The volume is turned way up on the lives of this charming couple. Along with being actively involved with a host of charitable causes, Dianne and Glenn are building a new home and trying to fit travel time into their busy schedules.
Still on tap for this summer, Dianne is looking forward to a trip back to Canada to visit her sister, brother, sister-in-law, and nephew at her brother’s new digs in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and she says she can hardly wait to see them!
Aside from being charismatic, classy, and fun-loving, Dianne has a tender spot in her heart for the elderly who live alone and need the assistance of organizations such as the Volunteers of America’s “Meals on Wheels” program. Dianne says: “It just grabs my heart when I see how lonely these older citizens are, and how happy they are to see someone when they come to deliver a meal to them. They just stay by the door for the longest time waving goodbye when you leave, it’s heartbreaking.”
Dianne is a major supporter of VOA; and she and partner, cable and technology pioneer, Glenn Jones, were honored with the 2002 Humanitarian Award for their passion and dedication to the Volunteers of America and its mission to reach and uplift people of all ages and walks of life. Dianne is the founding President of the VOA Guild and one of the first volunteers to serve at the initial Western Fantasy Gala.
Now this is a lady who lives life to the fullest with a sense of humor you wish everybody had. It makes for a rich, glorious life for our favorite former Canadian lass - and for everyone who is fortunate enough to be around the vibrant Dianne Eddolls.
What charitable event do you really look forward to attending each year? Western Fantasy and the Gala for the Book Festival hosted by Laura Bush and The Library of Congress.
What do you consider your proudest achievement? I’m not sure about proudest, but one of the most exhilarating was when I did the weather live with Mike Nelson on Channel 7 – without a script or any practice. I saw the tape and was pleased. That experience made me want to get into TV – which I did a little of by doing educational infomercials.
Do you have a favorite vacation spot? There are so many to choose from. I guess if I was to round it out to a “vicinity”, it would be almost anywhere in Europe.
Is there a book you have read that really inspired you that you can recommend to others? Definitely: How to Win Friends and Influence People, by Dale Carnegie. I used to work for the Dale Carnegie Organization, which were my best “growing” years.
Who is the most interesting person you have ever met? Wow – so many. Two come to mind: Glenn Jones because he has lived quite an interesting life and can tell about it in the most entertaining way. John Kluge, who used to own Metro Media. He knows just about everyone who is anyone in the world and tells the most interesting stories. He is in his mid-90’s and still has a razor sharp mind.
What do you consider a priceless gift? Love of another.
What word best describes your life right now? Fulfilling with much more to look forward to.
What is your fondest childhood memory? Too many to pick from, but they include my family and friends.
What is something your parent’s taught you that you have never forgotten? “What goes on in the house stays in the house.” My mother drilled that into us, which is a good thing because my friends know that they can always count on me to keep a secret.
Do you have a quote or saying that has helped guide you through life? I’m paraphrasing the quote, but it goes something like this: “Until you have lived in someone else’s shoes, how can you possibly judge them?” It sure makes you think differently about people.
What is something you absolutely can’t live without? Oxygen – then love in my life, and friends.
Where is your focus these days? Designing and building a new home.
What is your greatest strength? I’m a “people person.”
What is your greatest weakness? Perfectionism – but I’m getting better about it.
What do you still want to learn how to do? Rollerblade and speak French fluently – not necessarily in that order.
How do you stay so motivated and committed? Good question – if only I knew for sure.
What are your favorite leisure time activities or hobbies? Golf, bridge, travel, movies and reading.
Is there a special “aha” moment in your life when you knew “I get it now!”? Learning a new bridge convention.
What is your biggest fear? I’m not telling…
What do you like the most about yourself? My sense of humor and the ability to make people laugh – sometimes.
What should we all be working on these days to make our country better for future generations? Ourselves. It’s a losing battle to try and dictate to others. As Ralph Waldo Emerson said: “It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.”
How do we get our young people interesting in charitable work and giving back to the community? Get them involved at a young age. It sets a pattern of caring and giving to others, and it makes them feel good about themselves – and don’t we need more of that in the world!
What’s in the future for Dianne Eddolls? For the immediate future: designing and building a new home. Other than that – who knows? Life is a journey of surprises, and I love surprises.
How would you like to be remembered by future generations? Future generations? Hopefully, just remembered.
Dianne’s Charitable & Community Involvement/Awards & Recognitions: Board member for the past 12 years of Volunteers of America (VOA) Colorado Branch; Past recipient of VOA’s Humanitarian Award; Past Chair for Western Fantasy; Founding President of Volunteers of America Guild, and Lifetime Guild Board member; Chaired Collector’s Choice for the Denver Art Museum; Co-Chaired the first major fundraising event for the Education Foundation of the Colorado Community Colleges and Occupational Education System; Co-Chaired the Rose Foundation Leadership Luncheon; Honored in the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Leadership Class; Past Advisory Board member of Colorado Uplift; Past Board member of the Hearts for Life Guild, and the Guild for Children’s Diabetes; Past President of Cherry Creek Toastmasters and Salesman With a Purpose; Support and/or committee involvement in Opera Colorado; Rainbow Bridge; Children’s Hospital Gala; the Arts and Education Programs at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts; the Brass Ring Luncheon; and The Madison Council of the Library of Congress.
