LIVE UNITED Y’All!

By Jim Littlefield-Dalmares, Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies

I wanted to write all my Metro United Way buddies and share a little story that hopefully moves you and might help you also as we enter that final push in the campaign.

Yesterday was a long day for me - up at 5:45, off to a business meeting at 6:50…back to back meetings til about 2, then a tour for 20 at 4 o’clock….raced through traffic to get my kids at 5:50 - just before the $1 per minute penalty to get them after 6..and off to Macy’s where over 60 of our clients were going for “Try on day” to get ready for our big Fashion show on Sat. Nov. 21st.

But just being there for 10 short minutes reminded me of what I already knew..and what makes long days worth it. For everyone with Metro United Way, it’s a reminder of what “productive people with disabilities” is all about.

You see, our kids are not usually the stars, captains of the team, class presidents, or the ones in the spotlight. But at our Holiday Fashion show, it is all about them.

And yesterday they were beaming. I learned of one little girl who had never had a dress before. I watched another boy (a kid who had half his brain removed due to extreme seizures) strut his stuff as he tried on a complete suit, vest and all.

And then I saw Emily, a little girl who captured hearts three years ago in her “Mrs. Clause” type red outfit using her walker, then last year used a cane, and was so excited last night because this year she plans to WALK in the Fashion show for the first time. I am not sure her exact age - but I think she’s about 9 or 10.   In her you have a short, mid-term, and long range “outcome” that was set, strived for, measured, and reached.   And of course to see her cross that stage in a few weeks on her own, will be priceless.

So I tell you this for two reasons:

1. You matter - I know in tough times the campaign can be hard.  But without Metro United Way funding, some of the kids I saw yesterday would not be coming to our Center.  This is the “end product” that the therapy donations to Metro United Way produces - kids out living active lives.   So never tire of working hard for them - the smiles I saw yesterday are what makes it all worth it.
2. Come - and bring others - if you ever wanted to re-inspire a donor, a volunteer, an Employee Coordinator, or anyone that might get behind Metro United Way in the coming year - or right now- what better way to show them why their gift matters. The event is just $5 to come - so it’s practically free.

But I can say based on watching it the past six years that I have never met a person who attended who was not so happy that they took the time to come. It’s even great for families, as many parents love to remind their “regular kids” how lucky they are. So please feel free to “utilize” our event as a tangible way to show those who support Metro United Way why their gifts matter more than ever.

In the past we’ve used church halls and venues that quite honestly we just about fill with all the “fans” of each model. This year we have 66 kids signed up! But this year we’re at duPont Manual High School and there auditorium holds 1,400 people - so I think we have enough room to invite as many people as we want.

Jim

Tickets can be purchased ahead of time from us at the Center, or at the door.

Thank you for what you do every day to help us discover the ability in every child!

(502) 635-6397, ext. 26.

www.kidscenterky.org

- Jim

Events, General, Giving fashion show, inspiration, Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies