As long-time readers of this blog know, I went through a cancer adventure nearly six years ago. I don’t think about it too much these days, because my bloodwork says I’m free of both breast cancer and melanoma. Yay!
On a recent visit to AFP Northeast Indiana in Ft. Wayne I had a chance to think about and talk about how fortunate I am in my cancer journey.
After a full day of training and coaching my hosts generously took me on my own personal tour of the nearby Vera Bradley Headquarters. We toured the facility. . . it’s huge. And the “store.” It’s stocked with the lasted Vera Bradley stuff and is very cool!
The best part was I got a chance to spend time with Lynda Houk, Executive Director of the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.
I had no idea there was a foundation, and was surprised to learn the sole focus is to raise funds for breast cancer research.
Click the letter view full size.
About a month after my visit I was honored to receive the letter, pictured on the right, in the mail.
What I read brought tears to my eyes. These awesome women, who work hard to raise funds for their own organizations AND for their AFP Chapter had made a contribution to the Foundation in my name. . . to thank me.
I share this example is because it was so powerful and so simple.
As you end this year
Rushing toward reaching your final fundraising goals
How might you make someone’s day with a heartwarming and surprising thank you?
Pictured L to R: AFP member: Amy Lazoff, Vera Bradley Executive Director: Lynda Houk, AFP Chapter President: Jeri Rusk, AFP Chapter President-Elect: Rachel Burkolder.
Lori, so nice of you to share this! We so greatly appreciate your time with us and getting to know you! What fun we had and we couldn’t be happier that we were able to do the tour – it was my first time too! Thanks for making an impact for fundraisers across the nation, especially here in Fort Wayne.
My visit to Ft Wayne was one of the highlights of my year! Thanks so much, Jeri.