When you donate financially to FoodBank Lakeside, where does your money go? Who spends it? On what? Our “Who’s in Charge?” feature spotlights those responsible for ensuring your money is spent wisely. Today, we feature a FoodBank leader who takes on a variety of responsibilities, from picking up financial donations to ensuring donations are handled properly.

Name & official title?

Lisa Beeman, Director of Administration

In what community do you live?

Chapala Centro

How long have you volunteered with FoodBank Lakeside?

A little over 2½ years

What are your FoodBank duties?

I wear many hats. As Director of Administration (I co-admin with Toni Ryan), I do a little bit of everything and try to keep everything running smoothly.

As Cash Donations Coordinator, I do most of the donation pick-ups and data entry for cash accounting. I help in supporting our donor database and support Finance. In addition, I started and currently administer the Dine & Donate program, which partners with Lakeside restaurants to collect FoodBank Lakeside donations.

Why do you volunteer?

In my “former life,” I was an elementary school teacher, primarily in low-income areas. I saw a lot of poverty and desperation, but what gave me joy and fulfillment was knowing that I was helping kids have a chance at a better life. When I moved to Lake Chapala, I knew that I would want to volunteer in some way.

FoodBank Lakeside ended up being the right fit for me.  I am proud to work with such an outstanding team, and the work we do literally saves lives every day.