What makes an event successful? It’s volunteers.

It is true, volunteers are the backbone of any event and event planners depend on them. 

It did not take long for Ocean and Stephanie to choose the director of food services. Last Christmas, 2011, they volunteered to serve the Christmas dinner at a local event. It was then that they noted the skills and abilities of Kathy Stringham, wife of local dentist Dr. Doug Stringham. Not only was she efficient, she could direct people with both poise and directness. This is not an easy task when your work crew consists of more than 10 adults and 20 youth! Ocean was delighted when she asked Kathy, and Kathy accepted. They met one day for ice cream, and Ocean explained her event, her intentions, and her expectations. Kathy listened, commented, expressed her expectations and needs. Recruiting help would be next on the list. Kathy had named Eileen Hallett as a person she would like in the kitchen, and Eileen who has always been like a grandmother to Ocean accepted. Getting more adults in the kitchen was not an easy feat. The question arose again and again: who could we ask. The night before the event Ocean received a phone call from Elaine Dallow. Elaine became a fast friend when Ocean and I started learning sign language, once a week taught by Elaine’s children Tom and Cindy. Having become fast friends with Eileen Hallett it was a perfect match. Then on the day of the event a gift was granted; Alma Mendoza arrived with her girls ready to serve. Having seen some of Alma’s artistic flare with food I immediately recruited her to take the donations from boxed and containers to place them in a pleasing fashion on plates. She took a box of cookies and made them look spectacular. I knew I had chosen the right person for this job. Soon after, I saw her chopping away with Kathy. The next time I walked into the kitchen an assembly line had been created as taco salads were being made and garnished.

Getting the right people is key: both those with the ability to lead and those with a willingness to serve.  Having people who understood the importance of presentation is also key for an event like this. It was amazing to be able to trust in the people working in the kitchen, knowing that they were both willing and able to do what needed to be done with flare and comradely. 

And it is at times like this when you find out who your true friends are. My friendships with Brenda and Christine started some time ago and have been nurtured entrepreneurially and socially: through sewing lessons, weekly canoeing, work meetings on the dock, and getting fresh produce at the farm. At no time have I ever felt judged by either of them as a single mother. (For those of you who are single mothers you know how rare this can be.) Despite busy lives, they always have and make time for me, as I do for them. So when it came to the execution of the actual event, they were the people I called into action knowing they would be there, knowing they would not reply with, “I am sorry I am too busy with my family.” I knew that I could ask them to do anything, and they would.  Both of them took the day off work to help. Christine even made arrangements before I even asked her. Other people simply do not do that. 

Brenda started the day running around picking up donations. Christine started at the church creating the bid sheets and cataloguing items. It took her all afternoon: from 1-4:30. It was not until the end of the night that I realized how invaluable her cataloguing would be. 

Then they manned the table at admissions, selling tickets and greeting people. To some this is not a major thing, but in my reality this is an expression of ultimate trust. And I trusted them implicitly to handle the money and oversee the donations. Despite the fact that Brenda was escorted to her car by someone cloaked in suspicion I never even had a second thought. When it came to collecting hundreds and maybe even thousands of dollars, choosing them was a no brainer. 

More than anything it was their commitment and loyalty that I appreciated the most. Everything I asked of them was done. I did not have to check up on them, and I never even had once concern. Placing complete trust in them reminded me that I am a trusting person, and I am great at delegating. As Brenda pointed out, “You know how to match what needs to be done with people who have the skills to do it.” Later she added, “You had a former banker and cashier handling the money.” Yah, I guess if a store and bank can trust them so can I! Sigh, actually I say that in jest, knowing it goes much deeper than that as they have proven time and time again to be real and true friends I can depend on.  I know I have said it before, but I will say it again. 

Thank you.

One other person that was a key player, in more subtle ways, was Betty. Betty has always been a support to me. Both She and Pat Greenways played a vital role in Ocean’s life when she was in elementary school: giving Ocean rides, having her over for sleepovers, and bringing homework when she was ill. Even though their kids are going to different schools from Ocean, we have still kept in touch over the JR High years. Being an experienced silent auction organizer, I often had long conversations with her about the events she planned and attended gleaning what I could from her experience. Although she won’t see it, she was an invaluable source of information that guided me in the planning and execution of the actual event ( a role I later took on when Ocean started to feel overwhelmed with it all as she continued to work with donations, contacting people, recruiting volunteers, and creating the presentation.) Betty committed herself to helping. “I am going to be there so make sure that you use me if you need help.” And I did. There were many things I asked Betty to do. They have been small things, and seemingly insignificant, but she was able to help Brenda and Christine in what they were doing. 

Everything was running so smoothly, until at the closing of the event a group of people who thought they were being helpful pulled all of the auction sheets from the donation tables. This unexpected event took more than 10 minutes to correct, causing everything to fall apart at the end. 

Volunteers are the backbone to any event. Self-appointed volunteers who have no direction or guidance from the event planner can be detrimental. At a post event evaluation it was determined that at any and all future events people volunteers should have name tags with the role or title. And any well-meaning self-appointed volunteer can be encouraged to enjoy the event. (This is for anyone reading this and planning an event.)

To all the appointed adult volunteers, thank you. It is because of your support in action that this event was a success! 

Of course none of this would have been possible without the generous donations.

Donations

Since the beginning of time the girls wanted to hold a dinner and dessert silent auction. They brainstormed about what food to have on the menu and came down to two choices: taco salad or haystacks. Going with the theme of Mexico they decided to have a taco salad. Ocean went to Tim Hortons’ Taco Del Mar, and, Muccho Burrito and Taco Bell to no avail. Three weeks before the event she was getting disheartened, so I asked her to think about the people she knew, and who she thought was a kind generous soul. She thought of a local basketball coach who had given generous gifts to the team members when they won the championship, Dr. Deb Crowfoot. She was swept off her feet, only seconds after calling him, when his answer came simple and quick, “Yes.”

Other donations were just as important: UPS donating the printing of the tickets, Wendy Gibb donating $100 when the event was still in its infancy, donations from restaurants and businesses around the city. The vision was to have a dessert auction where people could bid on desserts served in restaurants and seen only in specialty shops. (you can read all the blog posts about the adventures.)

When we asked for donations from friends, many really stepped up creating:  masterful baskets, beautiful presentations, masterful decorations, combinations of cookies in a beautiful cookie jar. They took home baking to another level! Other cakes, cookies, brownies and squares stood their ground as family favorites bringing in more than would be expected!

At one point in the day I had been asked, “How many desserts do you have.” I did not know. We had 8 desserts to pick up from different businesses, some had been delivered the night before, others were being dropped off at the church later in the day. Some had been group together in baskets.  I guessed there were about 20. Then there was the art, and the certificates. In total I expected maybe 40 items. I printed off 60 bid sheets. We ran out. The church was willing to print 20 more. We ran out again. And for some items there were duplicates, so that the top two bidders “won”! It was truly amazing.

The donations are only half of the story. The other stories are still forth coming: the competitions, the rivalries, and the surprise of how much someone paid for a home-made dessert. There are stories behind some of the desserts: where they came from, who made them, why each person was asked.

Marion will be blown away to discover her cookies went for $60! Deborah was thrilled to get the cake plate with the flan. Romeo was deuced by the fact that Ocean’s grandmother Elda got the huge chocolate cake.  Sara was sad to know the trifle she had on Monday went beyond her reach at $25. And although Eileen was busy in the kitchen, Ron kept an eye on the cookie jar for her and got it. (Anyone who knows Eileen knows her cookies!) But Kathy was too busy in the kitchen to be able to keep bidding on Shirley’s cinnamon buns. I have never had one but now I am really curious about why it would start a bidding war! And Julie went home so happy, as a model she knew the value of the beauty salon products and salon straightener.

Stories, so many delightful stories; please share yours by commenting.

But the event's success was not only because of the donations but also because of the support Janelle and Ocean felt from their friends: The light of the future. 

The Light of the Future

What do you think of when you think of teenagers? Emo? Smoking? Swearing? Hormones? Lord of the Flies?  Take a bunch of ordinary kids, and that is probably what  you get: a little bit of everything. But give them a task to do;  provide them with an opportunity to support their friends; tell them that they can change the world, and they become the light of the future.

From the moment they met  Rosio Zamora, Abril and Almita Mendoza, all from Mexico, became fast friends.  I knew what I wanted them to do: serve the food. Once I mentioned their task, they jumped up with excitement and energy the exact moment it was needed! They did a wonderful job working together taking orders and providing both food and beverages.

Then there was Sabrina: a quiet girl that I had never met before. I quickly learned that she was not only but a hard worker but also able and willing to follow instructions. Sabrina arrived early, and was put to work immediately. She was given the job overseeing the appetizers: cooking and serving the Jalapeño Poppers donated by M&M Meat Shoppe on 23 Avenue.  She was also in charge of bringing out the vegetable platters donated by the Junction Eatery, replacing empty trays with new ones.  She also joined Kathy’s team, taking part in what needed to be done.  Shortly after the event Sabrina sent a text message to Ocean, commenting on the post event high she was experiencing. I am so glad she felt that way.

Then there were the boys. They trickled in: Jeremy and Jared were first to arrive earlier than had been anticipated. They were told they would be fed, but they had to arrive before 4:15 to get food. These two boys earned it for sure! Others trickled in later: Kyle wearing a bright red shirt, Troy actually wearing a white graphic free t-shirt, Kevin and Greason dressed sharply in full suits. Chris and Kent dressed colorfully as suggested.  I actually don’t know when they all arrived, but before I knew it I had a crew of able bodied young men dressed for the event. (Ocean and Janelle had been explicit about what they were expected to wear: dark pants and bright shirts with NO graphics. Two showed up dressed to the nines!) With a smile in their hearts and even in their livers they willingly cleared the table, rinsed the dishes, ran them through the sanitizers, and put them away.

During the presentation they stood in a line at the back of the hall. Swaying simultaneously to the music, and provided the much needed peer support the girl’s needed. When it came time for the Thank You’s I approached the line and gave instructions. Like magic they descended upon the tables, gathering fruit baskets, and lining up on either side of the stage. I don’t know if anyone has a picture of that but the mental image will stay with me for a long time.

 (If you have any pictures, please send them along to Ocean, Janelle, Stephanie or me.)

At the end of the event people started for home, but these young men came alive stacking chairs and removing tables. A smile graced my lips when I saw them working so hard. Then at the end, almost everyone had gone, and there were a few more things to do. I rounded them up into the kitchen and voila! It was done.

One of the things we really wanted to do was to help the family, for whom Ocean and Janelle would be building the house, to understand that the girls would be representing all the people who gave supported them: by buying tickets, making donations, providing home baking, providing food, providing service. We want this family to know and understand that although these two girls were coming from Canada, they represented hundreds of people and more than 50 organizations.  A piece of cloth was spread out over a table, and fabric paint was provided. Stephanie spoke to people as they entered, that the cloth with signatures would be turned into curtains from the family home. She did an amazing job. The cloth looks wonderful, covered with all the signatures.

Yet there are many more that are missing… so we will be taking another piece of cloth to others, that will be sewn together with this one.  When Ocean and Janelle go, they will bring some of the fabric paint so that the people actually building the house can add their signatures. The windows are smaller than the cloth, so it might be turned into a blanket or table cloth.

Then there is Ryley. Ryley does not need her pink hair to stand out in a crowd! Her presence is known wherever she is. Although sometimes inappropriate, Ryley has a heart of gold. Ryley was a pinch hitter, coming into play whenever needed. Not knowing she was coming, I did not put her energy to good use, but if we do this again Ocean and I both agreed on how we would channel her every with a perfect job for her and her personality!

Maybe now when you think of teenagers you will think of what I think: give them something to do;  provide them with an opportunity to support their friends; tell them that they can change the world, and they become the light of the future.

Thank you to everyone who came out to support both Janelle and Ocean. You really did make a difference: you made it possible for this event to happen. Ocean and Janelle will be going toMexico because you made it possible.

When did it really hit home?

The path to this event was filled with pitfalls, logs to climb over, and quicksand. There was rejection. There was loss of commitment. There were time management issues: balancing school, teams, and the event. There were times of great disappointment, and there were times of great joy. There were even people who undermined the event by sticking their fingers into the pot having no clue about what was happening or how things were being run. And there were minor lapses in communication.

And wherever there is money there is bound to be issues.

But when did it really head home?

Ocean and I have been working our kiesters  (Christine how do you spell that?) off. One week of Christmas holidays was completely dedicated to the event. And it became a part time job for both of us. Sometimes I was designing, other times I was task manager, and other times cheerleader.  Most importantly I was the holder of the dream and vision.

The night before the event Marion came over to deliver her ginger cookies. She could not attend the event, but visiting with her was marvelous. Although I have known Marion since before Ocean was born, and I consider her my spiritual midwife, we have not seen her for over a year so there was lots to catch up on. (Interestingly enough she had been to Honduras in the meantime to help build a wing of a school.)

When she heard about the trip to Mexico, that Ocean was going without me at the tender age of 14, and that I did not even know the people in the organization she sat in wonder. “I used to worry about you letting her go.”

I explained to Marion the impact of Ocean being ill for so long, how much she missed, and how much it dampened her spirit. I explained the enthusiasm Ocean had when she came home from school after seeing the Absolute.org presentation. I told her, “I simply could not quench that.” Marion understood. It was her son Rick who started the Edmonton chapter of the Indigo School, based on the foundation that children have their own interests and that when they are sustained in what they are here to do they can do amazing things: loving every step of the way. Some people saw Ocean on stage, listened to her strength and confidence and attributed it to the opportunities she has been given. It is true Ocean has had these opportunities, but she has not taken them. In fact she refuses to speak in public. People who know Ocean know this is not nurture but nature. This is Ocean. This is who she is, who she has always been.

When she was about 5, after the Tsunami I heard her in her room. She called down, “Can I have some soap?”  I agreed. “Where are the candles?” I told her. “Can I have some matches?” I went upstairs.  There she was with her Barbie suit case silting on the floor. Packed was a blanket, some books, and other items. “Is this your 72 hour kit?” I asked? We had been talking about being prepared for emergencies. “No, she replied. This is for a child hit by the Tsunami.”

A few years later she saw a soft stuffed puppy. She really wanted it, but I did not think she needed it. Shortly thereafter she won a poetry contest, $30. At the same time she learned about an immunization program where it cost $1 per child. Guess which she chose?

People who know Ocean know this Ocean, this is who she has always been. This is who she will continue to be. Her plans are not just to go to Mexico this year, but to go on a trip every year: making a difference in the lives of other children around the world.

But she has been dampened. Not only by her state of health, but by her situation. Being a daughter of a single mother there are many opportunities she has missed. Many things we could simply not afford. She missed out socially not only because of how often she was sick and could not keep commitments, but also because she was an artist not an athlete. Being surrounded by people who value sports, she simply never felt a sense of belonging.  And except for Deanna Gunderson, she was simply not understood. Yet it was apparent she was a leader, she was simply never really given the chance to lead. In so many ways her nature was simply not nurtured.

So when she came home on fire, having gotten past the physical limitations of illness, I guided her through a process of learning how to tap into that energy, to harness that energy, to use it to create something. I created the space for her to dream, then I held the vision.

There were so many times when it seemed impossible, and out of reach… just like she said in her presentation. But last night, when she sat on the stage listening to Tika talk about her experiences and listen to the music Mike Frye put to his slide show of pictures from the trip in 2008 it hit me.

We had done it.

We had created a successful event.

 Ocean will be going to Mexico.

She will be building a house for a family there.

She will be not just populating but changing the world: a leader among her friends.

Dinner will be Served

Now you can attend the event and support both Ocean and Janelle while breathing a little easier knowing you can feed feed the kids and carry on with your normal Friday evening activities.

In addition to the silent dessert auction, thanks to a generous donation from Dr. Deb C. Crowfoot, we will be selling Taco Salads for $5.

The schedule of events are as follows:

4:30 Doors Open: Food Service, Auctions Open
5:30: Food Service ends, Auctions closed
5:30 Program begins: presentation by Janelle and Ocean
5:45 Mexican Dancers
6:00 Payment of Auction Items

Clean up: volunteers needed and welcome

Need information on making a donation?

Relax… We can do it all

Having connections to fresh business starters, entrepreneurs, is a great way top receive donations. Here in the city there is an organization called MicroBusiness, where I asked my connection Jim Spiers to send an e-mail to people he thought might be willing to give a donation. Agreeing without question, he sent it out.

This is what I received today:


Hello Ladies

My name is Shannon and I am a Micro Business graduate. Jim Spiers sent me an email detailing Ocean and Janelles intentions and I would like to help. I started a cleaning company in July 'Clover Girl Cleaning', I am licensed, insured and bonded. I would like to donate a six hour clean worth $150 to your auction. My boyfriend Adam, who went to Micro Business as well has a lighting company and would be willing to provide some lighting for the auction as well if needed...

All the best
Shannon
Clover Girl Cleaning

Relax… We can do it all

I honestly can not express the depth of my gratitude for all those out there who have generously supported us with their time, money, love and donations. Thank you to both Jim and Shannon.

God Bless You,
Ocean

$300 of donations in one day!

Hey Guys,

Wow this is crazy. I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off, stressing and worrying. But I bring glad tidings of good news! Today was miraculous.

I went in for a hair appointment, at Capelli Ferrari. With prior communication the owner of the Salon, Rudy, assembled a gorgeous basket with: a salon quality straighting iron, Sexy Hair Salon Products, and a certificate for a complementary men's hair cut. The value of the items in this basket total a whooping $200.
God Bless your soul, Rudy!
Starting our day off right we continued on our endeavors to the City Hall Farmer's Market.
Inside we were greeted with exceptional smells of brilliant baked goods. I came across the Fugalicious stand. I began, "I have an unorthodox question to ask." I explained my cause, and inquired about a donation. Natalie, an angel, quickly replied affirmative.

I watched as she carefully picked and chose her offering, treating each piece of fudge with great care. I stood mystified watching one package of fudge disappear into a brown bag: six
times! Each piece of fudge is worth $5! She donated $30 worth of fudge!
Natalie, I hope your business all the best, and I can not thank you enough for your immediate response. You are helping to make our dreams come true.

Wandering along each decorated stand we came across a Aunt Muriel's Premium Peanut Brittle stand. Again I extended a request. Along with a warm smile, Auntie Muriel said "Sure!" We made arrangements to pick up the brittle next week, for the event.

On our way home, we passed Big City Cupcakes. Previously Janelle and I approached this establishment about a donation. I was left with a positive impression, and returned today to confirm my feelings. The man I spoke to previously immediately acknowledged the fact that her remembered me. Surprised I inquired about the donation. He replied saying that he had ordered gift certificates from Vancouver and they were anticipated in a week.
My mom suggested that we have someone pick up a donation on the day of the event. He was eased by this idea. We left with a smile on his face mirroring the one on our own.
Thank you all for your contributions!
Have a wonderful evening!

We have something for your puppy or kitten too!

Although the main attraction for our event is the dessert auction, we welcome other donations too.

Thanks to the generous donation from the Edmonton South Animal Hospital, one of the items up for bid is a complementary exam for your kitten or puppy, a value of $65.00!

Thanks to Doctors of Veterinarian Medicine, Dr. Tan we have something for your puppy or kitten too!

Thank you for this gift and support!

It will be a great event!

Preparing for this event has become a part time job: planning and preparing, following up, calling people, organizing donations. So it did not surprise me when we were leaving the house to get groceries, and my mom suggested I bring a donation letter. I was already planning on bringing some posters, so I took my whole folder: letters, posters and all.



In approaching the Terwilligar Sobeys my mom headed for the produce section while I headed to customer service. I explained myself to the cashier and waited for the manager. Eric was bright and welcoming. I entertained him with the idea of my event and he replied with exuberance. He stated that this was new, and would be a good activity for his staff to participate in. Right away he initialed the donation letter. He told me that if I called one week before the event, he would have a dessert ready for me!

I hopped giddily in anticipation. I proceeded to ask him if he had a community board where I could advertise the event. With gusto he replied, "Yes". He led me to the board, turned to rip down several dated posters, so mine was front and center. Absolutely beaming with light, I thanked him numerous times and proceeded to finish with grocery shopping.

To my delight, when we were done shopping we turned to walk out of the door spying a lady eyeing our poster! My mom commented, "It will be a great event!" The lady turned and I explained our cause. Many of the people in the surrounding area turned an ear to listen. I am sure we captured the attention of many people who just might have sneaked a look after hearing about what we are doing.

If you are reading this, having heard tha conversation. I echo my mother, "It will be a great event!"

Can desserts be healthy?

Can desserts be healthy? It depends on the ingredients. Using fine ingredients produces fine products. When you take out the hydrogenated shortening, remove nuts, reduce sugar and fat can the results still be enjoyable? Lucy thought so, when she decided to open her own bakery in Edmonton, Lucy's Sweets, located in the Hazeldean bakery.

Once you come to our bakery, we know you would come back again, because our daily fresh products are of superior quality, with healthier ingredients, better nutritional value, and all at a competitive price. We are looking forward to see you here soon!

Thank you for the $40 gift certificate, Lucy!

Bring your wallets and an empty stomach!

I have a whole bunch of donations I have received and I will relate the experience in a few sentences for each one.


Firstly, Janelle had made contact with Crave Cookies and Cupcakes. The result of this connection was meeting a lovely enthusiastic owner who offered to us a couple dozen mini cupcakes. Although she said that, I heard a couple hundred mini cupcakes!

I waited until we got outside to say anything. I started to scream! Janelle and Stephanie were also excited but when I mentioned a couple hundred they stared at me blankly and then burst our laughing. That is what friends are for: giving you a reality check some times.

About a month later, on another trip, our friend was kind enough to drive us around the west Edmonton area in search of bakeries. When we entered one place called Cake Couture we literally stopped and gawked. Around us towered masterpieces of icing, flowers and cream. Their decorating was superb. We spoke to the manager, and without hesitation she wrote us a gift certificate for $45, which equals 12 decorated cupcakes!

Whoever buys those is going to be a happy camper!

Key to life: make friends.

Not only is it proven for emotional well being but it also provides lots of help for connections.


My mom has her own business. In doing so she has a business coach who befriended me, and who I believe is a superb person to know. I made a list of people in whom I was comfortable in calling for donations and desserts. In seeing her name I felt confident about the call. Being the owner of The Junction, she asked if she could provide two vegetable trays. Hearing her say that made my day blossom into light.

Another one of my mom's friends happens to be one of the most selfless people I know. In a conversation we had a few weeks ago, she offered to drop off a letter at a baker in her neighbourhood.

Not thinking very much of it I agreed and handed her a letter. A few days later I opened my e-mail and stopped in my tracks. There was an e-mail that confused me. It was from a location I had never been to: Dutch Delicious Bakery. Opening the e-mail I realized one more time that my mom's friend is the most amazing person in the world because it read, "We would love to support your event by donating two boxes of desserts."

So as a sum of these marvelous explorations, I would just like to say thank you to all of you out there reading this and to those who have helped to change my life to make a better world.

Bring your wallets and an empty stomach!

Founder of Hope: Dream Sustainer

Good Morning, Good Morning. Or in some cases, Good Night!

So, do you remember Rev. Christopher New? That is the one, yup he gave us a location FREE of charge. God bless his soul.

We have maintained contact, through e-mail. Recenlty I requested another tour of the church now that we are deeper into the planning of our event. It astonishes me how every time I enter their place of worship the vibe that he leaves in his footsteps is always excitement for the future. When walking into the space we requested to use, an overall overwhelming sense of peace came over me. It seemd like a much needed wash away of stress. Somehow I knew that everythignw as just going to piece together.

The main reason we went was to insure the answers to our questions. Sometimes he seemed startled at how many questions we had. In confirmation to that feeling I had, he reassured all that we needed would be provided.

In a drain of all questions, I came up with one last one. I promptly asked it, "Would you like to come to our event?"

He sort of gawfled for a second and hesitated with a smile on his lips. He remarked, "I would love to come!"

Christopher is a founder of creating hope and a dream sustainer.

Completely off guard...I stood there...

Hola Amigos,

Things are going great! There has been a lot of stress and tribulation but I have born through it and have to remind myself of the goal constantly. Recently my mom and I went to Whyte ave to hit some dessert places and restaurants. My mom had recommended one place, and I had recommended another. First we decided to go to High Level Diner.

Highlevel Diner
10912 – 88 Avenue
780-433-0993 or 780-433-1317.

When I entered the doors, the atmosphere was a cozy cavern of love. I caught the manager just tin time, before she left. I gave my proposal. She politely listened. Then when I was done, she agreed with enthusiasm to give us a gift certificate for $30! She went into the back, and as I bubbled in excitement, one of the waiters who had overheard gave me a quick gleeming smile and a thumbs up!

The Sugar Bowl
10922 - 88 Ave
780-433-8369

Our trip took us to Sugar Bowl. When I entered this place of establishment the mood was caotically vibrant. It was filled with life and energy. Funny thing, I actually did not know what to do when I got in the restaurant. I had never been in a restaurant where the bar is the first thing that I saw. So I walked to one of the waiters, who promptly asked a few questions and promptly returned with the manager.

Midway into my introduction, the manager walked away.

Absolutely startled, compelled and unaware of what to I just stood there.

She returned with a $30 gift certificate and said, "You need an envelope!"

Completely off guard and barely understanding what had just happened, I stood there, again. The second time she returned with an envelope, I managed to stutter, Thanks so very much. Some how, I don't know how, I walked out of there without falling on my face.

One endevour two donations. Lots of love, and definately a lot more hope.

(For prosperity sake let the record show it takes numerous amounts of times, perservering through multiple "No's" to overall receive two donations. In actuality we went to around 20 establishments for three or four hours and received two donations. That is why it makes a world of difference.)

You WILL be fed!

Fellow Readers,

I bring you glad tidings of great joy: you will be fed.

Knowing from personal experience how grumpy people can be when they are hungry another donation we have been trying to receive some Mexican food for our event.

Edmonton - Heritage
10939-23rd Avenue
(780) 415-5551
M&M Website

One day I decided to do the area of Century Park and stopped off at M&M Meat Shoppe. The manager was not is, so I left her a letter. Through the process of following up, we e-mailed back and forth until it was arranged.

I went in today, giddy inside because I knew what was about to come to pass. I firmly shook the manager's hand. Tracy looked me in the eye, and said, "You may have anything you want. Tell me what I can get you?"

I responded with criterion for food for my event. She proposed Jalapeneo Peppers filled with cheese and then breaded. She approached another concern and asked how many I wanted. I told her as many as she wanted to give me. I walked out of the store to meet my mom, eyes gleeming with four bags of Jalapeneo Peppers.

I don't think I would have evern understood until now how many beautiful souls there are in the worl. You opened my eyes.http://www.mmmeatshops.com/en/storelocator/store_maps.asp?StoreID=245

Putting our need into action

Hello People of the world! 

Terwillegar Heights Towne Square
14032 23rd Avenue
(780) 434-7676

As we have been planning for our event, we discovered the need for tickets. Knowing that we were on a budget of zero dollars we decided to ask for 150 numbered and perforated tickets from UPS. 

Along with this request came work. We researched and found out:

• the estimated cost,
• the number,
• the requirements,
• whether we needed a designer or not.

With having this research in mind, we contacted the location, received the store managers name and put together a targeted letter.

Putting our need into action I contacted the manager who greeted me warmly and provided reassurance but no final answer. 

Today we received an e-mail saying they supported us in our endeavor, they said yes, and asked us to keep them updated.

This has taken a great load off our back and increased our overall hope for the success of our event. Thanks Anita!

http://www.theupsstorelocal.ca/372-Edmonton/Index.htmlhttp://www.theupsstorelocal.ca/372-Edmonton/Index.html

Success is ours

Hi guys,

Good News! Today I had a brilliant conversation with a man from Calder Publishing, who has power over a community newspaper. I bravely proposed my event and the object of it. Without contradiction or any questions he affirmed my hopes and continued on to say, "Yes" by asking for a version of our ad to print. This ad will be distributed to more than 6000 homes, hopefully it will reach the hearts of many.
Deep Sigh.

Thank you all powerful community newspaper publisher. Success is ours.

Trash Bags are for Trash

Sorry its been so long since the last update! Ive been so busy preparing for the event! But a while ago, I was reading chicken soup for the soul, and I found this story. It really inspired me and I hope it does the same for you! I know our dream will come true with hard work.

Trash Bags are for Trash

 By: Mackenzie Snyder

"I walked through the den on my way to get ready for bed and looked once again at the amazing amount of duffel bags. Each bag had a stuffed animal, a luggage tag and a note from me inside of it. The piles of bags went from floor to ceiling, more than five thousand bags, enough for each and every faster kid in three states. My dream was coming true – big time!

After I went to bed, right before I went to sleep, I closed my eyes and thought back to when it all started… when I got the idea for my dream….

I had been in second grade when I went with my two brothers and parents to Paris, France. My brothers, Brock and Cory, and I had entered an essay contest about what we were going to do to make the world a better place to live. We won and were chosen as three of ten kids who would represent the united states at the children's world summit. Nine hundred kids from around the world were chosen to meet with each other and talk about world issues. We exchanged ideas on solving the problems in our world today and had lots of fun during the days we were together.

While I was their, I meet to foster kids. They were two boys, and after getting to know them, I learned a lot about what foster kids go through. They told me that when kids go into the foster care system, they don’t just loose their parents and their home, sometimes they are also separated from their brothers and sisters. Not every foster home wants to care for an entire family of kids. Foster care kids also loose most of their toys and clothes. Thy told me that when the kids are picked up from their home by a social worker, they are given only trash bag to put their few belongings into. This trash bag is what foster care kids carry with them when they are moved from home to home.

I felt really sad, when I heard this I couldn't even imagine what life would be like without my family and home- much less what it would be like to live out of a trash bag. Trash bags are for trash not for kids to carry their belongings in.

After I came home from France, I saw an after school movie that was about a girl living in foster care. It was like what the boys had described to me at the children's world summit, and it made me cry. Right then I decided I wanted to help foster care kids. These kids needed my help, because they were not being respected like they should be.

My whole family is into volunteering. Brock and Cory had started a project after they saw a show on television about some kids who died in a fire. The kids had died because the fire department didn’t have this special camera that can see through smoke to find people in a burning house. My brothers began Project Rescue Vision in 1996 to raise needed money for our towns fire department. Of course, I helped too. I was only four years old, and I was the "President of the Art Department". My job was to hand colour all of the information envelopes that were given out. I helped them until I was seven. Then I began my own project for the foster-care kids.

I started by asking my mom to stop at garage sales when I saw suit cases or duffel bags for sale. I would tell the person who was having the garage sale what I wanted to do with the bags, and most of the time they gave me the bags for free. I tried to put myself into the mind of a foster kid, and I decided that the kids should have a stuffed animal in the bag, too. I figured that if I was in that situation I would want a cuddly friend to hug when I was sad and felt lonely for my parents. People often gave these to me for free, too.

In October 1998, I helped organize a luggage drive during our local "Make a Difference Day". Some congress people and senators showed up to give their support, and I came up with this idea for everyone to get their hand painted and then put their hand print on this big banner to show that they had made a difference that day. I got all these kids to help paint people’s hands. It was really fun to watch these important people have their hands painted.

The senators and congress people went back to Washington and told other people about my project, and then a company named Freddy Mac set up a grant for me and donated $15, 000. I am the youngest person they have ever donated money to. Because of this grant, I had a story about my project and me on the cover of Washington Post. Then the most amazing thing happened. President and Mrs. Clinton read about me and wanted to meet me. I was really excited! They were so nice, and I gave the president one of my bags with a Bennie baby in it to give to any foster kid that he might meet. A few days later, he sent some bags to me from his own collection to give to foster kids, so I did.

My project really started growing because of all of the media attention. Radio stations called me for interviews about what I was doing and some TV shows had me on, More people then heard about me from the TV and radio interviews and from word-of-mouth, and they called me to offer help.

Every week I called my friends and family to see of they wanted to come and put together bags. I always had help from many people. My class even helped too. My teacher announced to the class what I was doing and everybody started bringing stuffed animals and duffel bags to school. One of my friends brought in ten big bags full of stuffed animals!

In each bag, I put a luggage tag designed by me. On the front of each luggage tag is a picture of a girl and a suit case with wheels on it. In each bag, I put a cuddly stuffed animal and a special note I wrote, letting them know that I love and care about them. My mom helped me type this note:

Dear Friend,

Hi, My name is Mackenzie Snyder. I am nine years old, and I am in third grade. I collect suit cases and duffel bags as an act of kindness for those who are in need of them. God told me that you can use a duffel bag and a cuddly friend so I sent this with love to you. I want you to always know that you are loved, especially by me. And, always remember to be positive, polite and never give up.

Love, your friend, Mackenzie Snyder.

After the bags are stuffed, I call social workers to tell them they can come and pick up the bags to hand out to the foster care kids. I have a lot of support from several big companies, schools, churches, organizations and individuals who have donated money, or sent me bags and stuffed animals. I have even been on the Rosie O’Donelle show! Several thousand bags have been sent out so far, and right now I have five thousand more ready to go, sitting in my den. These bags will go to kids in Maryland, Washington, DC, and Virginia.

I have had a lot of help form a lot of people. But most importantly from my parents and my brothers. My brother Brock came up with the name for my project. He said I should call it "Children to Children" since it was all about kids knowing what other kids want and helping them get it. My brothers have also given me good advice about always sending thank you notes to the people who help me. They told me I had to work hard, call tonnes of people and never give up… and I haven’t.

I know that this is just the beginning. There are 530 000 foster-care kids in the United States. My dream is for all the foster kids in the entire United States to receive a duffel bag and a cuddly friend. I know it can be done if everyone helps out. It is a lot of work, but I never get tired of it. I remember the girl in the movie that I saw. If she had been given one of my duffel bags she would have known that someone out there cared about what happened to her. I don’t want any kid, anywhere, to go through what she or the two boys did. Kid to kid, children to children – that’s what it is all about."

Mackenzie Snyder, 9

If you would like more information about children to children, go to Mackenzie’s website at www.childrentochildren.org.

Pg 10 Chicken Soup for the Pre-Teen Soul Scholastic Inc.

Progress!

Hey There,

Hows life flowing?

So just this past week Ive been calling plenty of friends, in order to receive connections and ask for donations! Yeah, I already have 5 committed people who are willing to give desserts, just wait until I call 100 people!

But one of the questions I ask is "do you have any connections to a printing business, because the costs are running high?" in response one lady I talked to said "no, but can I donate $100?"

Flabbergasted, I was unsure of how to respond. Mumbling a barely audible YES! She went on to say she would bring it to my house later. Thanking her a million times, I hung up. So many mixed emotions ran through my brain.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you!" Then,
"Wow, so much mullah!" Later,
" I can't take that from her!" To,
"I love you!"
I'm unacquainted to donations of large size, and was overwhelmed with gratitude. So again I would just like to say THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU! God bless your soul, and I will NEVER forget your kindness!

I know with certainty we are chancing the world one step at a time!

More info about SHOTS!

Hello,
So recently I called a travel clinic and asked some questions about the shots I would have to get to go to Mexico. The lady I talked to was so nice, I swear I called her like 20 times each time with a new question from the answer to the last question. Some of the questions I had were:
What kinds of shots do I have to get before going to Mexico? And whats the time table like?
She responded with:

• Hep A: once 6-8 weeks before, then 6 months later, then we don’t have to renew it until 25 yrs later
• Malaria: 6-8 weeks before we leave
• Typhoid: 6-8 weeks before we leave, then we don’t have to renew it until 3 yrs later
• Rabies

How much do the shots Cost?

She said: the consultation fee ($25) and any were from $150- 250, it depends on which shots the consultant provides. Whew, boy is that a lot of mullah.

What if you have blue cross, is their Coverage for travel shots?

In which she replyed: it depends how much coverage you have … call blue cross.

I called blue cross, in which I had to call the travel clinic back and get all the shots D.I.N. #’s. (don’t ask what that means cuz I have no idea) then call back and forth and get more info. Finally after all that totally unnecessary work, he told me we had 80% coverage on travel vaccines. HIP, HIP, HOORAY! but still … shots

When should I book an appointment?

2 weeks before the 6-8 weeks required to sink in and take affect.

So now, I am preparing for some pretty miserable weeks in July and June. I'm not looking forward to aching arm syndrome.

GUESS WHAT...

Hey guys,How are you?

I am positively glowing, do the hokey pokey and turn all about …… we got a LOCATION!Yipeeeeee!!! I’m so excited I almost screamed.

One of the fundamentals of having a fundraiser is of course, a location.

About 3 weeks ago I thought of a gorgeous church close to our house that would be perfect in every way shape or form for our fundraiser. Interested, I told my mum and she agreed. Brandishing a phone at hand she told me she knew a man who had connections to the church’s head. After several calls and emails sent back and forth relaying info needed to make an appointment with the reverend, I built up my guts and dialed his phone number. After a cheery quick phone conversation we agreed to meet at the church.

On first arrival all three of us (J.H, O.K, S.R) our bodies were fueled with energy and adrenaline. In turn, we explained our engagement to the secretary and then we were greeted warmly by the reverend. My first thought was “this is gonna be awesome, this is the place.” I think we were all extremely surprised at his youthfulness and giddy aura balanced by a never failing smile. Tell you the truth, I was not expecting that, I’m not sure what I expected, but to be greeted with so much optimism created a halo of safety and a bridge of love. We explained our cause, then our predicament In which he marveled and ensured. He told us he would love to give us the space to use, but it would need to be discussed in a board meeting. Then with positive affirmations he guided us towards the beautiful room we would be using. With every word he said it seemed he was convincing us to use it not us convincing him. The grandeur and perfection sunk in. all of us stood gawking that it had all of our necessity’s fully equipped. (Music system, presentation screen, tables and chairs, lighting etc.)

The room in itself was perfect,created in a hexagonal? Shape, it was a dream come true. It was just how we pictured and when Janelle and I closed are eyes, it was reality, perfection, a dream coming true on giant leap at a time. In the foyer there are tables we were told we could use to advertise to the congregation and lines of coat racks available for the night of. When I brought up the matter of cost, I explained our wish for the space to be a donation, without a doubt he responded, “Well I assumed as much.” His smile became contagious and would not leave. We exchanged cards and left, hearts brilliantly warmed with hope. On our return home, mischievously I devised a plan. We walked through the door, glumly frowning, trying to defy the laugh at our lips. When my mum asked about how it went, we did not respond. Sitting slouched, I turned away to muffle a giggle into a cough. Sad, we were sad, she persisted on the events of our meeting. Unable to contain are light we all began to giggle and she understood we had, had a glorious meeting. A little after a week later, in reply of an email of thanks, I received an email of conformation from the awesome reverend. He explained the church was ours to use and directed the message of cleaning. Jumping for joy, my heart soared and I replied. Thanking him again, I reassured we would leave the church in better condition than before.

So now, guess what…..

WE HAVE A LOCATION!

Hip, hip, hooray!

o.k.