Thank You, Volunteers!

2023 Wolf Trap Foundation Volunteers pose for a group photo.

Wolf Trap celebrated our exceptional volunteers at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Thursday, October 12 at the Center for Education.

This event is anticipated by Wolf Trap Volunteers and employees alike! Volunteers have been an essential part of Wolf Trap since its founding by Catherine Filene Shouse more than 50 years ago and continue to provide hundreds of service hours annually. Each year, Wolf Trap Foundation dedicates an evening to commend their hard work and celebrate them in style.


Wolf Trap’s Legacy of Service

Volunteers worked in the Gift Shop, Encore Circle Lounge Pop-Ups, Concessions, the office, and countless events throughout the year. They had their hands full during the exciting summer season and we are grateful!

Did you know that our 160 volunteers work over 4,500 hours each season? From the Filene Center to The Barns to the Center of Education, our Volunteers help make Wolf Trap home for many audience members.

We applaud our Volunteers all year long, and the fall Volunteer Appreciation Dinner gives everyone an opportunity to gather and look back on their many accomplishments.

Arvind Manocha speaks to the 2023 Volunteers.


2023 Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

The menu included chicken violette, crusted salmon, and roasted broccolini, with tiramisu eclairs and key lime pie cookies for dessert. Yum!

Volunteers help themselves to a delicious buffet dinner.


2023 Volunteer Awards

On average each volunteer worked 30 hours this summer! We enjoy recognizing Volunteers for their outstanding service from the summer and honoring them for their commitment and time.

Arvind Manocha poses with the 2023 Volunteer Honorees.

Wolf Trap Volunteer Steve Brody.

The winners are...

Most Hours Worked: Mike Espey

The volunteer with the most hours was Mike Espey with over 150 hours! Mike was always one of the first to arrive and last to leave. Mike went above and beyond this summer and was always willing to work with anyone and in any location.

Outstanding New Hospitality Volunteer Award: Steve Brody

Steve is an enthusiastic self-starter. He showed an eagerness to learn and successfully took on several roles. Steve pleasantly interacted with guests and displayed a cooperative and determined attitude.

Outstanding New Gift Shop Volunteer Award: Mitchell Dwoskin

Mitchell always welcomed all patrons and staff team with a friendly smile and a great attitude. He was always excited for their shift and brought a positive energy to everyone they worked with.

Wolf Trap 2023 Volunteer of the Year Award: Mary Shedlock

Mary exhibits a great team spirit and an easygoing rapport with guests. Her pleasant and flexible personality is exemplified in their responsiveness to requests for additional volunteers and her willingness to take on any assignment.

Lifetime Achievement Award: Carol Waligura

Carol has volunteered since 2005 providing outstanding service for 18 years as a participant within the Hospitality, Gift Shop, and Concessions Teams. She has become proficient and familiar with every role and an outstanding mentor to the new volunteers.


Raffles galore!

Along with delicious foods and fun beverages, there were raffle prizes including two complimentary tickets to a show during the 2024 Summer season, exclusive gift shop items, a private tour of The Barns, Wolf Trap gift cards and more!

Raffle prizes on display.

Each year we are humbled by the dedication of our volunteers, thank you to our Volunteers who made this summer a success!

Raffle winner Rebecca Young poses next to a portrait of Catherine Filene Shouse.


How to Volunteer at Wolf Trap Foundation

All Wolf Trap members can volunteer. To do so, you must be 18 years or older, a current Wolf Trap member, can commit to a certain number of shifts per summer (for gift shop and hospitality only), and willing to work under the supervision of Wolf Trap Foundation staff. Read more about volunteer opportunities.

Volunteers Esther Benson and Bryan Swann smile at the camera.

If you have any questions about volunteering at Wolf Trap, please call 703.255.1927 or email volunteer@wolftrap.org