Volunteering is a second career for Vic and Betty Fumiatti

(April 30, 2009) Vic and Betty Fumiatti admit to chuckling a bit when they hear friends and acquaintances who are about to retire express apprehension about what they can do to stay busy.  “I tell them to pick up the phone and call any nonprofit or school in the area,” says Betty. “I don’t know of a nonprofit that’s not looking for some kind of volunteer help. But you have to take the initiative – don’t wait to be asked.”

This year’s Celebrate! New Britain community service award recipients, Betty and Vic can speak with authority about taking the initiative. Here’s how the duo was described in the nomination form submitted by New Britain resident Paul D’Addabbo: In this community, it seems that no matter where you go, what Board you serve on … or community function you attend, Vic and Betty Fumiatti are there with smiles on their faces…and they are always doing something. All I can say is that I’m glad Vic and Betty are retired.

Married for 43 years, Vic and Betty each serve different organizations, but support each other whenever the opportunity arises – shagging balls together at the Ivan Lendl Tennis Camp or working the Hospital for Special Care’s Annual Golf Tournament (where Betty currently chairs the Board of Directors).

Health-related needs draw on Betty’s experience as a nurse and former president of the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Connecticut. She is also past president of the New Britain Rotary Club where she’s been active for 20 years, and has served a number of other organizations. Vic’s volunteer resume is equally impressive. A former probation officer with the juvenile court system, he continues to care for youth by serving (for 36 years!) the Board of the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain. He’s also past president of the New Britain chapter of Unico.

Vic advises prospective volunteers to seek service that reflects an interest or talent they have – and then enjoy themselves. Betty agrees, adding, “There’s always housework to be done but that will be there tomorrow and it doesn’t make me feel as good.”

The Fumiatti’s will direct their $2,500 grant from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain to the Boys and Girls Club of New Britain.

The Fumiatti’s are one of 20 couples or individuals nominated for the 2009 Celebrate! New Britain award. The other nominees included: Glenn Anderson, Ann Margaret Anselmo, Mark Bernacki, Lois Blomstrann, Frank Bradley, Ann Branca, Michael Carrier, Sister Mary John Casale, Linda Karalus, Lisa Knapp, Deane Olson, Mary Murphy, Kathleen Sauer, Marilyn Slate, Robert Story, Arnold Schwartz, Stephen Varga, Lindsley Wellman and Cindi Whitham.

“As always, we had a large and impressive field of nominees this year, and are so pleased to honor Vic and Betty as our final choice. They remind us all that taking the initiative benefits both volunteer and organization,” said Jim Williamson, president of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain.