Thursday, September 29, 2011

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.

FL District Leesburg Southpoint 039

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……

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18 comments:

Jeanette said...

Congratulations. You are an inspiration. I t has me thinking about my community and it needs and doings. Congratulations again.

Rose Ann Marr, Independent Stampin UP! Demonstrator said...

Congratulations Lee, this is an honor well deserved. Your example makes us all want to be better citizens.

Donna Thames said...

Way to go Lee- you deserve it!

Donna

Perrie said...

WHOOOT-HOOOT to you!!!!! Sounds like you totally deserve the recognition!! Congratulations!!!

irishgalkelly said...

Hi Lee! It is humbling when we receive recognition for our actions but you are very deserving! What awesome things you do to help your community and stamp at the same time! How cool is that? We are all proud of you Lee.

sandi maciver said...

Congratulations Lee, I know how hard you work on these events. You are making a difference and your recognition is so well deserved
You ARE the Statement of the Heart!.

Patti Chesky said...

Congratulations Lee! This is SO well-deserved. You do so much for others, and are an inspiration to us all!

Glenda Mollet said...

Oh Lee, it is a very well deserved award. Congratulations! I am so happy for you and know you will continue in your wonderful efforts.

Deb B (Debadoo) said...

That is awesome Lee...congrats!! Very much deserved, you and your group have done so much for so many! You probably have already, but if you haven't, be sure that SU knows about this!!

Terry I said...

Lee,
You so deserve this award! Congratulations! You have done so much in your community and are always helping others. You are such an inspiration to all of us!!!

Kim H. said...

Congratulations!! You have made such a difference! That is just wonderful!

Patrice H said...

Congratulations Lee, You deserve every second of that award. I read your posts and just by being an outsider I thought very highly of your civic activities. You are an inspiration!

Judi said...

Congrats on the much deserved recognition for your community spirit. I especially like the contributions to the food bank. It has started me thinking.....

jill_su said...

WOW Lee!!! Congratulation. You never know where life will take you. Thanks for sharing. I would love to be a part of something like that in NJ.
Jill

Erna Logtenberg said...

Congrats Lee!! Well done!!

Susan said...

Congratulations Lee!!! This award was given to a very worthy recipient because I know how hard you work. It is my honor and pleasure to be a part of your team.

Susan said...

Congrats, Lee & a much deserving award; it's a win-win stiuation, for you & those you've met!

Vicky said...

Well done Lee!! That's wonderful and you are so deserving!You are making such a difference for so many.
Vicky