I moved to Boulder for law school in 2006, and by that December I was ready to get involved with the community. I decided to volunteer at the local homeless shelter. I started out working in the room where the residents can safely store their belongings. However, when I heard about the Shelter's annual fundraising event-the Barely Black Tie-I immediately offered my assistance. I had just graduated from college with a degree in public relations, and was excited to use my education for the benefit of a larger cause.

In August of 2007, the Shelter staff bestowed the position of "volunteer coordinator" upon me. The next three months were a whirlwind of e-mails and phone calls to the many enthusiastic volunteers who wanted to help. Finally the big day arrived, and things went like clockwork: the decorating and set-up volunteers did a fabulous job, beautifying the regal Boulder Theater for the evening's events. Next came those who worked the registration table, food stands, and live auction, each of them buzzing with energy. By the end of the night, I was reeling from the volunteers' organization, skill, and enthusiasm. Each piece of the event would have been impossible without such willing helpers. Still, in the end, they had played a more important role than just decorating or serving food. The volunteers and their energy had brought the Barely Black Tie to life.