Lee Clothakis is someone former President George Bush would refer to as “one of our country's thousand points of light." She is a volunteer for something she believes in – the Millbrae Chamber of Commerce of which she is a past president. 

Festival Volunteers

She is also the person responsible for recruiting the 200 or so volunteers it takes to put on the annual Millbrae Art & Wine Festival. “It's an important job, and we're very fortunate to have someone like Lee to take care of it," says Chamber of Commerce President/CEO John Ford.

For Mrs. Clothakis, born and raised in a small town on the east coast, volunteering has been a part of her life since she was a child. “I grew up volunteering for community events," she says. “Whether it was cooking hot dogs at the Fireman's Barbecue or serving sodas at the County Fair, I was taught at a very early age that it was important to be involved in the community."

For the Art & Wine Festival, about 120 volunteers are recruited to sell beer, wine, soft drinks, tickets, glasses and memorabilia. “Most of our volunteers who staff these booths are recruited from local businesses," says Clothakis. “They do a great job and are a terrific asset to the chamber. We couldn’t do it without them."

The additional 80 or so volunteers handle various behind the scenes duties that make things go smoothly. The Boy Scouts are in charge of garbage collection. The chamber provides volunteers for security and staffing the Kids’ Playland. “We're very appreciative of what these volunteers do," says Ford. “Their involvement is a big part of what makes the festival a great success."  To volunteer, please call the Chamber of Commerce at 650-697-7324.