This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on one of our most dedicated volunteers, Bill Gerencher! For an incredible 35 years, Bill has been a cornerstone of Musikfest, taking on a wide range of responsibilities, from serving as a Site Supervisor in the past to most recently monitoring the Luckenbach Mill during weekday shifts. Bill’s commitment doesn’t stop there, he’s also a familiar face at Christkindlmarkt, where he helps vendors by booth sitting during their breaks. Volunteering at ArtsQuest has truly become a family tradition for Bill, with his children and grandchildren all sharing in the spirit of giving back. We’re grateful for Bill’s decades of service and the lasting impact he’s made on our community. Thank you, Bill, for everything you do!
What first brought you to volunteer with us?
What first brought me to volunteer with you was a deep personal connection to Musikfest, spanning four consecutive years of attendance. This annual event had become a cherished tradition, and I felt a strong desire to contribute to its continued success. My grandparents, who immigrated from Hungary, chose this city as their new home, and their story instilled in me a propound sense of gratitude and a commitment to giving back to the community that embraced them.
What’s been one of your favorite moments or memories while volunteering here?
It’s truly heartwarming to reflect on the incredible journey of volunteering alongside my family throughout the years. My wife, Sandra Lee, has been a steadfast partner in this endeavor, always ready to lend a hand and share in the experience. Our daughter, Sandy, and son, John, and daughter-in-law, Kerri have also dedicated their time and energy, instilling in them the values of community and service from a young age. The involvement of our grandchildren, Anthony, Sierra and Kaelyn, has been particularly special, offering them a unique perspective on giving back and being part of something larger than themselves. Watching them learn, grow, and interact with the community alongside us has been a source of immense pride. And now, seeing our great-grandchild, Amir Joseph, join in, even in a small way, truly brings our multi-generational commitment to volunteering full circle.
When you’re not volunteering, how do you like to spend your time?
When I’m not volunteering, I am an avid reader of mysteries and thrillers. Beyond the quiet joy of reading, a significant portion of my free time is spent with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. These moments are incredibly precious, filled with laughter, stories, and the unique energy that only young ones can bring. My wife and I also share a deep affection for cruising, which serves as our preferred way to unwind and explore new horizons together.
If you could have dinner with anyone (past or present) who would it be and why?
If I could have dinner with anyone, past or present, it would undoubtedly be with my dear friend, Cornelius (Corny) Enright. The opportunity to share a meal with Corny once more would be incredibly meaningful, as our bond extended far beyond mere friendship; it was a connection forged over a lifetime of shared experiences and mutual respect. Corny and I were inseparable for over 50 years, navigating the adventures of youth and the responsibilities of family life side by side. We did everything together, from our formative years as young men to building families and sharing countless milestones. This deep personal history also seamlessly transitioned into our professional lives, as I had the honor of volunteering alongside him for 15 years, where he served as my supervisor and assistant site supervisor at Musikfest.
His passing in 2010 left a void that time has not fully diminished, and the chance to simply sit across from him again, share stories, and perhaps even a laugh, would be a profound gift. I would relish the opportunity to reminisce about our shared past, discuss our families, and catch him up on everything he’s missed, cherishing every moment of that irreplaceable camaraderie.