Marci Bowling

“I’ve worked in the trenches the majority of my life, whether it’s work related or volunteer related, and I would like to think that some of my spirit has rubbed off on others around me,” she said.

That spirit in her professional life has translated into eight years of continued success at DCO, which has gone from raising $383,667 when she arrived in 1998 to raising about $815,000 annually today. Her first task with the organization was to lead a capital campaign that reached the organization’s goal of raising $1.65 million.

“Building the right team, we reached our goal and made some programming dreams a reality for our staff and the 750-plus families we serve every day,” Bowling said.

The work of DCO’s staff is life-changing for the individuals with developmental disabilities who are served by the center, Bowling said, which makes her job important.

“How could I not work diligently to raise the needed funds to ensure DCO is here, today and in 50 more years?” she said.

Bowling’s relationships with the clients of the center also are important to her.

“I love interacting with the children and adults in our programs,” she said. “For many, their greatest joy of the day is your smile, your wave, your hug.”

Bowling’s portfolio of experience has been an influence in volunteerism and community involvement as well.

She is involved in the Association of Fundraising Professionals, Junior League of Springfield, Leadership Springfield, Sunrise Rotary and the Greene County Estate Planning Council, and she has worked on projects for Boys and Girls Club, Boys & Girls Town, Family Violence Center and Oxfam.

“I like to think that I … set a good example for citizenship, a zest for learning, a vision for the future, a sense of self, and compassion, care and concern for others,” she says.

In 1999, Bowling received the Tomorrow Award, which is presented to an up-and-coming Junior League member in her first year of membership for exemplifying the group’s mission and vision.

More recently, in 2005, she was honored as a Distinguished Young Alumni in Career Achievement from Drury University, where she earned both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in communication. Bowling said the award, presented each year to an alumna younger than 40 for distinguished career achievement, “was a complete surprise.”

Personally speaking

Please tell us about your family.

I have a very loving and supportive family. I grew up believing I could do and be anything I wanted. I couldn’t have asked for better or more giving parents. I lost my dad at age 16, and my mom and I became best friends. I now realize how very fortunate I’ve been to be so close to both parents.

I have several half brothers and sisters, most of whom are married with kids and some of those kids have kids – we vary in age from 33 to 63 as a set of siblings – hard for many to grasp. I love being an aunt and great-aunt. Spoiling the little ones is sure fun. I can jazz them up then send them home with their parents.

What book are you reading now?

I just finished “Tara Road,” by Maeve Binchy. Next on my list is “Angels and Demons,” by Dan Brown, followed by “The Birth of Venus,” by Sarah Dunant.

Tell us something about you that most people probably don’t know.

I collect Coca-Cola memorabilia. I started in high school and just can’t stop. On another note, most people may not realize I am terrified of public speaking.

Beyond The Golden Rule, what philosophy do you live by?

I try to live each day to the fullest – you can’t ever get those minutes back. My goal is to make sure I’m giving back daily for the space I take up here on Earth and hopefully learn something new every day.