Inspiration

We have our joint National Charity League meeting today, meaning it is for both moms and daughters to attend together. One of my jobs as a board member is to give an inspirational quote, story or quip before each meeting. Our amazing president, Stephanie, likes to have it tie into our meeting message. She sent me a note last night with three potential options, the fashion show, our National Initiative, which is heart health or our yearly theme, Let your Light Shine. I thought that I might give a personal story because they all mean something important to me.

I have had a few personal hurdles over the past few years which has affected my heart. Not necessarily my heart heath in terms of illness so maybe I am taking the privilege to put a spin on the theme. Being that this is the National Charity League I thought I would talk a little bit about thankfulness, graciousness and giving back. Eleanor Roosevelt had once said, "Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a great deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give."

I have learned when I start to feel down to remember that is only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have and that I am thankful for friends and family who never let me walk alone. I don't even know where to begin to express how grateful I have been for having been a part of NCL for the past 7 years. I have had the opportunity to meet incredibly gifted women and girls who have taught me how to grow and make thoughtful choices. I started as a GLA and watched how the ticktockers had come together with a vision for a grant project. They meticulously and thoughtfully put a plan into action and together helped organizations they were passionate about.

I have spent the last 3 years on the board and I cannot tell you how at EVERY meeting I am impressed by the encouragement, vision, influence, and leadership from the women who give so much of their time to help our community become a better place. I am so thankful I have the opportunity to be a part of NCL, spending time with my daughter, doing volunteer work, and meeting extraordinary women and girls like you.

Of course, this directly relates back to the theme of Let Your Light Shine, and this room shines bright. We have grown as an organization with the help of everyone in this room. I know I also personally have grown because of the light you all bring to our meetings, our philanthropy partners, schools and towns. We are on committees so that when we get together, we are able to exchange ideas, friendships and inspire each other. As a chapter we have shared personal stories as well as have been fascinating, fun speakers.

I spent over 20 years in the fashion industry, so I am looking forward to our meeting today with great enthusiasm! I know the class of 2021 and 2024 has done a lot of work to put together fashion show starring the class of 2020 for us today. I will leave you with a few of Audrey Hepburn's "Beauty Tips" to lastly tie in our theme.

For attractive lips...Speak words of kindness

For lovely eyes...Seek out the good in people

For a slim figure...Share your food with the hungry

For beautiful hair... Let a child run his or her fingers through it once a day

For poise...Walk with the knowledge you'll never walk alone