Dean, a fun-loving Texan, has been a dedicated Chicago Cares volunteers since 2001. Dean has volunteered at many of our Environmental projects and is the Team Coordinator for Garfield Park Conservatory. Under Dean’s leadership, this project has remained a favorite among hundreds of volunteers. Thanks for all your time Dean!

Name: Dean Hengst

Age: 34

Occupation: Computer Analyst

Last song you had stuck in your head: Mesa Que Mas Aplauda by Grupo Climax

How long have you volunteered with Chicago Cares: 3 ½ years

Programs you most often volunteer at: My own Garfield Park Conservatory (of course)

First program you volunteered at & memories of that experience: Garfield Park Conservatory. The memories of that experience was having a great volunteer event at GPC and then going to Goose Island after the event and enjoying the company of my fellow volunteers in a more social setting.

How long have you lived in Chicago : 11 years

Favorite food: Mexican Food. Most any authentic Mexican food

Where did you grow up: Conroe, Texas

Hobbies/interests: Hiking, Backpacking, Outdoors Photography and Woodworking

Dream vacation: Well, that’s a tough one since I have been many places, but probably going to New Zealand or Australia on a hiking/site seeing tour.

Why you volunteer: Dream vacation: To help out the community and to meet people of different backgrounds than myself.

Favorite Chicago Cares memory: Probably at the Serv-a-thon when the principal of the school was so emotional that the group (being a little complacent) was totally motivated to do a wonderful job of painting the school.

Why you would encourage other volunteers to visit your program: I would encourage people to come out to Garfield Park Conservatory because you get to see a different part of our City and what it has to offer. The Conservatory has a wonderful staff that is always polite and gracious for our help.

Volunteer Spotlight Archive