DePaul University Athletics
Women's Basketball Volunteers at Sheffield Garden Walk
7/28/2017 12:00:00 AM | DePaul Ball
CHICAGO – It didn’t take Jolene Daninger very long to connect with a community service project and begin bonding with her new teammates.
The women’s basketball freshman from Andover, Minn. was among the Blue Demons who worked at a food booth during last weekend’s Sheffield Garden Walk raising funds for St. Vincent de Paul Parish.
They helped prepare food in the kitchen, assisted with the grilling and placed the hamburgers, cheeseburger, hot dogs and brats on a bun.
Daninger was assigned to the grill.
“I’ve done that with my dad,” she said. “You know how dads are---they’re in charge of the grill. I was his helper.”
Helping make this world a better place is a path Daninger has traveled before. The honorable mention All-Stater and Miss Minnesota nominee worked in homeless shelters, a faith-based basketball camp and other team-oriented service projects.
“I like to help others and don’t like to think only of myself or do things just for me,” Daninger said. “Helping out at a homeless shelter gives you a different perspective on life.
“I’m happy helping in any way I can.”
The Sheffield Neighborhood Association’s 49th Annual Sheffield Music Festival & Garden Walk was billed as the "Summer's Best Festival." It featured self-guided tours of more than 80 gardens, guided architectural tours, live entertainment by some of Chicago's and North America's finest bands, food, drink and activities for children at the Kids' Corner.
Proceeds from this festival provide continued support for neighborhood schools, local institutions and community projects. In addition, proceeds are allocated to SNA's award-winning beautification program to maintain Sheffield as the Garden District of Chicago.
“It was fun seeing the community come together,” Daninger said. “Everyone was so happy, and some people I talked to said they would come to more of our games.
“I loved it. I got to know my teammates while working with them. I love the area around DePaul. I come from Andover, Minn. which is a suburb 30 minutes north of Minneapolis. I’m used to a small community feeling, and this feels like home.
“The reason I came to DePaul and the big city is that I wanted to try something new. The campus is in a good area and it has more of a suburb feel and a sense of community.”
Daninger is adjusting well to life in Lincoln Park.
“My first couple of weeks here have been awesome,” she said. “Everyone is so welcoming. It helps with the transition of being away from home and on your own.
“This school, the coaching staff and the team make it as easy as possible.”
