Community volunteer and philanthropist Carol Wooten says she keeps close to her heart a quote from philosopher and Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius: ”We ought to do good to others as simply as a horse runs, or a bee makes honey, or a vine bears grapes season after season without thinking of the grapes it has borne.”
Wooten is a part-time freelance artist specializing in creative services, for clients such as Missouri Surgical Center for Breast Health, The Center for Plastic Surgery, the Roy W. Slusher Foundation, Hickory Hills Country Club and Builder’s Truss.
She also dedicates a significant amount of her talent and time providing no-cost services to myriad organizations, including the Discovery Center of Springfield, Boy Scouts of America, the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association and several Springfield schools.
She counts her work with Isabel’s House, the Crisis Nursery of the Ozarks – a Junior League of Springfield project, as a top-tier accomplishment, having worked with the project since its inception. With her efforts including fundraising, Web site development, designs, radio and television spots, news releases, and naming and branding, she helped raise $3.8 million in startup funding and pledges during the project’s initial campaign. Isabel’s House is a safe haven for children when their parents are faced with situations that could result in abuse or neglect.
“Professional design, advertising, marketing and communication skills are what I have to offer, so they are something I give freely and happily,” says Wooten, a cum laude graduate of the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville, with a bachelor’s of fine arts degree.
Her help has not gone unnoticed by colleagues. Cindy Heinemann Waites, past president of the Junior League of Springfield and Isabel’s House, describes Wooten’s efforts as selfless acts of humility and grace.
“I continue to be amazed at the generosity of spirit, time, talent and treasures Carol pours into the community,” Waites says. “She is a pillar in promoting excellence, both in terms of outcome and process. I would pick Carol to be on my team any day.”
A wife and mother, Wooten also mentors at-risk children and families through Isabel’s House and encourages others to volunteer in the community. .
“I am happy to see that through my leadership and encouragement of others, there are many who not only started volunteering but have become leaders themselves in the process,” Wooten says. “We all have talents to give back to the community. We are truly fortunate to live in a place where so many people give exceedingly of their time and talent.”
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