Family Promise of Beaufort County Shines the Spotlight on Jerry and Elaine Tavolaro

As a volunteer driven organization, we are shining the spotlight each month on one of our dedicated volunteers who are the heart of Family Promise. They work tirelessly and greatly deserve our thanks and recognition!

In December, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Jerry and Elaine Tavolaro Co-Support Coordinators at St. Andrew by the Sea United Methodist Church in Bluffton, who have been involved with Family Promise of Beaufort County (FPBC) for five years.  They have been a part of their congregation for six years by serving on a variety of committees and for events. Elaine is also a representative to the SC UMC Annual Conference, Born to Read and volunteers with Backpack Buddies.  

The couple has been Family Promise volunteers for 15 years.  First starting in Newton, NJ with the Newton UMC as dinner and overnight hosts; then becoming Co-Coordinators with St. Andrew by the Sea for both Bluffton and Hilton Head campuses. Jerry has also been an employee with Family Promise of Beaufort County since January 2016. “I have always wanted to make a personal and tangible difference in our society,” he said. “Whether they are our guests or our volunteers, my primary role at Family Promise allows me to encounter individuals each day that I can support with my concerns as well as my skills.”  Jerry also stated that, “what continues to be surprising and impress me is the number of people I encounter at our congregations who are interested in helping others.”

They work closely with their Co-Coordinators Roger and Beverly Schoenhart on volunteer recruitment and engagement. The couples are backups for each other with last minutes changes based on volunteers availably.  According to the couple, “Each time UUCL or St. Luke’s hosts we coordinate securing volunteers for both dinner and overnight, obtain dinner menus to coordinate with the Host Coordinator, manage changes as they occur and ensure that coverage of two (2) nights each week is provided. 

After spending many years vacationing during the winter months on Hilton Head Island they decided in 2014 to retire to the Lowcountry.  In their spare time they enjoy reading, birding, travel and entertaining friends and family. They are blessed to have two sons, Seth and Adam, two amazing daughters-in-law, Heather and Laurie and four delightful grandchildren, Sidney, Abigail, Joshua and Rafer.   Both families are actively involved with Family Promise of Beaufort County as well. 

The Tavolaro’s exemplify the more than 700 volunteers who make it possible for Family Promise to assist homeless children and their families.  We greatly thank you for all that you do!