It Takes a Village

The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit ~ Nelson Henderson

I am very lucky to know so many kind folks who make helping others a priority in their lives. I'd like to acknowledge several friends of mine from two different organizations who held fundraisers recently to aid young people in need of a home. The seeds of success are planted in adolescence often by individuals outside of the family unit. It is an honor to know people who are working hard to make a difference in the lives of our youth and String-Ring was honored to help.

Heart & Soul was organized by my friend Karen Au with some help from her pool of friends and raised over $1000 for the Covenant House, Canada's largest youth shelter for homeless children. This was Karen's first time to organize a charity event and I doubt it will be her last. That is just the kind of giving person she is.

Another couple of friends organized a silent auction to aid GoodWorks Ministries. Pat and Mark are directors of the organization and I've blogged before about this mission to help kids that are aging out of foster care here. Nearly $6000 was raised to help open a house for young ladies aging out of foster care and wanting to attend the local university of UCO in Edmond, Ok. (shout out to my alma mater!) Mark McKenna and Pat Howe are making a difference in these kids' lives.

Strong communities are created when we respond to the needs of our neighbors. Personally, I can't think of a more noble cause than seeing to the well-being of all children. Well done friends!