Ropa: How did you learn about HHH?

Andrules: I was contacted in January of 2007 with an intriguing and heartfelt introduction outlining the supporting force of HHH and their goal of helping members of our community that have “fallen through the cracks.” The organization’s mission moved me, and I pursued the opportunity to meet with Lori Ropa, CAE, Advisory Board Member, and Better Proctor, Founding Program Director, soon thereafter. After learning Lori had undergone a great deal of diligence in researching and screening local design firms that were amicable to donating funds, production time and related services in support of HHH’s online needs, my partner and I were thrilled to be selected to serve in a supporting technology role for HHH. Together, we enjoyed great synergy and enthusiasm for the opportunities that an online presence would present for HHH. We were thrilled to have been selected to take on this rewarding challenge!

Ropa: What inspired you to get involved?

Andrules: In my most formative years, I became inspired to volunteer by many of the people around me who dedicate so much time, energy and passion into the different causes that reside close to their hearts. My friends, family and colleagues consistently give back to their communities and believe that “getting involved” serves as the backbone of their guiding principles.

I find it inspiring to create outreach solutions within a company culture that makes being involved in the community one of its core values. To this extent, I find that it is difficult to resist wanting to work harder to do even more. I have come to learn that not everyone is so fortunate amongst the obstacles that life can present. I recognize that what I contribute to my community may not change the world as a whole, but it can, at the very least, have the potential to change someone's day, their professional aspirations, their living situation, their healthcare, and even their personal outlook on their own future success. I feel that if many of us commit even a small portion of our time, energy, or money toward helping one another, we will see that those efforts will positively impact our community members. I believe that changing the state of our communities is a collective process that starts in our own backyards. I choose to proactively serve as a part of that process. I don’t simply ‘wish’ that things are better for our community—I work hard with the resources and skills available to me to help make it happen.

Ropa: What do you find most gratifying about volunteering for HHH?

Andrules: Designing and developing the inaugural web site for Helping Hearts and Hands was a truly rewarding experience. Our team worked closely with HHH volunteers who provided key guidance and creative collaboration to produce an information-rich outreach system that serves donors, contribution recipients and agencies alike. We were delighted to deliver an online solution to Helping Hearts and Hands, and we are pleased that we were able to help an organization that positively impacts so many lives. To watch the site thrive and grow as an important outreach tool for the organization remains a highlight to our portfolio of works produced.

Ropa: What would you say to others to encourage them to get involved?

Andrules: This is a difficult time for many people, and most find it necessary to hold-back on their fiscal resources in fear of the unknown. In my experience, I’ve discovered that it doesn't take a lot of money or great deal of time to make a difference in someone’s life. In fact, every step that we take to get involved can often result in twice the impact. The HHH team provides a tremendous outreach opportunity, as they serve as a wonderful conduit to members of our communities in need, making it very easy to donate funds to cases that are close to the hearts of HHH donors. If we all contribute a small portion from our earnings, volunteer even an hour per week, perform even the smallest gesture to support one another, it sums-up to make great things possible for all of us.

About Jamie Andrules
Jamie has been working in the fine art, visual communications, advertising and multimedia trades since 1994. An advocate of social and cultural enrichment, Jamie has contributed her artistic talents and expertise to civically-engaging projects for nonprofit organizations, community outreach programs and civil advocacy groups worldwide. Jamie serves as managing partner of Andrules+Fries Design, Inc., a communications agency founded in February 2001, and she is the recipient of several fine art and graphic design awards. Additionally, she serves as Managing Member of African Days Safaris, LLC, a core fundraising incentive provider of tours, safaris and adventure travel in Namibia, Africa. Jamie studied visual communications at the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. Visit www.andrules-fries.com and www.africandayssafaris.com for more information.