30th anniversary celebration more reflections

I have had such a busy week, coming right out of the two events last weekend, that I haven't really taken the time to reflect more on the great 30th anniversary celebration last Friday. It was such a good mix of people important to the agency over our history, and for this gathering I am truly grateful. I so enjoyed having Chris Pauken Lewis there, and spending additional time with her Saturday morning over brunch at Kim's house. Not only has she had an interesting life since she was at the shelter, but she reflects on those years very interestingly, and has good insights into the origins of the shelter and a non profit organization in a community. She has been a foster parent with Pressley Ridge, and is a librarian now at Marshall. Upon looking at the photo albums of the early years, she had an amazing recall of kids, kids names and situations, and an obvious caring for all the young people, and the mission of the shelter. She has a great sense of humor, too! It was nice to create the opportunity for her to reconnect with several staff members from that era at the event.
Having several of our foster parents there was also very powerful for me. This newer part of our site's work (that last 2 years) is looking to be an important part of our future, and it was good, not only for everyone to know about this, but for them to see the great outpouring of support for the agency from the community.
We had a good contingent of our advisory committee members there; which was also very affirming: so they could see first hand the community's support, and so other community members could see that this group will ably represent the community's interest in our work in the area and across the agency. I am eager to get this group back together and do some more planning!!!
As we wrap up the details of the event, and eagerly look to the local site's strategic vision and plans for the future, we can do so with the satisfaction of registering some good memories of a fine event, and the community support that embodies.