CHERYL MCELROY

Discovering Her Passion Led to Finding Her Happy 

Volunteering runs deeper than Patricia Gamble-Moore’s professional work 

 

 

Discovering your happy is not something you plan, rather, it is stumbling upon what it is you love. Your happy will capture your attention, you will unknowingly become absorbed, and you will be richer for it.  

​

“I am a banker at heart,” shares Patricia Gamble-Moore, Senior Vice President and Market Manager for PNC’s Community Development Banking in Indiana. “From the day I started my career in banking, there was an expectation for community engagement, outreach, and presence. Volunteering has always been a part of my work.” As Pat continues, it is clear that volunteering runs deeper than just being a work expectation. “Volunteering goes back to my childhood. I was raised in a family where we never knew who was going to show up at the dinner table – including strangers, our house was open.” She fondly recalls, “My childhood taught me about not making judgments. Everyone deserves respect. My dad never met a stranger - I got that from him. That’s how we were raised, and it’s a part of my culture and spirit.” 

​

Pat’s leadership role at PNC helps her develop strategic community relationships and grow community development investments to meet the needs of low to moderate-income communities throughout Indiana. Pat has over 25 years of banking, economic development, and philanthropic experience. “This job is a culmination of my experiences. It’s almost too good to be true.” Pat explained, “Banking taught me about sales, management, and customer service – which has served me well. When I moved into non-profit work, I learned about that world.” Pat’s success is a testament to her dedication, work ethic, and intellect while intentionally serving in influential civic roles. “PNC provides a platform that allows me to do this work. I have a unique opportunity and I value that PNC supports employee volunteerism and community engagement. I am able to use my banking skillsets and non-profit understanding to bring the full power of PNC toward stabilizing issues of homelessness, affordable housing, and food insecurity to revitalize communities.” 

​

While volunteering is an important aspect of her job, it’s personal for Pat, and she has become more selective in opportunities that align with her passions. One of Pat’s favorite volunteer boards is Second Helpings. “I’m a foodie at heart,” jests Pat, “and the idea of changing lives through the power of food, well, this speaks to me.” Pat also serves with Volunteers of America, New Hope of Indiana, and Horizon House – these relationships provide her continual understanding of vulnerable populations. “I’ll never forget the day I spent greeting people coming into Horizon House for help.” Listening to their heartbreaking stories, Pat became angry with the systems in place. “I heard people answer the question, ‘where did you sleep last night,’ with, ‘I slept in my car’ or ‘I slept on a bench.’ I felt so insignificant at that moment; these people had real problems. That has always stuck with me.”  

​

Such encounters drive Pat’s passion, “What I have learned through volunteering is that life can change at a moment’s notice. People ask, ‘How did this happen, how did they become homeless, how did they become drug addicted?’” Her response is humbling, “The sensitivity that I’ve learned – I’ve seen professional, college-educated people become homeless, families that work every single day become homeless, or people who have been very successful struggle with addiction. It’s taught me that it doesn’t matter – life happens to people.” She quiets for a moment, “Volunteering is a passion, because ‘there, but for the grace of God.’ It’s my personal mission.” 

​

Pat Gamble-Moore did not plan her happy, rather, she discovered it doing what she loved. Subtle things were happening when she witnessed her father welcoming strangers, instead of making judgments. She learned everyone deserves respect, no matter their situation. Without realizing it, she was discovering her happy. “My family is important to me. The comfort of food makes me happy. Sharing food brings my family together.” The selfless giving that occurred around her family table led Pat to discover her happy. “To whom much is given. (Luke 12:48) That’s my life philosophy - I believe if you have the capacity to do something, then you’re required to do it. I am happy because every day, I get to do what I love. That is a blessing.” 

​

Everyone has a story to share. And every story is a chance to experience grace in action and lead you to your passion. Once your happy is captured, you will unknowingly become absorbed, and you will be richer for it.  

​

Cheryl McElroy, Managing Editor, Senior Copy Editor and contributing writer for Hope.

Cheryl has a passion for storytelling and design, and when she is not spending time with

her daughter, she enjoys creative social media posting, home decorating, cheering on sporting events, or simply relaxing with a good cup of coffee.