Leisa Gebetsberger, JD, MS, BSN
Trust Administrator, Tulsa, OK
1| Which nonprofit are you passionate about serving?
Tulsa Southside Rotary. Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self”. Rotary members in clubs around the world provide humanitarian services to others. What’s not to love about that?!
History: Since its inception in 1972, the Rotary Club of Tulsa Foundation has given over $6 million back to the Tulsa community. Tulsa’s most respected community leaders are working together to address today’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, including fighting disease, providing clean water, supporting education, and promoting peace. Click here for more information.
2| How long have you been volunteering?
I’ve volunteered with the Rotary Club for the last 20 years.
3| What motivates you to give back to the community?
My role as a volunteer has given me a way to give back to my community and, at the same time, has helped me become more connected to my community. I’ve met some amazing people through my volunteer work with Rotary.
4| What do you do when you volunteer?
Our Rotary Club sponsors various projects, but the one closest to my heart is Medical Supplies Network Inc. (www.msni.org). MSNI provides medical equipment and supplies for those in need worldwide. As volunteers, we package and inventory donated boxes of dressings, syringes, gloves, surgical blankets, walkers and other supplies. We ship containers of medical supplies to countries worldwide at no charge. We’ve shipped multiple containers to Ukraine since the start of the war.
5| How would you encourage others to get involved in their community?
I know it’s sometimes hard to find the time to volunteer with our busy lives. However, when you do, the benefits to you and your community are enormous. Volunteering allows you to connect to your community and make it a better place by impacting the lives of others.
6| Explain why you donate your time to volunteer.
Rotary’s focus on community and international service at home and around the world helps to unite people and helps to create lasting change in every community they serve.
7| What would you say to someone who’s thinking of volunteering?
Volunteering with an organization whose goals align with yours is one of the most rewarding ways to spend your time. Everyone benefits!
