Scott Rife says that prior to his retirement in the fall of 2019, his volunteer efforts were limited. His busy schedule and the demands of his job as a territory manager for RJ Reynolds didn’t allow much time for volunteering. Since retiring, he has more time to give — and one of the ways he gives back is fueled by a love for theater and the arts.
Born in Medina, New York, just east of Buffalo in 1959, Scott attended Purdue University in Indiana where he met his wife, Veronica. The couple moved to Jeffersonville right after graduation and have made it their home for more than 40 years.
The Rifes donate their time to multiple organizations, including the Center for Lay Ministries Food Pantry and Loaves and Fishes, both in Jeffersonville, and the Kentucky Performing Arts Center (KPA) in Louisville.
What made you choose to volunteer with KPA?
Both Veronica and I enjoy the performing arts and have been Broadway Series subscribers for years. Several people we know who volunteer with KPA suggested we look into it. We applied for a volunteer position, went through the training process, and a few months later we began volunteering. For someone who enjoys the arts, KPA is a great organization to join. As a volunteer, you can apply for which events you want to work, and as a bonus you get to enjoy them for free.
What do you do as a volunteer?
One of the main goals of the KPA volunteers is to help create a welcoming, hospitable, and safe environment for patrons coming to the performances. Ticket-taking, ushering, greeting guests, acting as tour guides, and serving as coat check attendants are some of the primary volunteer responsibilities.
Do you have a favorite volunteer memory?
I was working as an usher one night before a performance of Frozen when I noticed an elderly couple sitting in the lobby with a younger lady. It turned out that the young lady was escorting the couple to make sure they were able to access and use their digital tickets. I was able to assist the couple so the young lady could leave. In talking with them before the show, I learned that they had met on a group trip overseas just a few months earlier and that they were getting married in a few weeks. They were a nice couple, and they really enjoyed the show. Meeting interesting people is a great benefit to volunteering.
What has volunteering done for you?
After I retired, I knew I needed to find something to do, or I would get bored. Volunteering got me out of the house, kept me active, allowed me to meet and work with other great volunteers, and gave me the chance to help others.
By Kym Voorhees Raque | Photo by Shai-ann Vera
P.S. Read about one person who is spreading goodwill to those who need it.
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