Name: Georgia Dyer
Family: My husband, Marc, and two kids Zoey (7) and Landon (5) moved to Rye in early 2019 from New York City. I grew up in Harrison and was excited to move back to raise our young family. Marc and I met in college at Lehigh University and have been together ever since!
Before I embraced the joys and challenges of motherhood, I thrived in the fast-paced world of finance, working at renowned institutions like Bank of America and Credit Suisse on the Financial Planning & Analysis team for the Investment Banking Divisions. However, stepping into the role of a full-time stay-at-home parent transformed my life in ways I could never have anticipated.
In the initial whirlwind of having a newborn and a young toddler, my universe became centered around their needs. It was easy to lose sight of my own aspirations during that time, especially as we adjusted to life in the suburbs, forged new friendships, and navigated the uncertainties of the pandemic. Yet, as my daughter transitioned back to nursery school, a refreshing clarity emerged. I felt the fog begin to lift, granting me the time and energy to engage more deeply within our community.
My new journey began with an active role in the Parents Association at Christ Church Nursery School. With the previous leadership having graduated and a year devoid of parent involvement due to COVID, a small group of dedicated moms saw an opportunity. We formed a fundraising committee with a goal of $6,000, and through a fun-filled Zoom cocktail-making class paired with a live auction, we astonishingly raised over $40,000! Witnessing our collective efforts foster such substantial support for our school was not only rewarding but also a pivotal moment in my life. This experience led to becoming the Co-President of the CCNS Parents Association, a role in which we dramatically increased scholarship contributions and undertook significant enhancements to the playground and children’s classroom experiences.
This initial engagement paved the way for my deeper involvement in volunteer fundraising. A friend, inspired by our CCNS accomplishments, encouraged me to join the Rye Free Reading Room Auxiliary Board. For those unfamiliar, the Aux Board focuses on bolstering the library's presence in our community, organizing events, and raising funds for crucial programs that benefit our youth and families, including children’s programming, museum passes, the Summer Reading Program, tutoring, STEM initiatives, and much more. Since joining the board in May 2021, I've had the honor of serving as Co-President for almost 2 years. Under our leadership, we achieved record-breaking attendance and funds raised during beloved community events such as the Vehicle Fair, Book Sale, and our recent biannual Novel Night on October 19th!
In 2023, we introduced a new and exciting fundraiser: Casino Night at the library. Our ambitious goal was to raise $25,000, but through the dedication of our co-chairs and committee, we exceeded all expectations and raised an impressive $77,000! This incredible support allowed us to redesign and restore the Discovery Kids Zone, which was devastated by Hurricane Ida, transforming it into a vibrant space fostering exploration, play, and learning. I encourage everyone to bring their children to experience the enchanting new area created by Abbey Kumar from Learnique; it truly is magical! Additionally, our efforts have funded new furniture in the library’s breezeway and new bookcases to house all of the children’s books, creating an inviting environment for our youngest readers.
One of the most gratifying aspects of my role is witnessing these tangible changes in our community—seeing the impact of our fundraising efforts come to life is truly fulfilling. Our donors, too, appreciate knowing that their contributions make a real difference. Yet, fundraising is not without its challenges. Balancing the frequency of our asks to avoid overwhelming our donor and business sponsors is crucial. With multiple events yearly, strategic outreach to businesses aligned with specific events (such as child-focused sponsorships for the Vehicle Fair) is essential to maximize our donor base. While we occasionally misstep—approaching a business that may already feel tapped out—we learn that it’s important to embrace these “no’s.” Keeping detailed notes allows us to reconnect at more opportune times. Success stems from continuously innovating and presenting fresh ideas that attract engagement, though it doesn’t require reinventing the wheel. Small adjustments can reinvigorate interest without risking burnout.
I am grateful to be surrounded by a community of ‘Ryemarkable’ moms who tirelessly dedicate their time to volunteerism, fostering an environment rich in collaboration and support. We often brainstorm together, generating new strategies while forming lasting friendships. This work is a collaborative effort, and the collective energy of our Aux Board deserves immense credit for tirelessly raising funds for one of our town’s most treasured institutions.
For anyone contemplating a leap into volunteering, especially while managing young children, my advice is simple: go for it! I’ve navigated the dense fog of early parenthood and wondered, “Who am I?” Engaging in even small commitments can bring clarity, and I caution you—once you start, you may find yourself wanting to do even more! We’re always eager to welcome passionate moms to the RFRR Auxiliary Board!
Stay tuned for my next adventure—I always have my hands in something new!
On a personal note, I love to play tennis and I am an avid reader (anything Kristin Hannah and the Henry VIII time period). I am one to read a book from an author and if I enjoy it, then proceed to read everything written by them! I prefer the summer to the winter – and mostly I love being with my friends and family.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” - Gandhi
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