social opportunities. The Civic Center Foundation hosts many different types of theater within their locations – opera, ballet, orchestra, Broadway shows, comedians, graduations, speeches and seminars. There truly is something for everyone in a variety of genres. The Oklahoma City Philharmonic provides a preshow talk for all their performances of the classics, which explains the history of the music, the time period the music comes from and what was going on in the world and in music at that time. The opera does the same thing. So there is much learning to be had as well as entertainment. 

What are your long-term plans or goals for the organization? 

My long-term plans with the organization are to achieve lifetime volunteer status at a young age (4,000 hours) and also to volunteer with this organization for 30+ years. It is so inspiring to me when volunteers are with the same organization for such a long time. Starting in my 30’s gives me a great leg up for a long career of volunteerism. 

What’s been the most rewarding part of your work? 

The most rewarding part of the work is the human element. I have made so many friends with other volunteers, Civic Center staff and season ticket holders. We share book recommendations and life stories, and that human connection is so important. I am also rewarded with the gratitude of helping others, with even the most seemingly minor things such as when a patron was scared to walk across a bridge in our building. I was able to show her a way to her seat that avoided the bridge. Another man had two drinks to carry to his seat but needed to use the handrail, so I was able to carry one for him.  

These small acts of kindness make me feel useful and make the patrons feel seen and valued. One of my favorite stories is a woman who comes to every Broadway performance and brings her own purple seat cushion. She left it in her seat, and I found it but not in time to give it back to her. I turned it in to lost and found, and then asked her about it at the next show where I saw her. She had not retrieved the cushion yet and I was able to return it to her. She was so grateful to have it back and that I remembered her. 

What have you learned through your experiences as a volunteer? 

I have learned to be patient and flexible in my volunteer role. Patience is required because not all volunteers or patrons move at the same speed or do things the same way. Flexibility is required because depending on the show and the needs of the patrons, I might be more involved or less involved. Season ticket holders know where their seats are and maybe just need to be greeted and need that human connection but don’t need a lot of help. Patrons who are new to the theater, nervous or seniors might need a bit more hand-holding. In those cases, I walk them all the way to their seats or to a different area of the theater as needed to make sure they get there. Late arrivals receive similar treatment because it is often dark, or it is necessary to walk them to their seats so they don’t get lost or trip and fall. 

Why is it important for others to get involved with causes they care about? 

Because that is how we improve the organizations and services offered in our world. Everyone gives their own special touch to the things they care about and it increases the diversity and inclusivity of the offerings. If you are truly passionate about what you are doing you will do it with a level of enthusiasm and a sense of ownership that someone who is not so passionate about that thing wouldn’t. Volunteers keep costs down and keep organizations offering high levels of service so anything that you can do to advance a cause you care about is never a bad idea. 

Any advice for people who want to start volunteering? 

Find something you are passionate about and sign up. You will receive all of the training and support you need and the organization you sign up with will be so happy and grateful that you are there! 

Do you want to make a difference in your community like Heather? Find local volunteer opportunities.