When Nike says, just do it, that’s a message of empowerment. Why aren’t the rest of us speaking to young people in a voice of inspiration? by Naomi Klein
Last week while driving past a local church I noticed on their reader board the quote “Aspire to inspire before you expire!” That quote stuck with me most of the day. It connected with me because it seems to express in very brief terms what “Friends of Copey” strives to do. As “Friends of Copey”…we “aspire to inspire”!
On this note, I have promised to share some great news this week.
First, the Copey Learning Center just celebrated its 6 year anniversary. The small town of Copey should be very proud of this accomplishment and we are grateful to have been a significant part of this effort and short history. 
Also, The students just returned to school after a two-week break. When they returned they found fresh paint and a face lift at the Center. Ana, volunteers, and even some students helped to make it a more welcoming environment for the students returning to school.
My Kiwanis Club assisted with two small fund-raising events this month in support of “Friends of Copey”. First, a couple of weeks ago, Kiwanis, “Friends”, and our the local outlet of the nationally known REI company, worked together to host a two-day First Aid Training event. This proved to be a very unique and special arrangement since it provided “Friends” the opportunity to support a major company, share information about Kiwanis, the Copey Learning Center, and obtain donations. About 30 training attendees were treated with lunches, food and snacks along with information about “Friends” and our Copey project. One very generous attendee donated $100.00 to support “Friends”. There were numerous other smaller donations made by other attendees.
This past week, Kiwanis stepped up again and club members donated numerous items for sell during a one day “Yard Sale”. The yard sale was a success. It provided one more opportunity to share information about “Friends” and the Learning Center. Our popular banner was visibly on display and we also handed out information cards to our customers. Most customers willingly paid the asking price for the items and in a few cases they just made donations.
Both events exceeded our original expectations and I personally thank Kiwanis members Martha and Norma, and the rest of the club members for their support. Non-Kiwanis Club members also provided very significant support. Thank you Carol, Pat, and Jim.
Within the next few days, “Friends” will donate more than $1,000.00 to the Learning Center. Part of this donation will closeout our commitment in support of the salary for the Executive Director. The balance will be designated to help with school supplies and materials for the balance of this school year.
My final note is a huge “Thank You” to my Senior High Class of 66 who recently donated $100.00 to the Anne G. Broady Scholarship Fund. This represents the third AGB Scholarship Fund donation received this summer from my high school friends from Virginia. I sincerely hope each classmate will follow my Blog and see the progress being made over the next few months and the year. We continue to do what we set out to do and we have much to be proud of.
Be a Visionary Enabler!
As many of you know, I am a hopeless visionary. I have been wondering how many “Friends” from all parts of our country occasionally engage in yard sales or garage sales? I wondered if I could encourage (inspire) enough “Friends” (two or more) to host a local one or two-day yard sale on behalf of “Friends of Copey” right in your own neighborhood? We could get really adventurous and set aside one month each year to host a national “yard sale” event on behalf of the Learning Center.
Please, let’s start some discussion on this idea. I sincerely encourage your feedback on this concept. I know typically most of you who read the Posts just do so for information only. BUT…this is a request for your input. I am the one needing information. Here is one small way to be a little more active beyond reading my Posts. I know there are several of you out there in “Friends” land who wonder at times what small thing can I do to help. “Friends” can help from anywhere! No commitments…just asking for feedback. THANKS!
Our banner says…“When many will do just a little…a lot will get done for kids.” Just send me a note with your thoughts at atbroady@aol.com
So happy to read that the students are back and enjoying their newly painted school. Great to also read all the wonderful news. Thanks to all who are friends and continue to support and “get a lot done for kids.” For several reasons, I will not be able to host a yard sale , although I love the idea and hope that others are able to do so, but I am contributing $100.00 to continue my support and friendship.