Community Man

King is all for giving back, but when it comes to being a First Fridays volunteer, he’s (mostly) in it for the fun

“When it comes to volunteering, a lot of people talk about the value of giving back and working in service of the community. I second that motion. I applaud all of that, and I support that perspective with every ounce of my being.

However, I think that people believe you have to have piles of money like Scrooge McDuck to give back to your community and make a difference. That simply isn’t the truth. Tons of organizations in Elkhart County need volunteers to make our community stronger.

But in my case, as a volunteer for Downtown Goshen’s First Fridays series, it isn’t all selfless.

Being a part of the First Fridays volunteer crew is, honestly, just a ton of fun for me, and personally rewarding in many ways. It’s a powerful thing to witness a whole community of groups—people from all backgrounds, ethnicities, and demographics—come together in Downtown Goshen, and just being a part of that melting pot makes me feel good.

It also helps me get out and active in my community in a way that gives me something to do. It isn’t sitting and eating or drinking. It’s something social that is also rewarding. I love that.

First Fridays’ Director Amanda McMahon does a fantastic job of organizing the events, and she also does an incredible job of bringing volunteers into the fold. The events are exciting, you get to engage with people on a completely different level. I get to hand out marshmallows to kids at the Fire & Ice Festival, and see their smiles, and see folks having a great time; listening to great music, eating and drinking with family and friends, and supporting local businesses. To be a part of making events like that happen is, first and foremost, a pretty big thrill.

Watching the world come back to life

I work in Goshen, I went to Goshen’s Model Elementary School, and I graduated from nearby Concord High School. I’ve lived in Elkhart and Bristol—three different times, I love Bristol—and I’ve had the chance to live in communities throughout Elkhart County.

I’ve been volunteering for First Fridays events since the end of the pandemic; it felt like the world was breathing a sigh of relief. People were excited to get back–to be around each other. I wanted to be a part of that re-emergence and be a part of First Fridays, because it’s something that brings so many people together and, I think, makes our community stronger.

No place like Downtown Goshen

Downtown Goshen is unique for so many reasons; there’s such a variety of offerings—travel agencies, markets, retail, candy stores, an awesome book store, the record shop, and great restaurants and nighttime spots. It’s beautiful, with its historic structures, architecture, and classic facades. It looks like the quintessential, thriving Indiana downtown. But more than the optics, Downtown Goshen is genuinely warm, welcoming, hip, authentic, and inviting. It’s so obviously and fully infused with the creative energy and vibrance of Goshen folks and people from across Elkhart County.

There’s just no place like Downtown Goshen, and volunteering at First Fridays often feels to me like some sort of magical experience; there’s live music and entertainment, so many people, and you get to have healthy, fun interactions and know that you’re helping everyone have a great time.

A burden shared is a bond strengthened

There is a sub-reason, for me, for volunteering, and that’s to set an example for my community, and more specifically, for my daughter, to see that you can be a busy family man and also someone who donates time to the community. I want to set the example that it’s ok, and it’s good—and can be fun and personally rewarding—to make time during your life in service of the greater community. I want to impart to my family that it’s crucial–that a burden shared is a bond strengthened.

A lot of people, even people who come regularly to First Fridays, feel like, they can’t be involved because they don’t have the resources, and I get that. But there are more ways to support a local nonprofit than by presenting a check. Most volunteer shifts at First Fridays are around two hours. That’s it. Amanda will find something you can do to help make First Fridays the tremendous monthly event that it is, you’re going to feel really great about it, and it’s going to broaden your world. It’s an awesome opportunity to re-energize and get in touch with your community.”