Volunteer of the Year 2005

David Culler

Some volunteers appear a few days before the festival and even more arrive during the event. David Culler is the exception. Throughout the year, Carolina in the Fall was always on his mind and he was always working behind the scenes to promote the event. David Culler's seemingly continual presence at the festival site began the week prior to the festival and David's efforts in helping festival organizers prepare for the festival were amazingly dedicated. Because David Culler works in the medical profession, his volunteer responsibilities during the festival included the First Aid area. Thankfully, there were few needs for medical attention during the festival and David's time was filled with other responsibilities. From musician transportation to stocking concession stands to meal deliveries for staff, David willingly proceeded with any task asked of him.

Throughout the event, The Kruger Brothers, who are the Musical Hosts of the festival, recognized and commented on David Culler's dedication as a volunteer. Everyone who knows David is aware of his admiration for music and his love of playing the guitar and singing. On the last day of the event, The Kruger Brothers arranged with the Festival Director Brenda Shepherd to surprise David Culler as a special thank you for all of his work. During the last stage set, Brenda radioed David Culler and asked him to join her on-stage to relax and enjoy the last couple of hours of music since he had only had a limited opportunity to listen to music during the festival. After sitting on-stage for a couple of songs, David was called up front to the microphone and asked to join in playing and singing. His look of shock was priceless as he happily picked up a guitar, began strumming and sang a solo on-stage with The Kruger Brothers accompanying him. At that moment, David Culler's involvement in Carolina in the Fall had come full circle. He became involved in the festival because he loved the music and wanted to promote the festival. After three years of involvement and many days of extremely hard work, David was singing on stage with his musical heroes and his appreciation for the music was never more obvious.

David Culler exhibited an enormous pride for Carolina in the Fall and wanted to personally ensure that the event would be successful. David's involvement in Carolina in the Fall was crucial to the success of the event. He was the first volunteer to already sign up for the next festival.