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Seven years ago, Sheryl Mason was working at Fidelity Investments in Texas when she came across an email about Fidelity’s sponsorship of WaterFire.
“It looked incredible but, of course, was too far away for me to attend.”
To her disbelief, just a few months later, Sheryl was asked to transfer to the Fidelity Investment office in Smithfield, Rhode Island.
“I gladly accepted the opportunity to transfer that April and I started volunteering with WaterFire that summer.” Sheryl has been a dedicated volunteer with WaterFire since – so much so that last season she attended every single WaterFire event.
“My favorite is volunteering at the Brazier Society Reception tent greeting the sponsors, guests, and donors. It is something I’ve been doing exclusively for the past four seasons. The guests pre-register for the event and I help with checking them in. We also provide information and answer questions about WaterFire. On a given night, I may answer questions from someone who lives in Rhode Island, Texas, or even Italy. I love talking with people; so, this is a great spot for me.”
Although Sheryl enjoys greeting guests at the Brazier Society tent, one of her most memorable WaterFire moments occurred during a Fidelity sponsored WaterFire when she was giving out Fidelity Cranes and she came across a family from New Hampshire that had just happened to travel to Providence that night, yet had no idea what WaterFire was.
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Fidelity’s Origami Crane”]
“They were completely blown away by the beauty of the event and it was great to be able to explain the spectacle occurring right before their eyes. I told them about the history of WaterFire and even invited them back for future events. They were astounded by the artistry and the quiet milling of the people. They could not wait to return. It is so neat to engage in conversations with people who live so close to Rhode Island, yet have never heard of WaterFire.”
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[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Betty Ann Hughson, Sheryl Mason and Ellen Goodman at the Brazier Society check-in table.”]
Although WaterFire is very dear to Sheryl’s heart, her service does not end with us. She keeps herself very busy as noted recently when she was recognized as one of Fidelity’s Best in Class Volunteers at the Fidelity Cares Your Community Event. Outside of her profession as an Executive Assistant with Fidelity Investments in Smithfield, RI, a long time and enthusiastic WaterFire partner and sponsor, Sheryl also volunteers with several other organizations in both Providence and Boston and is the Deacon at Providence Presbyterian Church – all of which keeps her incredibly busy.
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Andrea Ritter and Sheryl Mason at the 2013 Fidelity Cares event.”]
Sheryl has been an especially dedicated volunteer with WaterFire over the past seven years. The staff at WaterFire are exceedingly grateful for Sheryl’s passion for the arts, her love of the inspiration WaterFire brings to Providence, and her pride to be a part of such a devoted team.
“Volunteering with WaterFire is amazing. The staff is fabulous to work with. And, the volunteers at WaterFire are some of the most dedicated people I know. We are passionate about WaterFire and many of us have become good friends as a result. I am proud to say that WaterFire is a major part of my life!”
If you would like to join Sheryl and start your own WaterFire experience, please contact the WaterFire Volunteer Department at 401-273-9727 or [email protected].
[sc name=photo-caption caption=”Photos by Thomas Payne and John Simonetti”]
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Sheryl, this was a lovely write-up and true to your dedication to WaterFire as a great volunteer. It was a wonderfully good reflection of your volunteership.
Ms. Mason is a cultured, gracious, beautiful and passionate woman. It was an honour knowing her and getting to know through Fidelity. She has the soul and heart of an angel.