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