Every quarter we’d like to highlight one or two of our Women at the Well members and all the awesome work they do in the community! This quarter, we are highlighting member Cathie John.
Tell us a bit about yourself!
I was born and raised in a small town in Montana and graduated from college with a BS in Accountancy from Northern Arizona University. My first accounting job was in Colorado Springs where I was looking for a milder climate from both Montana and Flagstaff, Arizona! I moved away from Colorado Springs for a few years in the early ’80’s and travelled the world auditing for Carnation International before moving back in 1985 to settle down. I’ve been here ever since and love it. After an almost 25 year career with Pepsi as the VP of Finance and then over 10 years in the medical field I happily retired in October 2020. I have a son who is an aerospace engineer and a daughter who is an ob/gyn physician and thankfully, they both now live in the Springs. I have four grandchildren and now a granddog!
How did you hear about Care and Share and/or Women at the well? What made you decide to get involved?
Back in the early ’90’s when Care and Share was a United Way agency I was part of United Way’s allocation committee to determine which agencies received funding from the general campaign. Care and Share was one of the agencies I was assigned to evaluate and I just fell in love with their mission! I came from very humble beginnings and experienced some food insecurity as a child so I just knew I had to become involved. I served on the board of Care and Share for many years and co-chaired the capital campaign to raise money for the warehouse facility on Preamble Point. I was lucky enough to be selected to help cut the ribbon at the grand opening ceremony!
What’s one of your favorite memories from a Women at the well event/Volunteer opportunity?
I love volunteering out in the warehouse sorting or packing food or participating at one of the Mobile Markets or the food giveaways at Mount Carmel. One of my first Mount Carmel giveaways was a very cold morning during COVID and I love the picture of the Women At The Well ladies out there in their purple vests and facemasks!
What’s your “why” – what inspires you to be involved with our mission?
Care and Share has been and continues to be one of the premier non-profit organizations in Colorado Springs and southern Colorado. It operates like a well-oiled machine and has some of the most dedicated and loyal staff and volunteers I have ever encountered. A quote I carry with me states, “Through no fault of my own, I have more than I need. Through no fault of their own, others do not have enough.” If we can bridge that gap even just a little, why shouldn’t we?
What would you say to an individual who was thinking of joining Women at the Well?
Come and be a part of our mission – volunteering is good for the soul! You’ll get more than you give.
