Heroic Leadership ~ Gonzaga

It was my privilege to work with Dr. Tony Andenoro today during the Heroic Leadership class at Gonzaga University.  Listening to others share their stories and watching as future leaders applied the concepts of effective leadership was exciting.  It was comforting to know while challenges exist within all of their respective organizations these students have the passion to deal with the issue in an ethical and compassionate manner.  Thank you for letting me be a part of this special day.

Angel Ball Gala

Saturday I was able to attend the annual Angel Ball Gala.  This was the fifth year for the event and the numbers continue to climb as Julie and Shane strive to help find a cure for Type 1 insulin dependent juvenile diabetes.  This year the numbers topped 350 as Spokane community members came together to raise awareness and funds for this meaningful cause.  A very moving video was shown in which actual family members described the impact of this disease on their families.  Thank you for to Julie for allowing me to be part of this special event. 

Vanessa's Promise Luncheon

Last week I was honored to help out with the annual Vanessa's Promise luncheon.  The event kicked off with a moving poem about the impacts of child abuse delivered by a young girl.  I have to admit there may not have been a dry eye in the room.  As the lunch progressed we were able to see video clips as well as hear yet another moving story delivered by grandparents that were re-introduced to the role of parenting.  It was very powerful to listen as they described the events that occured placing them into the role of primary care givers for their newborn grandaughter.  At the conclusion of the event it was amazing to watch not only my table members but others dig deep to ensure this critical organization not only sustains itself but has the resources to provide care for additional children.  Thank you so much to the many Sterling Savings Bank employees who filled our three tables as well as all of the other table captains.   Special thank you to Kristin and Kim for volunteering to join forces with this organization. 

Mad Hatter Tea

The venue and people made this afternoon extra special for members of the Mrs. America, Miss America, and Miss America USA organizations.  It was fun to enjoy the sunshine and some crazy hats all to benefit St. Joseph's Family Center. 

We all got to marvel at the various hats on display by various vendors. 

Miss Spokane Genay Tucker

The event was complete with an Easter egg hunt officially kicked off by the Mad Hatter and Alice.  The hunt was officially over in less than two minutes.  Amazing how quickly the eggs were cleaned up.  I may have to try that tactic at home with my daughter and her room.

Mrs. Spokane County Amy Clark

Thank you St. Joseph's for allowing us to be part of this special first annual event on an amazing Sunday afternoon.


Hope everyone has a wonderful week.  Crossing my fingers for the sun to stick around just a few more days.

Fashion Night Out

Last night was an amazing event as the Inland Northwest American Red Cross held their first annual Fashion Night Out.  I have already formulated my list of stops to pick up some of the fashions on display.  Joining me at the event was Miss Spokane Genay Tucker.  Genay is weeks away from heading to the Miss Washington pageant in Renton.  Personally I think she is a shoe in.  Smart, funny, and incredibly beautiful she will truly make Spokane proud.  Thank you to Megan the coordinator for the amazing seats.  Honestly I am not sure our task of selling raffle tickets warranted the prime spots but we were definitely not complaining.

I am confident there are some amazing pictures on facebook this morning of the firefighters who handled the catwalk with ease.  It was nice to get to meet some of them and gain a better understanding of the challenges they face on a daily basis.  They truly deserved to let their hair down, and they did! 

I am excited about tomorrow and the Sunday afternoon tea for St. Josephs Family Center High Tea.    The treasure hunt combined with our Spokane River are enough to entice anyone but that hats, just puts it over the edge for me.   Stay tuned for pictures and facebook updates during the event!

Hope you are all getting a test of our wonderful Spokane weather ~ I am headed back outside to soak up some much needed D ~ Happy June 4th all

June begins with several amazing events ~ Please join me!

This week is shaping up to be busy and beautiful.  I  feel truly blessed to be participating in several amazing events in the coming days that benefit organizations that have special meaning to me personally. 

Friday I will be busy with the Inland Northwest Red Cross at Fashion Night Out.  A few tickets are still available but going fast.  Fashion and a great cause ~ win:win. 

Sunday I will be helping St. Joseph Family Center at the Mad Hatter Tea Party.  High tea, crazy hats, and a treasure hunt all in a beautiful setting.  This is such an amazing center that helps members of our community heal and recover frequently from devastating events.  Please join me and start your week off with some fun for a wonderful cause!

Finally on Tuesday, June 7th I will be hosting a table at the 11th annual Vanessas Promise Luncheon benefiting the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery.  The annual event offers a one hour free lunch complete with moving presentations from people directly impacted by the nursery.  The event will be held at The Lincoln Center  beginning at noon.  If you would like to attend please contact Kendal Huff at 509-340-0479.

If you are able to join me at any of the events please stop by and say hi. 

Happy June!

Memorial Day 2011

As I remember my father who passed much too young I feel blessed to recall those special moments that truly shaped the woman I am today.

On our way back from Moses Lake we stopped in my hometown Othello to pay tribute to those memories and thank other veterans who have sacrified so much. 

If you are ever in the neighborhood please swing by Beth Hampton Memorial Garden's and visit the veteran's memorial.  The eagles and plaque's are truly breathtaking.

Thank you to all the men and women who have helped keep us safe on this Memorial Day ~