We asked Heather to join the event planning committee for our December
silent and live auction, Tie One On. “I just thought that I could help get
donated items for the auction.” Heather’s hard work as a volunteer on
our campus and for Tie One On made her a shoe-in for the next event
planning committee, this time as Communications Chair for the southern
supper Dinner On The Grounds. Heather’s background in marketing and
event planning were perfect for the role, landing Our House a four-page
cover story in SYNC. “It’s been a lot of fun! I’m ready to start working on
Tie One On again as soon as this is over.”
Heather’s support of Dinner On The Grounds didn't end with communications. She is also responsible for the addition of a vacation package
raffle that took place during the event. “I called on some contacts in Napa
Valley and Sonoma and asked for a nice wine weekend. They were eager
to help!” Heather’s wine weekend included private tours of three wineries,
4 lovely bottles of wine that aren’t accessible in Arkansas, tastings, and
croquet on an internationally recognized lawn, a once in a lifetime
opportunity for most of us. That package was paired with two tickets
from Southwest Airlines and raised an additional $3,000 for Our House
through Dinner On The Grounds.
But why Our House? Why does Heather, a hard-working volunteer, loving
mom, and faithful friend choose to spend her time so freely and in so
many capacities to Our House? “Because the residents are so incredibly
thankful and gracious! I’ve had lunch with them a few times and I know
they do not feel like a victim of circumstances. There is a palatable sense
of hope with children and adults alike. That kind of attitude speaks directly
to the staff and mission of Our House. That hopeful culture would not be
there if the staff did not instill that in them and demand that they pull
themselves up. I’m sure residents have their moments, but as an outsider
coming in, they are beautiful. They are our community, and we need to
do more. If that means packing up clothes and putting them in my driveway, then we should do that.”
Heather is so often working behind the scenes for Our House that we are
no longer able to keep track of all the work she puts into our organization.
Her work ethic and dedication is so inspiring that even our staff—who
work full-time for our mission—are inspired to do more. “It doesn’t feel
like work for me. I just really wanted to make sure I was doing something
with my time that I felt compelled to do. I’ve gotten out of my experience
at least ten-fold what I’ve put in.” Almost one year later, Our House
certainly feels like we are on the winning side of this equation.