Unity in the Community

Amazing evening last night helping out with setup for the event today.  Tons of fun in the heat with a fellow Sterling employee, Dan, and other local community members.  Unity in the Community is truly a celebration of the many cultures that make up our Spokane community.  Thanks to Jim for doing his best to herd all of the cats.  In addition to the many adult volunteers it was wonderful to see the large contigency of young future leaders with their clipboards and take charge attitude. 

My only regret is not being able to see the event today especially the completed tipi thanks to our own Spokane tribe.  Listening to the tribal member in charge of construction was truly a blessing.  Each piece of the structure was created using materials from the Spokane area cured in the same manner used for decades.  The pictures truly do not do it justice.  I urge you to take just a few hours to visit the event. 

Creating the cover

Tipi

Dan and me ~ did I mention it was very hot!

Garland Street Fair

So much fun yesterday at the Garland Street Fair.  I was lucky enough to work with Cecile owner of  Gallery of Thum at one of the kids areas.  Although she was smart enough not to assign me to the actual face painting I did help out with the creative crafts and ticket sales.  All proceeds went to the Spokane Guild School which capped off a truly special community event.  For those that have not visited the Garland district I would urge you to take a Saturday soon to visit the shops.  Not only did I pick up amazing hand made jewelry but a fantastic pair of homemade flip flops. 

Thank you Oliver for pitching in and Cecile for letting me be part of this special day.

August begins with a bang

Summer has officially arrived in Spokane.  With the warmer weather comes a busy schedule.  My month started with a wonderful shopping excursion for Big Brothers & Big Sisters at the 2011 Back to School Blitz.  I was blessed to be partnered with a little sister who demonstrated all the attributes of a future strategic leader making our shopping trip fun and productive.  With the one hour time limit planning was everything.  Bethany had already done some detailed reconnaissance work the day before so we hit the ground running.  As the shopping began my job was to grab the cart as she made a bee line to her secret stash of clothes.  At the end of the event we were able to ensure she was ready to roll for the first day of school complete with clothes, school supplies, and a backpack.  The day was full of laughter and hugs across the board.  Thank you Fred Meyer, Big Brothers & Big Sisters, and especially Bethany for making my Saturday morning so incredibly special. 

Washington Business Week

The week ended with an amazing opportunity to serve as a judge at the Gonzaga Washington Business Week.  This annual event starts with the arrival of apx 200 high school students from all over our state and occasionally other visiting countries.  Listening to the students relate their individual stories you get a glimpse of how life changing this experience is to each of them.  Little do they realize as adults listening to their passion is an equally powerful experience.  Sometimes in the rush of our daily activities I think we as adults forget the opportunity we have to make a difference in a child's life. 

One of the students put it best during an open comment section when she relayed how much it meant to have local professionals take the time to listen and provide guidance.  It truly made them feel special and recognized.  I walked away realizing in that four hours I potentially grew just as much as each of the high school students.  I urge anyone who has a passion for mentoring and being part of a young persons life story to contact Washington Business Week for a program in your area. 

For pictures of events in Washington this year please take a peak at the facebook link. 

Vanessa Behan Rosauers Open

The weather took a positive turn just as the open kicked in to high gear.  Indian Canyon is truly an beautiful venue for this amazing cause.  I got to meet some really wonderful people on each hole as I did my best to navigate the course.  Being my first time on the course and in an electric golf cart there was a certain level of uncertainty but I love a good challenge.  The event goes through this Sunday so I urge anyone interested in watching some truly great golfers to make the short journey up to the course.  Have a wonderful weekend!

Indian Canyon Club House

Me and Amy doing our jobs

4th of July Weekend

The weekend started with an fun-filled road trip to Renton with Mrs. Spokane County Amy Clark.  I am so proud of Genay Tucker, Miss Spokane.  She won the interview and was third runner up at the Miss Washington pageant this weekend.  Although the auditorium had no air conditioning she was able to remain calm, cool, and collected through the entire event.  We were lucky enough to be joined by other visiting queens and meet some truly wonderful and talented women. 

Before the pageant I was fortunate enough to join some of the Mrs. Washington contestants at The Keg Steakhouse in Renton.  The food and company were both equally amazing! 

Ending the weekend celebrating the 4th with family around the pool with homemade ice cream topped off a fun holiday weekend.  Although I am a bit red I am looking forward to the summer officially arriving in Spokane with 80 degree weather in our near future. 

Welcome July!

Miss Washington

We were very excited to see Genay Tucker off to the Miss Washington pageant in Renton this weekend.  She is truly a special girl.  Look for pictures to come from pageant as we travel to cheer on our local girl on Saturday at the pageant.