Elaine ‘Izzie’ Izzo

Volunteering comes naturally to Elaine “Izzie” Izzo.

The Irvine resident is a private image consultant and runs her

business out of Costa Mesa. She also volunteers with the Newport

Beach Chamber of Commerce and helps organize chamber events and

mixers year round.

For her service to the community, Izzo will receive the chamber’s

Silver Anchor Award during the organization’s annual luncheon on May

16.

Izzo has volunteered since her days as a little girl in grade

school in Upstate New York.

“The first time I ever volunteered was when this little boy I knew

asked me if I’d help him collect donations for muscular dystrophy,”

she said. “He had muscular dystrophy, too.”

She went that Sunday and every Sunday after that with her friend

door to door in freezing temperatures.

“For me, it was the right thing to do,” she said. “It was the way

I was brought up.”

Izzo spends at least 10 hours a month volunteering with the

chamber.

“I started working with them because I just loved those people,”

she said. “It’s a great group to work with.”

If they needed her to be there by 6:30 a.m., Izzo would be there,

she said.

“I never ask any questions,” she said. “If they want me there,

I’ll be there.”

She has been at almost all events hosted by the chamber, including

the mixers and networking meetings, Christmas Boat Parade, Police

Appreciation Breakfast, Firefighter Appreciation Beach Party and

other annual events. She has been Mentor for the Day for the last two

years and the chamber’s ambassador, which means she welcomes new

members into the organization. She has also worked with other

organizations including Young Professionals Against Cancer.

Izzo says she feels good just knowing that she can help.

“It’s always a good feeling when you give back to the community,”

she said. “I’m fortunate I have a flexible schedule and can make the

time. I absolutely enjoy it.”

-- Story by Deepa Bharath