Family Promise of Beaufort County Shines the Spotlight on Jack Rabbitt

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 October, we shine the Volunteer Spotlight on Jack Rabbitt, coordinator for Family Promise activities at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church in Bluffton.  Jack and his volunteers lend support to host congregations at Grace Coastal Church and Church of the Palms, both in the Bluffton area.  Their combined efforts provide Family Promise guests with meals and overnight stays for a week at a time throughout the year.

Serving as coordinator for more than five years, Jack was a “substitute” van driver for Family Promise for three years prior. That experience was his introduction to the organization and led him to take on becoming a coordinator.

In talking with Jack his enthusiasm and commitment to his role are evident. “It’s important for our volunteers to have an understanding of the big picture of the Family Promise mission as well as an appreciation and understanding of the sensitivities involved in being supportive of each individual guest,” says Jack.

As for his personal commitment to Family Promise Jack says, “There is a very distinct sense of making a positive difference in the lives of regular folks who are going through a tough time, a very real sense of acceptance and joy among volunteers and guests in recognizing that we are all in this human condition together.” Jack adds, “For me personally, I have always been motivated and energized by Jesus Christ’s words from Matthew Chapter 25, verse 40, “Amen I say to you, whatever you did for anyone, even these least brothers of mine, you did for me.”

In preparing to assist in hosting families, two to three weeks prior Jack confirms with the host coordinator the dates his volunteers are needed. He then reaches out to people in his congregation to fill each shift, be it overnight hosting or providing a meal. To assure that everything goes smoothly and to assist where needed, Jack visits the host church each evening. “It gives me ‘warm fuzzies’ to see the fellowship among the volunteers and guests.”

Jack and his wife Rosie have been married for 44 years and have two children. Their son Matt lives on Long Island with wife Alisa and their three children. Their daughter Allison lives with her husband Nick and their two children in Seattle. With a smile Jack explains that he and Rosie visit with each family two to three times per year and get together as an entire family every two to three years. “Wow, do we have a blast!”

In 2008 Jack and Rosie moved from Bay Shore Long Island to the Low Country. They fell in love with the area for many reasons—the climate, the golf, the amenities, the beaches, the historic cities so close by, the college campus right next door (the Rabbits live in Sun City), a vibrant spiritual community, the proximity to Disney World, and the scores of clubs and organizations matching their many interests.  

Jack is a man who likes to keep busy! For nine years he has been a volunteer professor in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of South Carolina Beaufort. He teaches 10 different seminars: history (six on the Civil War and one on the Castles of Western Europe); business (Economics and Finance and the Early Years of McDonald’s and Their Business Model); and religion (a course based on his book, More Like Christ).

With an intense interest in golf, Jack plays as often as he can and works two days a week as a ranger at Hidden Cypress Golf Club in Sun City. He enjoys basketball and up until recently was playing two days a week at the Buckwalter Rec. Center. As he can no longer run full court, on occasion he goes to shoot hoops and walk the indoor track.

Jack has a drum studio at home. “I love to rock out on my Tama kit,” he says. “But sometimes I play big band and Broadway stuff. I taught myself how to play when I was about 30. Though I can’t read music, if I listen to a song three or four times I can usually get the drum tracks – so I have a great time!”

Drawn to being a volunteer at an early age, Jack has been a catechist for 35 years, working mostly with 8th and 9th graders in various Catholic parishes on Long Island. He has participated with numerous other ministries – Pre-Cana, RCIA, Baptism preparation, a member of the Church Finance Committee, and has been a Big Brother.

Jack’s dedication, along with others like him, is what makes it possible for Family Promise of Beaufort County to achieve our mission. To Jack and the other 700 volunteers we extend our endless thanks!