Volunteer Spotlight – Bob Rigler
At Vivalon, we are fortunate to have many dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of others. One of those standout volunteers is Bob Rigler, a man whose passion for service, unwavering reliability, and remarkable positive attitude have had a profound impact on both the staff and the members he serves.
Bob’s journey with Vivalon began in 2018, when he first learned about our organization through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Dominican University. He attended a class where Laurie Vermont gave a presentation about Vivalon, and it was the CarePool program that immediately drew him in. Bob signed up to be a CarePool driver, and from that moment on, his connection to Vivalon grew deeper, especially as he expanded his volunteer efforts during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When the pandemic hit, Bob didn’t hesitate to step up. As a CarePool driver, he transitioned into delivering food for Vivalon’s Meals on Wheels program and, when the bags weren’t ready, volunteered to help assemble them. His willingness to pitch in wherever needed was just the beginning. Bobbe, his late wife, worked at Vivalon’s Jackson Café, and Bob began volunteering alongside her. Together, they brought a sense of warmth and joy to the café, especially with Bobbe’s tradition of baking birthday cakes for fellow staff and volunteers. The café became a little family where each celebration, big or small, brought people together.
After Bobbe’s passing earlier this year, Bob’s resilience and dedication to Vivalon never wavered. He continued to show up for the organization, despite the emotional challenges he faced. His deep commitment and strength have been a source of inspiration for fellow volunteers and staff, who admire his ability to maintain a positive attitude and continue to serve the community with love and care.
Bob’s work extends across multiple Vivalon programs. He can be seen volunteering at the Vivalon Café, where he works behind the scenes in various roles, from greeting guests to helping with dishes or training others on the cash register. He’s also an indispensable part of our Meals on Wheels (MOW) program and the Brown Bag Pantry (BBP), where his physical strength, reliability, and thoughtful nature shine. Bob is always willing to take on any task, whether it’s helping load cars with food or training new volunteers, and he’s known for his ability to make people feel welcome, whether it’s clients, staff, or fellow volunteers.
One thing that stands out in all of Bob’s volunteer work is his exceptional ability to connect with others. His dedication to making sure every client and volunteer feels seen and heard is one of the many reasons why he’s so beloved at Vivalon. Erika, our Home-delivered Meals Program Manager, shares how Bob’s presence has made her job easier and how much she appreciates the care he takes with every route. Bob’s commitment to his clients goes beyond meal delivery – he takes the time to listen, relay any important information, and ensure that each person feels valued.
Bob’s impact on our community extends beyond his physical contributions. His positive, can-do attitude and willingness to step in wherever he’s needed are contagious. His presence at Vivalon makes the organization stronger and more cohesive, and he has truly become a vital part of our volunteer family.
In addition to his volunteer work at Vivalon, Bob has a lifetime of service behind him. Before retiring, Bob worked for 42 years as a Clinical Laboratory Scientist at Marin General Hospital, where he contributed to countless lives through his work in blood chemistry and hematology. He’s also been a consistent volunteer blood and plasma donor for over 60 years, demonstrating his commitment to giving back in every possible way.
We are incredibly grateful for Bob’s contributions, his unwavering spirit, and the joy he brings to everyone around him. His dedication to Vivalon and to the people we serve embodies the very essence of what it means to be a volunteer. Bob is a true hero in our community, and we are proud to highlight him as this month’s Volunteer Spotlight.
Thank you, Bob, for everything you do. Your generosity, strength, and kindness inspire us all.
