This Special Olympics Volunteer Sees Something Special In Everyone

Meet Daily Point of Light Award honoree Gary Pierre. Read his story, and nominate an outstanding volunteer or family as a Daily Point of Light.

Growing up, Gary Pierre saw how his sister’s disability didn’t stop her from achieving her goals.

Though she was visually impaired, Gary’s sister went on to get her law degree. When Gary was looking for a nonprofit organization to collaborate with years later, he gravitated toward the Special Olympics New York, which provides inclusive opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities. Like his sister, the Special Olympics athletes don’t look at their disabilities as something that hinders their potential.

Bolstered by their optimistic viewpoint, Gary took action. At his day job, Gary serves as a business control officer for Bank of America. But in his spare time, Gary uses that professional network to source Bank of America employees and their friends and families to volunteer with the Special Olympics.

He creates events for the Special Olympics New York, ranging from basketball games to Polar Plunges. While each track and field meet or soccer game may only last a couple of hours, each event requires hours of administrative work, whether it’s paperwork or sourcing new volunteers. No matter the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes, Gary is there to get it done. In fact, many people even mistake his volunteer work for his full-time job.

“When I look at the amount of time that he puts into these events, that’s when I see his passion and his enthusiasm come through,” says Michela Micheletti, a Bank of America colleague who volunteers with Gary.

Gary is also helping the Special Olympics New York take their programming to the next level. While they do emphasize athletics, Gary also assists the organization in teaching their participants other important life skills, like maintaining healthy financial habits. He also joined the board of the Special Olympics New York this year and is working to avidly recruit other financial institutions to participate like Bank of America does. While Gary is very grateful for the sponsorship of large institutions, he also sees the power in a single individual donating their time to a cause they care about.

“I think it’s really the time and commitment of the individuals who come to these events and talk to the volunteers. That’s what is most impactful for me overall,” says Gary.

One of the most rewarding aspects of Gary’s volunteer work is when he shows up at one of the Special Olympics events and the athletes know him by name. He says the experience of knowing that he’s impacting the lives of others brings him the most joy.

“I think that’s the most positive thing. You look at the time commitment, but it’s just something you just love to do,” says Gary. “By doing that, it’s not work.”

Gary advises aspiring volunteers to research potential organizations and speak to someone who is already involved to gain a greater understanding of their mission.

“Your time is precious, but giving your time makes such an impact on a person’s life,” Gary concludes. “As long as you bring your positive energy and your willingness to help others, you’re going to have a great time volunteering.”

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