Planting Miracles
My very first job out of college was working for the Rio Grande Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross. I had the snazzy title of "Development Director" and was assigned the very overwhelming task of raising money for local Red Cross programs and services. I started that job in October, 1995 - with the same gusto and determination that you see in me now (although that was close to 20 years ago so I probably had a lot more spring in my step).
My boss, Judi Oestreich was not only an amazing person, but a great teacher. Judi taught me how to market the Red Cross with a nonexistent marketing budget. She also taught me how to best utilize our resources, and those of others - to get things accomplished. She taught me that you build relationships for life - not for the life of a specific task or project. She taught me that the best way to succeed is treat your business like you would your garden. Plant seeds everywhere you go - and make sure you continuously water them so you can watch them grow.
My boss, Judi Oestreich was not only an amazing person, but a great teacher. Judi taught me how to market the Red Cross with a nonexistent marketing budget. She also taught me how to best utilize our resources, and those of others - to get things accomplished. She taught me that you build relationships for life - not for the life of a specific task or project. She taught me that the best way to succeed is treat your business like you would your garden. Plant seeds everywhere you go - and make sure you continuously water them so you can watch them grow.
Any of this sound familiar? It's been four years now since I've been planting seeds in retirement communities across the Valley - and I'm having so much fun watching Welcome Home, RGV grow. The funny thing is - the seeds I have planted have seemed to sprout and multiply and grow at an amazing rate! I guess somewhere along the way I not only irrigated but I must have used a little Miracle Grow as well!
It's really fun to take a step back and watch it - looking back to four years ago when all I had were ideas and to see how far we've come. And the REALLY exciting part is thinking about the future, and what kind of seeds we'll plant next.
Come on out and see us this season - you can log onto our website, www.welcomehomergv.com and register to receive our somewhat weekly e-newsletter to find out where we're going. And don't forget to bring your watering can!
Kristi