Pat and David Balanky
We are so thankful for our docents and each month we love to highlight someone who plays an integral role in helping the Museum’s education team with tours of the campus. This month we are honoring Pat and David Balanky who generously give their time to the Cummer Museum. We asked them to tell us a little more about themselves and why this work is so special to them!
Here’s what they had to say:
Cummer: Why did you want to be a docent and how long have you been with the Museum?
Pat: I am a native of So. Calif. I met my true love, when he was in the U.S. Navy. We married in 1954 and returned to his home town of Jacksonville. We both furthered our life education. Nursing was my choice and David’s was Criminology. We raised three children and are now enjoying three grandkids!
David: We decided to become docents at the urging of our friend, Anne Flora. We have made travel a goal in our lives and always enjoyed the museums, culture and art, so the docent classes seemed like a great opportunity to continue learning together! Volunteering has been a life purpose, especially with kids.
C: What is your favorite part of this job?
P&D: It is so much fun to see the children explore and learn and play in the Cummer. The art educators do a terrific job planning the tours and helping us present them.
C: What is your favorite thing to do when you aren’t generously donating your time to the Museum?
D&P: We are involved in helping support the orthopedic and prosthetic program for a hospital in Milot, Haiti. In addition to that we continue to enjoy travels, friends and family.
Thanks to Pat and David for working so hard for the institution! If you see them around the Museum, please thank them for the dedication and important service!
