I’ve written before about the importance of time. And how many people in my life are looking for time. Either time to get things done, or time with people they love, or time to travel.
As we enter the season of being thankful, I thought I would focus on people who have shared their time with me. I am one lucky and thankful person.
1. Years ago, my friend Cathy sent me a note during the month of November. She said that she was writing one note per day to someone she was thankful for. It was truly one of the most unexpected things I had ever gotten in the mail. I was honored and flattered. And for several Novembers after that, I sent similar notes out to people whom I was thankful for.
2. There are a few people to name, but in particular for this example, my friend Leslie. When we started our golf outings, she took off work, which is a big deal for an entrepreneur like herself, and got her dad and some friends to come out and golf with her just to be there to support the event. I was so thankful.
3. Similarly, my friend Beth recruited her husband to participate in 100 Holes of Golf. A big deal for so many reasons, one because I think it’s tough to give up your spouse for a day. I think it’s a lot for them to ask off work. And I think it’s a lot to do your own fundraising.
4. I was so thankful to be thought of by my friend Jacquie. She reached out to me to be a sounding board when she was considering avenues for her career. I would’ve never thought of myself in this position. It challenged me to learn new things to be able to provide her with feedback. My meetings with her were times I am so grateful we had.
5. My friends, Laura and Laurel. This could be a post in and of itself. But no matter what we’ve taken on, they’ve been there to help. Physically and emotionally. They’ve been to almost every golf outing, working the entire day. They are irreplaceable.
6. Our Board Chair, Kristin. A true superwoman. From exercising at 5 AM, to making a difference at her corporation, to taking on the challenge of being our Board Chair. I truly don’t know if she sleeps. She has always supported me and my ideas to help grow the foundation and help as many kids as possible.
7. The three program managers we’ve had here at The Orange Effect. I still try to remind Maureen as often as possible how integral she was in getting our systems in place and making sure we abide by all the rules of a 501(c)(3). And then Krissy, who filled those huge shoes and kept us in line when Maureen went for full-time work. Now Doreen, who stepped in when Krissy chose the career path she’s been looking forward to. We are so lucky to have such organized and patient people running our ship.
8. My kids. Like my friends, they have supported my husband and me through many adventures and challenges. From starting a company to starting a nonprofit. They have done nothing but show unconditional support, offer hugs when needed or help brainstorm ideas, or just show up.
9. My husband, Joe. I come up with some crazy ideas, and he has always been willing to give them a try. From helping people move, to hosting a PTA dads poker night all those years ago… From driving endless hours, having coffee meetings to get donors, supporting the city of Cleveland, and trying anything new, and such an array of things that is just too long to list here. He always gives of his time to listen to me, to encourage me to be the best version of myself.
10. Our board members. What a true testament of time when a person is willing to put their personal brand and their time on the line for your organization. From past members such as Craig, Dennis, Kelly, and Cathy to present members such as Mike, who is running his own event in Florida to support OEF. To our application review folks, Melissa, Monica, Jac, and Tom, who work tirelessly EVERY quarter to review applications and make the tough decisions. To Dana, Elisabeth, Don, and Lindsay, who found us and offered their time using their individual strengths. We couldn’t do it without any of you.
This could be one of those never-ending posts because I could thank our donors who come through for us every year. Especially Paul, Drew, Mike, Jim, Chris, Scott, and Brian! But this was my focus on time, and it was time to wrap up this post!!! More to come.
