A Big Idea

Volunteers and Supporters

I wanted to write you a message, by starting with a very sincere thank you. Thank you for supporting me with this initiative. I couldn’t, and wouldn’t, do it without you. Your contributions are what will make this program a success. Don’t ever undervalue your support.

At last night’s meeting, we talked a lot about potential roadblocks. And while this may seem disheartening, don’t be discouraged. All it means is that we have a lot of business minded, and very intelligent people here to help the program get past them. What we are doing, what we will do, will make an incredible difference in the lives of children and adolescents.

If I have learned anything in the past two weeks, it’s the power of an ask, the power of groups, and our community. We have many passionate friends and connections looking for an outlet to support our ideas and program. Even more so, it’s the power of the individual.

Because big ideas like this don’t start with big money or big people. They start with you. The people that have helped me in any capacity are what urge me to continue along this road. I’ve looked at several similar models of programs, talked to business and community leaders, and you know what I found out?

They all started exactly the same way.

They started with a small group of people who came together from completely different roads of life, and they made something big.

And with that, ladies and gentlemen, I introduce P.A.V.E. - Preventing Adolescent Victimization through Education.

A few specific mentions for your continued support -

Joel - thank you for challenging, supporting, and believing in me.

Jenn - your contributions are already developing the program into something so much bigger

Jorie - your NAME! Your artistic background, and consistent support

Jen (the sister) - for giving up time in your amazingly busy schedule to support your little sister.

Chris - for inspiring me, for your background, and your ideas

Chris (the husband) - for believing in me, supporting me, and holding the home front while my dreams get started

Sierra - for coming to meet a strange group of people at the beck of a friend, and diving in with no fear

Jaryd - your engagement, your passion, your interest, and your unbounding energy

Nikki - for being a great presence in the group, and your enthusiasm for the topic

Darci - for your passion, humor, and dedication to a group when you already have so much on your plate

Maria - for your wonderful messages of support and encouragement

Eddie - for your wonderful background, passion for acting, and contributions during the meeting

Helen, Sarah, Jacque, Tammy, Kate, Caity, Ericka, James, Alisen, Tina, MJ, Stephani, Mary, Nikki (there's two), Heather, and Nicole - your promise of support and offerings of encourage and help.

And Mom - for the idea, for the inspiration, and the courage to make it happen.