Saying thank you.
Ever notice how sometimes saying "thank you" just doesn't seem to do an act, words, a gift, justice?
This weekend at Scraptacular, at the end of my last workshop, I was presented with a check for $1200 to be donated to an Autism foundation of my choice on behalf of the owners, employees and customers of the store.
For the last month or so they have been raising money through donations, make & takes, and a raffle all to benefit Autism awareness, education, research. As you can imagine, I totally lost it when presented with this check (actually I pretty much lost it when Pam asked me to come up to the front and just started talking about autism) - it totally took me by surprise. The thought, the energy, the time and the passion that went into the whole thing just blew me away.
So thank you Pam, Rick, Ricky, Val, Tricia, Jenn, Nicole, Jen, Erika, Stephanie, Janie, Tara, and anyone else I am forgetting at this early hour in the airport. Thank you for always treating me like family. Thank you for doing this amazing thing that has the potential to benefit so many. Thank you for doing good. I love you guys.
And as an extra little bit of serendipity, the raffle tickets being bought were for a grand prize to have me design a layout with the winners photos. I drew the winner (Sue) yesterday afternoon and we called her on the phone to give her the news. You will not believe what Sue is doing this month...she is running a camp for kids ages 2-teen with autism. Yep. Serendipity. She will be sending me a bunch of photos from the camp and I am going to put together an album for her.
And thank you to each of the women (and Ricky) in the workshops. Thanks for coming to play and for sharing your stories and taking a break and being open to doing something outside of your comfort zone. I had the best time. Looking forward to seeing everyone again soon!
Wow, Ali - what an incredible weekend. Thanks for sharing your story. Safe home! Tracy
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wow - so thoughtful! wonderful.
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Amazing isn't it! God is good and so are good friends :) Safe travels home this morning :)
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As always, when we open our hearts to others and give, we find how we are all connected. You have opened the eyes of others with your wonderful loving approach to life and they in turn will "pay it forward".
Ali, there will be many stars in your crown.
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Ali,
I am thanking you and the exceptional staff who make Scraptacular just what it is. We are a great family and are so honored that you have touched our lives so immensely. We love having you come and share your life for us and hope that in some way be can better the lives of others.
We love you. XOXO
Pam
P.S. Look forward to seeing you soon!
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OH WOW - see me sitting here with tears streaming my mascara down my cheecks at work - doing my lunch time thing - Ali, Cathy, Tara, Em, Flo et al..but it's worth every tear. I think you were given a special "job" by our creator. Look how far you've spread the word of autism. I'm in South Africa, I have a client with a 28 yr old son who has autism - but via you I've learnt much more about it. Stay strong.
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what a moving story....totally gave me goosebumps!!! Amazing people in this world indeed!!!!
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Ali,
I had such a great time this weekend meeting you, talking with you, being inspired by you. You truly are one of those people that just gets it- and your warmth and excitement reaches others with such ease.
I promise I will try to JOURNAL FIRST- because that is what this is all about. Sharing the story.
Thanks for the inspiration, I'll definitely be back to see you somewhere! I hope you get your Dyson! It rocks!
Laura
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wow ali...i mean, seriously, wow. i don't think there are words that could truly describe how wonderful a gift they have given you. brings tears of joy to my eyes to know that people can come together in such a way!
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absolutely awesome. :)
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It is nice to know that others care enough to do that for you. What a "feel-good" entry you shared with us today. And how very touching.
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Ali, that is amazing.
That there are so many good-hearted people out there.
That you have influenced them to that extent.
What a wonderful story and thank you for sharing it with us.
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How totally wonderful! Now if that isn't a part of your "Daily Happiness" blog, I don't know what else could be! :)
~d
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God is in the details. So very cool
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what an awesome gift! so very thoughtful!
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WOW ALI!!! That is wonderful. Such a thoughtful gift. What an impact YOU are making on everyone's lives!!! :-)
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Chills. I got chills just reading this.
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Ali, it's no surprise that this happened the way it did - you ATTRACT serendipity!!
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Wow! That is so generous. Fabulous!
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Wow... So awesome.
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Wow, very moving story, had me crying already this morning lol. My Fiance's brother has Autism..... every day is magic
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soooo happy to read...I so got goose bumps reading about Sue the draw winner, God is amazing!
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What a great post! What a great string of moments, too. Somehow, it makes me feel more deeply that everything -- all of it -- is utterly amazing!
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Wow - what a touching post --thank you
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ali . . .God is amazing . . and so are you. You have connected me to the world of Autism also. My niece was just home this weekend . . she is an occupational therapist in Manhattan (NYC) and works with children with Autism . . . shared amazing stories with me.
I can't wait for you to come to PA in January to teach . . .I am still finalizing my plans for my fundraiser . . . one thing I will be doing is making up a Longaberger Spin Organizer filled with scrapbooking items (gotta combine my two direct sales business!) amd will be doing a raffle for that . . .also hope to give a portion of the weekend sales to autism research and I know that Rollie has things in the works too!
Nothing better than helping to make the world a better place!
denise
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