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Realtor Willow Logue is a tireless volunteer that local causes have come to rely upon. Living here for more than two decades, she has set an example for others to get involved and do their part.
You have been active in volunteering with a variety of causes. Can you tell me about some of those organizations or initiatives with which you have volunteered?
The organization nearest and dearest to my heart is the Jim & Tabitha Furyk Foundation. I have had the privilege and honor of volunteering for them since it began over 10 years ago. Due to their outreach and events, I have been able to contribute to packing holiday bags filled with food for children less fortunate than mine, and also been part of some amazing family days (Halloween Doors & More and These Kids Can Play to name two) with Community PedsCare.
In addition, they were the ones that made me aware of the Malivai Washington Youth Foundation and Feeding Northeast Florida, which I now support independently whenever I can.
Last, but certainly not least, I loved being part of the PTO at our local public schools. There are so many ways to volunteer, and I enjoyed all of them, being on the board, being a class mom, test proctoring, helping with the college fair or just showing up when a sign-up sheet went out for an event, class, etc. in need.
What do you like about volunteering? What drives you?
The people I have met volunteering are incredible and have the biggest hearts. Hugs St. Johns was started by a friend who recognized a need, not only in our schools but also in the greater county and decided to do something about it. Her passion, example and commitment has been inspirational to my family.
As for drive, I read a quote from Howard Zinn the other day, which I amended to illustrate why I volunteer: “… if we do act, in however small a way, we don’t have to wait for some grand utopian future. The future is an infinite succession of presents, and to live now as we think human beings should live, in defiance of all that is bad around us, is itself a marvelous victory.”
Also, as they say in the movies, with great power comes great responsibility. I am not a superhero but certainly have more than most and my parents have been a great example of how to show up for others who are not as fortunate.
Is it difficult to find the time to do so much volunteer work?
As with all things you make the time for the things that are most important. Of course, there have been opportunities to be somewhere I have missed because of a scheduling conflict but if I can’t show up to donate my time, I do try to donate money.
You are also a Realtor. Tell me a bit about your work, how long you’ve been doing it and what you like most about it.
I have been licensed for about three years. My friend and amazing team lead, Gwinn Volen, had an opening a while ago but the timing wasn’t right. A few years later, when she was expanding again, it was a good time to make a life change.
What I like most about being a Realtor, as cliche as this may sound, is the people. My buyers come from all over and being able to find them a home while learning about them as individuals is priceless. Through my clients, I have heard about, new-to-me, organizations doing very cool things. The most recent examples are Aldea, which is doing wonderful work in Guatemala and closer to home the Lincolnville Museum in St. Augustine. A lot of people are animal lovers which gives me a chance to talk about the Jacksonville Humane Society, which is where we found our sweet dog.
How long have you lived in this area?
My husband and I moved here over 21 years ago. What was going to be a two-year adventure became a lifestyle we couldn’t leave.
What do you like most about our community?
I love the sunshine, the beach, the cold days (under 60) where you can smell the fire your neighbor built. I love the people and the diversity of beliefs and passions. I love that there is an opportunity to start a business and watch it grow — Natural Life, Titanium Yoga, Palm Valley Fish Camp and McFlamingos are a few that first come to mind. I like going to THE PLAYERS on a Tuesday and having it feel like a neighborhood block party. I really love the library and the staff there.
What do you like to do in your free time?
As I mentioned, I love the library. I love to volunteer wherever and however I can. I like a good cocktail hour and cooking a new recipe. I love reading the N.Y. Times on Sunday and magazines with great photography. I am a big fan of the movies and going back to the theater after staying away for two years was amazing. These are all above and beyond spending time with family and friends.
