What an Honor~ “Pay it Forward” Outstanding New Member of the Year 2010-2011

No card today…I have something personal I want to share with you. If you are a frequent reader you know I do a lot of Charity Events for organizations in my area. I was the recipient of this award last week and a medal to honor my service. I was and still am overwhelmed that this was presented to me.

About a year and a half ago one of my customers asked me to join a new Civitan group in my area. I told her I didn’t have time. Her remark to me was “do you eat lunch” it’s a lunch meeting. What could I say? So long story short, I went and sat in a room or very professional people. Restaurant owners, Professors, Store owners, Bankers, Teachers etc. Then there was me a Stampin’ Up! Demonstrator. Funny huh? Well not really. Little did I know that by joining the Arlington Civitan I would have more opportunity to hear of what was going on in my community. Not only that…I could help my community! Now you might say how do you do that? Well with Stamping Events of course!!! I gathered some of my team and asked if they would help me. Well they did and our first event was a smashing hit. So we did it again and again and again…..

We gather raffle prizes from Local Merchants and sell tickets for the products and services and 100% of that money goes to The Charity we are working for. We get Civtian sponsorship and helping hands too.

We have built a Stamping Corner at the Pace Center for Girls (these are girls that are at risk). We have fed the hungry twice now and have raised enough to feed over 12,000 people. Plus part of the admission is always two cans of food so we keep a steady stream of canned good and dry goods (over 13,000 pounds)  going to the Second Harvest Food Bank. We’ve helped in research for Autism and most recently helped Lea’s place with a donation. Lea’s place is a place that takes in children that are removed from they’re homes either for abuse of for neglect. They are kept at Leas’ Place where they are cleaned up and fed and loved. The staff is incredible! It was such a pleasure to work with them.

So why am I getting this award??? Not sure…..but it is an honor.

I did not go to the convention so Mattie presented me the award and medal of honor (around my neck) at our meeting. She accepted it for me at the convention. Anyway I had no idea. I guess I was chosen by the Governor of Civitan for the Florida District.

My award is for “Paying it Forward” and for being 2010-2011 Florida District Outstanding New Member of the Year!!! What an honor and a privilege to receive this.

I thought I was just going to lunch that January day when I joined Civitan. Now it’s become a way of life.

Thanks for allowing me to share this honor with you.

See you next time……