The Naples Players’ amazing team of volunteers aren’t solely involved with the artistic aspect of the organization – there are additional opportunities to get involved with on the administrative side. Many nonprofits operate with a small but dedicated staff who can always use assistance with calls and letters to patrons and donors. One such person at The Naples Players is our February Volunteer of the Month, Lynne Vela, whose voice you may have heard on the other end of the phone!

Lynne is originally from Ohio, but lived in San Francisco for 14 years working as a flight attendant for United Airlines. “I got to travel everywhere, even Paris for a weekend!  One time I was in New York, standing in line for Broadway tickets and a couple asked me if I was on my own. I told them I was a stewardess with United Airlines and they said, ‘just hang around us and we’ll make sure you get a ticket.’  I got in and it was Funny Girl with Barbra Streisand!”

A Screen Actors Guild member for 37 years, Lynne also made commercials.  “I just knew how to read a teleprompter – I would go in for an audition and not make any mistakes.  Once the industry moved to using earpieces and made us buy those instead of reading the teleprompters I couldn’t get a job!”  Having a wonderful voice for commercials, Lynne’s role of calling donors as well as talking to patrons and sponsors at TNP’s Red Carpet Opening Nights is perfectly suited to her. 

Lynne and her husband Lou have been married for 21 years and moved to Naples around 1981 where they initially rented a place on 3rd Avenue before moving into their current home on Gulf Shore Boulevard. During Hurricane Ian, Lynne and her husband lost their cars and had to leave their home for a few weeks to stay in a hotel. “We were watching the news and they kept saying it’s heading for Tampa. Before you know it, I look out the window and all the cars in the lot are floating around, running into each other and all of the windshield wipers kicked on at the same time. The power went out and it was so scary.”  After all this, Lynne was asking TNP if they needed a volunteer and was eager to get back and help out two days after the storm hit. 

From 14 years at the pediatric ward at Beaumont Hospital in Michigan to 20 years with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Lynne has volunteered her whole life. “My mom volunteered until she was 99. I like to give back.”  As far as getting involved with a theater goes, Lynne says, “My granddaughter is auditioning for the Rockettes and my son is in plays in his local theater. One time he was Captain Von Trapp in The Sound of Music and his five real-life children played his kids in the show.  When my friend (fellow volunteer, James Little) told me about The Naples Players I thought – ‘what will I do there?’ I started to get involved and I love it, I want to do more!  I really like all of the people. That’s why I like being backstage, or helping with The Trees and Teas Festival, or volunteering at the Red Carpet Opening Nights.” 

Former Director of Development, Candace Johnson, says, “I love that Lynne is the “voice” of TNP.  She volunteers to call and thank every donor, which means that many people have spoken to her – or heard her on their voicemail.  When I’ve needed a partner – whether serving a traditional English Tea or coming up with centerpieces – Lynne is there.  There’s no one I’d rather work alongside than this fabulous lady.”

Be sure to congratulate Lynne on being The Naples Players February Volunteer of the Month! Thank you to Lynne and all of our other dedicated volunteers – stay tuned for next month’s Volunteer of the Month…