I met Mrs. Paula Livingston about three years ago when we started sharing an office at the local community college as adjunct instructors. That first year we got to be friends both at work and on Facebook. The next year she began talking about her 15+ year desire to start a foundation to 'make wishes come true for sick children'. Her heart's desire and her passion became immediately obvious to me. Working together was a distinct advantage as it gave her the opportunity to bounce ideas off me and to get my opinion on things she wanted to do. Almost every Tuesday and Thursday we met together before class and just talked about both present and future plans. Midway thru that second year she incorporated and received the 501 (c) 3 status for her foundation, Give A Wish, and the ball was rolling.
In one of our brainstorming sessions I just happened to mention to her that I had a personal webpage. She said 'You have your own webpage?' I could see the wheels turning. Well at that time she was struggling unsuccessfully with another person trying to get a page set up for Give A Wish. Now in these days and times it's almost necessary to have a web presence to be successful. So one day she almost apologetically asked me if I would consider developing a site for Give A Wish. Now I love putting websites together and I saw this as an opportunity to not only do something I loved to do but at the same time contribute to a worthwhile charitable organization. She gave me a few ideas and I asked her to let me consider it over the weekend. When I showed her my meager first attempt, she was so very excited. She made me feel like hey I can make a contribution. Over the next few months Give A Wish's webpage bloomed into what it is today, a multi-page site covering almost every facet of the organization. Check it out at www.give-a-wish.org. It's true that is it better to give than to receive. It gives me such a good feeling when I know I had a part of helping all these wishes come true. I like being able to keep the public informed on these inspiring brave children.
I have also been fortunate enough to participate in the granting of a few wishes. I helped as a score keeper at the first triathlon. I also helped with the first beauty pageant by arranging a venue for the pageant. But most of all, one of the wish kids goes to the same church as me. She and her twin sister were granted the wish of being princess for a day. For me though, the greatest reward was getting to know these two precious little girls and getting a hug from them every Sunday morning.
Thank you Paula Livingston and Give A Wish for letting me be a part of your organization.
Review from #MyGivingStory