It Takes a Village - Turning Over a New Leaf

Sometimes the" planets and stars" have to align in a special way before you can clearly see the answer to a struggle.
That's pretty much what happened to me during the last week of August, right after my sister passed away. I had spent months agonizing over a decision that would, once again, cause me to reinvent myself, that could possibly affect my reputation - and most importantly - could affect the well-being of about 2,500 other people.

I'm talking about my position as the Development Director for the VIM/HANDS Clinic of St. Lucie County, where, for the past three-years, I have been responsible for raising $1 million each year.
As anyone within the realm of fund development knows, it's a very high stress world, one that requires you to be "on" at all times. Adding to that is the fact that the Clinic had never embarked on any type of fund- or friend-raising campaign. So, I began with literally nothing.

The struggles my family and I have met this past year have caused my faith to come into question, have left me feeling empty, and have caused me to take pause and consider what's most important to me.

The result -- On Sept. 1, I gave my notice at the Clinic, making today my last day of employment. So, tonight, there are some people I want to thank; people who believed in me and helped me along the way as I raised $3 million to keep the Clinic open, serving the healthcare needs of this county's vulnerable uninsured adult population.

Wendy Dwyer -- Thank you for sharing your idea of what became known as The Jewelia Project with me. You could have shared that with anyone of a thousand people, but you chose me. I hope I made you proud, as the Project has raised nearly $400,000 to date. (And it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings, and I ain't singin'!)
Dr. Shamsher Singh -- Thank you for being the very first person to financially invest in the future health and well-being of the people of St. Lucie County.
A&G Concrete Pools and Art Allen -- Thank you for your financial support, for treating me on the same professional level as you would any other person or client, for truly understanding the need for these services that are provided by the Clinic, and for the Tequila.
Sandee Allen -- Thank you for always being there for me; more often than even my own husband (he thanks you for that), and no matter what time of day or night.
All of the Ladies of the Jewelia Project - Past, Present and Future -- You are the glue that has held me together. Cris Adams, Pat Alley, Wendy Dwyer, Jennifer Strawn, Tia Adkins, Sandee Allen, Veronica Tempone, Maria Seidel, Sue-Ellen Sanders, Jeannette Weiss, Bunny Webb, Mia Batalini, Debora Thompson, Kathy Post, Linda Evans, Deejay Gardner, Gail Flesche, Pamela Tempone, Jennifer Wiggins, Jackie Holfelder, Janie Reed, and Brittany Huff. You have proven over and over again how clever and creative you can be when it comes to event planning, taking it up a notch with each special event.
Kit Santacroce --  I have learned so much about the medical world from you, but most importantly the medical world as it pertains to those who are at risk, those without insurance, those in dire need.
Frannie Hutchinson -- You have been a guiding star since the loss of my mother; always knowing exactly what to say and when I need to hear it.
Ken Pruitt -- Thank you for guiding me through the maze that is the Florida State Legislature. Was I ever feeling like a fish out of water, but you calmed me down and pointed me in the right direction - making me successful in my endeavor.
St. Lucie County Board of County Commissioners -- Thank you for understanding the value of a healthy population and thereby providing $600,000 in support over the course of the past three years.
Local businesses -- Thank you for providing in-kind donations that allowed us to raise much-needed funding through raffles and auctions.

To every single person who ever attended one of the more than 40 special events that have been held to benefit the Clinic or who donated financially or with volunteer hours -- THANK YOU!

Mel Liebman, Geoff Liebman, Stacy Liebman, Jean Swift, Kimberly Smith -- Thank you for understanding why I couldn't always "be there," because of the demands of this position. Thank you - as always - for your love and support.

I know this is a huge leap of faith, publicly thanking people and risking that someone's feelings will be hurt, but remember -- it truly takes a village. And even though your name might not be listed here, a day doesn't go by that I don't thank this entire community for it's support.

And so, a new leaf has been turned over. Next week I begin my new position with PNC Bank, where I will be working for Aileen Pruitt in the bank's Community Development Department. I'm excited as a new chapter begins in my life
Please continue to support the VIM/HANDS Clinic -- without YOU, it's just not possible.