DRUM ROLL PLEASE....WEEK 52!!

I can't believe it has been a year already!  I am now on Week 52 of my project "52 Weeks - 1 Difference"!

Looking back...

This project started as a discussion with my husband in December of last year.  It was my response to a number of issues that were weighing on my heart and my mind as we wrapped up the year.  It was 2011 when a devestating Tsunami hit Japan.  It was, also, December 2011 when they found the body of the missing and beautiful, 7 year old, Jorelys Rivera in Canton, Georgia.  As a mother of 5, this story shook me to the depths of my soul.

Feeling helpless, I started to really question the world we live in.  I was doubting humanity and I was doubting God.  But, then I took a step back and looked at how many others were feeling the same way and realized WE STILL HAVE A LOT OF GOOD IN THIS WORLD.  We aren't helpless.  Things aren't hopeless.  And even if I was on my own, I was going to do SOMETHING to make a difference...to prove to myself AND TO MY CHILDREN that the world is what you make it.  With one foot in front of the other, for 52 weeks, I was going to make a difference.

So here we are...52 weeks later...

Ironically, a year later, I find myself in the same state of mind, as people are picking up the pieces of their lives following Hurricane Sandy.  My heart is broken, again, as I mourn the loss of the 20 children and 6 adults in Newtown, Connecticut.  But after 52 weeks, I can tell you that THERE IS HOPE.  I have spent this year alongside hundreds and thousands of people from our community who are feeding the hungry, providing outreach to at risk-youth, cleaning up parks and rivers, helping at churches, supporting our law enforcement, caring for the sick, honoring our troops, and building homes for the homeless.  I was never alone in any of these tasks.  I have met so many selfless people along the way. 

This project was about raising awareness, building community, creating hope and making a difference (whether big or small).  I didn't know then, but I know now, that the impact I made was big.  I also know that it doesn't stop here...

52 Weeks - 1 Difference MADE!!

Thank you to the following organizations/events for allowing me the opportunity to be a part of all of the positive things you do to meet the needs in our community:

In no particular order... Wells Fargo Blood Source

St John’s Shelter for Women and Children

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Grace Foundation

Sacramento Zoo

Sacramento Children's Home

Birthday Magic

March of Dimes

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Shamrock'n Half Marathon

March of Dimes

Walk to Remember Bryan E. Hall

Wellspring Women’s Center

Helping Hayden Fundraiser

March of Dimes Walk for Babies - Sacramento

Walk for Wishes

SPMA Outreach Meeting

Sacramento PRIDE Parade, 2012

Breakaway Camp

Out of the Darkness Walk

Five-O Showdeo

UC Davis Honey Bee Haven

Birthday Magic

Volunteer Center of Sacramento

Five-O Showdeo

Junior League

Greenway Foundation

GRID Alternatives

Excelsior Elementary

Sacramento Valley AIDS Run/Walk

Habitat for Humanity

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Sacramento Kings

Salvation Army

Run to Feed the Hungry

Shriner's Hospital Visit Sacramento Horseman's Association Cycles for Hope Childrens Receiving Home of Sacramento Boys and Girls Club

Sharing Wells Fargo Environmental Blog - Highlights Green Team Conference I attended in October

I am sharing with you a blog post from the Wells Fargo Environmental Forum.  It highlights a Wells Fargo Green Team conference I participated in back in October.  I am lucky to work for a company that is so committed to the environment and the community.

http://blog.wellsfargo.com/environment/2012/12/green_team_planning_for_2013.html

This past October, more than 60 company leaders representing our many Green Teams and business partners convened in Denver, Colo. for our 2012 Green Team Leadership conference. Team members representing Green Teams from across the enterprise (including international representation from India) met to discuss best practices, learn from internal and external sustainability practitioners and prepare for the coming year. Just as we did last year, we carefully considered our costs and emissions and decided to move forward with a slightly smaller event for 2012. The conference this year provided us all with valuable time to dig into the details of our revised environmental commitment (released in April) and learn about our new Green Team business planning process, which we hope to continue to share with our Environmental Forum readers throughout 2013.
Our event started with a community volunteer project held at Centennial Park, where more than 40 volunteers dressed in Wells Fargo red, helped Denver Parks and Recreation staff prepare the grounds for winter weather -- and not a moment too soon as snow arrived in Denver later that week. Post-volunteering, team members were treated to a farm to table meal at Coohill’s a local restaurant focused on sustainability and community engagement.
On Wednesday, the team assembled in our downtown Denver offices for a day filled with environmental presentations. The morning started with a panel discussion of our company’s new environmental commitment with representation from the Environmental Affairs corporate team and a great question and answer session with our extended network of Green Team leaders.  The next item on the agenda included a presentation on the role of our many Green Teams in helping to achieve our environmental goals and an overview of a new business planning process that the teams will use for 2013.
The business planning process is new for our Green Teams and something that we hope will help us to better share the value and impact our volunteer teams have for our business and communities. Our many Green Teams will be documenting their plans to promote environmental stewardship at work and in the community. We are also working with True Impact   to help document the financial and environmental savings that our Green Teams can offer. Our goal is to share these results with our business leaders to further engage the many layers of our organization and garner more support for our environmental efforts.
To help inspire our plans for 2013, we were joined by speakers from The Greenway Foundation , a local nonprofit who helped in planning our conference, and regional representatives from The Trust for Public Land , who presented their story of transforming the South Platte River from an industrial waste site to a beautiful recreational space used by all residents of the Denver metro area. Local organizations also shared their stories of environmental success ranging from Denver Water’s Use Only What You Need campaign for water conservation to the Denver Mayor’s Sustainability Office’s support of bicycle sharing services like B-Cycle .
Based on conference feedback, our Green Team leaders are energized, inspired and looking forward to the coming year. We’d love to know more about what you all are planning for 2013. Please share your stories and ideas with us in the comments section.

Week 47: A week to be thankful for

I hope each of you had a relaxing Thanksgiving with your friends and families.  If you have a roof over your head, warm food to eat and a family that loves you, you have a lot to be thankful for.

I figured I couldn't ask all of you to give up your time to volunteer during the holidays if I didn't do it myself.  Here is a highlight from my Thanksgiving week of service:

Thanksgiving with the Sacramento Kings

Monday, November 19th

Spent the evening with volunteers from the Sacramento Kings serving Thanksgiving meals to families in need in the Sacramento area.  This was a family friendly event.  Even the Kings players brought their kids to help serve.  I definitely want to participate in this event next year.

Run to Feed the Hungry

Thursday, November 22nd

Ran the 5k in support of the

Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services

Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services is a local, non-profit agency committed to serving individuals and families in need. With a staff of 40 and a volunteer force of over 5,000, Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services provides free emergency goods and services to 15,000 unduplicated men, women and children each month.

Salvation Army - Thanksgiving Meal Service

Served meals to homeless families from the Sacramento area.  This was another family friendly volunteer event but fills up quickly, so you will need to sign up in advance to participate next year.

When I first arrived at the Salvation Army on North B Street, Downtown Sacramento, people were lined up outside waiting.  It was a very sobering experience to see people of kinds standing in the freezing cold for a hot meal.  Once we were assigned our volunteer duties for the day, people started filtering in for meals.  Again, it was a very diverse group of people.  The people we served were grateful and many of them had second and third helpings.  THE LITTLE BOY ON THE LEFT IS WHAT MADE MY THANKSGIVING COMPLETE.   

I was lucky enough to serve him and his grandmother.  This lady is raising her grandson RIGHT.  He was the most respectful, polite young man I have ever met.  When he first got there he wished us a Happy Thanksgiving all on his own.  And every other word was "please" and "thank you".  The picture on the right captures my asking him which food was his favorite.  Pointing to all off the items on his plate, he said "this, and this, and this, and this, and this..."  He was thankful for every part of his meal. 

What a humble reminder not to take my many blessings for granted.

Until next time...

Adopt A Family for the holidays

For those of you who want to make a difference this holiday season but just can't spare the time to volunteer, please consider the Adopt A Family program. 

Last year, our office adopted a family of 4 and we were able to provide all of the gifts from their wish list.  I can only imagine the looks on their faces when they opened up their gifts.  It is such a great feeling to know that you made someone's day. 

Adopting a family is simple.  Click the link below, choose a family from the list and shop for the gifts on their wish list. 
http://www.adoptafamilysac.org/

If you are outside the Sacramento area, please reach out to your local volunteer organizations to find at list of participating organizations for this season.


Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Turkey Turkey Turkey!!

Got up bright and early this morning to join some other Wells Fargo volunteers at the Sacramento Food Bank and Family Services for the 5th Annual Turkey Drive.  We helped to collect thousands of frozen turkeys, canned and dry goods for needy families in our area.  The food that was collected will be distributed to families on Monday.  While speaking with a SFBFS team member, I was advise that they served over 8,000 families last year.  

Hundreds of very giving families and businesses came through the donation line this morning but there were a few moments that stuck with me throughout the day.  One in particular was a gentleman that came through with a truck bed full of turkeys and I told him I hope he has a nice day.  He just stopped, looked me straight in the eye, and said that he has a lot of nice days but he wants to help lots of other people have a nice day too.  THAT IS THE SPIRIT OF GIVING.

If you missed out on the Turkey Drive today, you can help support the Sacramento Food Bank by joining me and thousands of others at Sac State for next week's Run to Feed the Hungry.  The event is a 5k or 10k walk/run and supports a great cause.  Plus, think of all the guiltless extra calories you can eat later at Thanksgiving dinner. 

 Until next time...

Holiday Volunteer Opportunties - Make the most out of this holiday season

Last Thanksgiving was the busiest and MOST FULFILLING HOLIDAY I have EVER had. 

Unlike previous years, I spent the first half of my day surrounded by members of the community and families that were much less fortunate than myself.  In the morning, I participated in the Run to Feed the Hungry benefiting the Sacramento Food Bank.  Afterward, I went straight over to the Salvation Army to help serve Thanksgiving meals to the homeless.  I can't even begin to describe how full my heart was when I headed home that afternoon.  I have decided to make it a holiday tradition.

The holiday season is the perfect time of the year to get involved and give back.  I would add that it is also important to get your children involved.  The next 6 weeks will come and go in the blink of an eye.  It is very easy to get caught up in the frenzy of holiday shopping, parties, travel, etc...I hope that you will find a few hours in your busy schedule to step back and give back. 

In addition to a list of volunteer opportunities with Salvation Army, I have included links to some other local organizations that could use your help this holiday season...I also hope you will share your stories with the rest of us by posting a comment to this blog or emailing ashornml@gmail.com

Adopt a Family

Sacramento Food Bank - Coming Up! Run to Feed the Hungry

Food Bank of Yolo - Coming Up! Running of the Turkeys

Loaves and Fishes

Salvation Army - Coming Up! Angel Tree

Week 43: Habitat Build

I spent this past Saturday working on a Habitat for Humanity renovation.  HFH is an organization that gets a lot of buz in the community and it was about time that I experienced it for myself. 

If you are looking for a great team building volunteer opportunity, this is one that I would highly recommend. 

The experience was one that took me outside of my comfort zone and gave me a glimpse into the reality that many families face.  The home we were renovating was in a significantly low income area of Sacramento.  Much different from the neighborhoods that I am accustomed to.  Most of the houses on the street were in poor condition.  Many were boarded up or torn down.  From what I could tell by the neighbors coming and going, it was also quite diverse.  

Two SHFH families were on site with us throughout the day, and were very appreciative of our help.  The team lead for our volunteer group had provided lunch for everyone.  One of the mom's had never had Togo's before and kept saying how delicious it was and thanking us.  She was even more grateful when she was able to take home the leftovers. 

We spent the day prepping the interior of the home for paint.  There was no experience necessary and all tools/materials were provided.  There was plenty of work to be done and it was a messy job.  At the end of the day, I felt accomplished.  The entire day served as a reminder of all the things that I have been blessed with and shouldn't take for granted. 

What is Habitat for Humanity?

Sacramento Habitat for Humanity, an ecumenical housing ministry based on Christian principles founded in 1985, is a local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International whose mission is to eliminate poverty housing worldwide and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience.  SHfH is one of almost 1600 affiliates serving the United States and 90 developing countries around the world.

As individuals and an organization we:

• Recognize our social and moral responsibility to help the working poor
• Seek and work in dynamic partnerships to develop our community
• Work to increase overall home ownership in Sacramento County

-  SHFH is a non-profit 501(c)(3), private, non-governmental organization

- Serves Sacramento County relying on the local community for volunteers, materials, services and financial contributions to fulfill our mission

- An empowerment program, not an entitlement program, giving people a hand-up not a hand-out

Interested in volunteering in the Sacramento area?

Christine A. Roybal

(916) 440-1215 ext. 1115

croybal@shfh.org

Week 42 - Reflection

Looking back on this past week, I feel incredibly inspired.  I know that the mission of "52 Weeks 1 Difference" was to inspire others.  Ironically, the more time I give, the more I learn about all of the AMAZING programs and people that exist in our community.

A movie quote keeps coming to mind.  The movie, Country Strong, was kind of a downer.  However, I love Gwenyth Paltrow's line, "Fall in love with as many things as possible."  That is how I have felt throughout this journey.  My initial thought was that I would volunteer at 52 places and find one or two things that I felt really passionate about.  It turns out, I was wrong.

I am passionate about everything!  I am passionate about children.  I am passionate about hard working mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, and grandparents who just need a little help making ends meet .  I am passionate about cleaning up our rivers and our parks.  I am passionate about solar technology, or anything else that will ensure we leave our planet in better shape than we found it.  I am passionate about bees (of all things), because every living thing has a purpose on this earth.  Furthermore, after a few meetings with the Board of Junior League, I am passionate about their Read and Feed Garden and the Children's Theatre, too.  The fact of the matter is, whatever YOU are passionate about, I am passionate about. 

Passion is contagious.  When I listened to the CEO of The Greenway Foundation talk about their vision for the parks and waterways in Denver, I fell in love with the organization.  I felt the same way about the Trust for Public Land, when they described a park they built for an underpriviliged community full of kids that need a safe place to play.  I caught the fever when the founders of Grid Alternatives reflected back on their vision for solar in 2003.  Then, fast forward to 2012 where GRID has impacted thousands of families accross California.

The moral of this story..."Fall in love with as many things as possible".  We don't have to limit ourselves.  We can be passionate about all sorts of things.  You don't have to volunteer 52 different places.  Find your own way but find SOME way.

***

Week 42 Recap:
Junior League of Sacramento - Community Advisory Board Meeting
Eureka Unified School District - Fall Festival
AIDS Walk

Upcoming:
Habitat for Humanity Build, October 20th
Breast Cancer Walk, Sacramento, October 21st
Read and Feed Garden Harvest Festival (Junior League), October 27th

Still Looking for Bike Donations - If you have a used bike to donate to Cycles for Hope, please email me at ashornml@gmail.com

Thank you!

Looking for Bikes

Looking for Bikes...

• I am currently looking for donations of new or used children and adult size bicycles. 
  • All collected bicycles will be donated to Cycles for Hope, "a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization focused on providing Hope, Independence & Opportunity to those in need through the donation of recycled bicycles. Cycles 4 Hope is based in Northern California and currently serves the greater Sacramento region." 
  • If you are able to donate, please email me at ashornml@gmail.com

Pictures from GRID ALTERNATIVES Solarthon in Chico, October 6th

This past Saturday, I spent the day in lovely Chico, CA as a volunteer for Grid Alternatives Solarthon. 

WHAT IS GRID ALTERNATIVES?

GRID Alternatives' mission is to empower communities in need by providing renewable energy and energy efficiency services, equipment and training. We believe making energy choices that are good for the environment can go hand-in-hand with improving the lives of those living in low-income communities. GRID Alternatives works collaboratively with communities and local organizations to identify specific needs and to develop renewable energy solutions that are environmentally, socially and economically sustainable.

Currently, GRID Alternatives' core program is the Solar Affordable Housing Program, where we train and lead community volunteers and job trainees from all walks of life to install solar electric systems with low-income homeowners.

IMPACT CALCULATOR...

2,529	homes solarized
7.3 MW	total capacity
$69 million	for families
214,842	tons of CO2 saved
10,776	volunteers trained

HOW WE HELPED

Volunteers at this event helped to install brand new solar systems for 7 very deserving families in Chico.  I learned how to measure voltage with a volt meter, pull wire, wire a converter, and wear a hard hat :)  My husband should be proud of me.

Before...

 

After...

Me looking official in my hard hat :)

This gentleman (below) was an architect in Mexico who came to the United States.  His credentials would not hold up, here, in the US.  He applied for the CHIP program for affordable housing 3 times before finally being selected.  He was, also, a recipient of solar during a previous installation.  He learned on the spot how to install solar and is now working for GRID.  Very touching story of how program like this impact individuals and their families...

 

Getting ready to switch over to Solar...

This is the owner of the house that my team was installing solar for.  Very, very nice guy and definitely deserving of this gift.

 

The team...

The moment that the meter started spinning backwards, saving this family over $17,000 during the life of the unit.  Glad to have been a part of it. 

 



Week 40!!!

WEEK 40!!!  Only 3 months left of 52 Weeks 1 Difference. 

Update...

I took a few weeks of a break (if you can call it that) to take some much needed time out for my family and partipate in Commencement for my Business Degree.  As good as it feels to have all of that time handed back to me, I already find myself filling it up with more things.  I am sure it is a disorder, of some sort, but for this purpose we will call it motivation.  :)

Coming up...
 
This Saturday, October 6th -
Out of the Darkness Walk hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
California State Capitol
Sacramento, CA
Registration 8:30 am - 9:00 am
Walk Starts 10:00 am

***I have been serving on this event committee for most of the year and truely believe in the mission of AFSP and feel priveledged to be a part of getting the story out***

Recent happenings...

• I am excited to say that I have partnered with my friends at The Volunteer Center of Sacramento to add a much needed enhancement to their website. 
• Please visit www.volunteersac.org and click on "Want to Volunteer Today" and you will see an option for a calendar feature which lists all of the upcoming "one-time" volunteer events. 
• This idea came to me during one of my many visits to their site to find local volunteer opportunities.  I was finding it difficult to sort through one-time opportunitites vs. ongoing opportunities.  When I reached out to the center, they agreed that a calendar feature would be beneficial but weren't sure they could fund it.  Thanks to a grant from Wells Fargo, we were able to get it done. 
• On Monday night, I attended my first meeting as an Advisory Board Member for the Junior League of Sacramento. 
• "The Junior League of Sacramento, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and to improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers."
• Stay tuned for upcoming news and events from the Junior League
• Tuesday and Wednesday, I was in Denver for a Green Team Leadership Conference for work.  Myself, along with a group of other Wells Fargo volunteers, spent Tuesday afternoon with the  Greenway Foundation, cleaning up Centennial Park along the South Platte River. 

Looking for Bikes...

• I am currently looking for donations of new or used children and adult size bicycles. 
• All collected bicycles will be donated to Cycles for Hope, "a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization focused on providing Hope, Independence & Opportunity to those in need through the donation of recycled bicycles. Cycles 4 Hope is based in Northern California and currently serves the greater Sacramento region." 
• If you are able to donate, please email me at ashornml@gmail.com

Thank you.  Until next time...

SPMA Five-O Showdeo was a HUGE Success!

There are times in my life that I feel like I am just going through the motions.  Most days are just ordinary.

This past Saturday was anything BUT ordinary...it was EXTRAordinary, in fact. 

On Saturday morning, we were up bright and early and setting up for the SPMA "Five-O Showdeo".  Just as planned, we hosted 25 foster kids from the Sacramento Children's Receiving Home.  I can still picture the group of kids making there way down the gravel driveway of the Sacramento Horseman's Association.  Every kid AND group leader had on their cowboy hats and they were ready for some fun.  We piled into the bleachers and the show began.  First to perform were The Painted Ladies, followed by a jumping demo by Horses Hope and Healing.  We broke up into groups and toured the ranch, visited the animals at the petting zoo, had a meet and greet with the Painted Ladies and ate some lunch.  Each child left with a full belly, a personal photo with one of the Painted Ladies and her horse, goodie bags and a giant smile.  In the few hours that we spent with those kids, I can honestly say that I felt attached.  EVERY single one of them was thankful and appreciative and bombarded me with hugs on their way out of the ranch.  AND THAT WAS ONLY HALF THE DAY!

Our afternoon event was AMAZING.  We had a ton of volunteers, a great guest turnout, fabulous entertainment by the Painted Ladies, Horses Hope and Healing, Devin Childers, K9 demonstration, Lincoln High School Rodeo and some fun and games for the little people.  My husband spent most the day at the barbeque (thank you husband).  My kids spent most the day volunteering at the ticket booth and petting zoo (thank you kids).  The weather was gorgeous and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.

I just wanted to give a BIG GIANT TIP OF THE HAT to everyone that helped to make this day a success.  It was BY FAR one of the most rewarding days of my life.  I love being a part of something that reaches out to kids in need and lets them be a kid - even if only for a short time.  I can promise you haven't heard the last of me on this subject.  :)

Here are some photos I took from the event.  You can view more photos at: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.520638741295270.141772.167160156643132&type=1