Grant Writing and Sushi

Today marks a big day for Eugene and me. As of early this afternoon we completed our first grant for our theatre non-profit. I didn't want the chance of documenting this day slip past me, so here I am sharing it with all the lovely people of blog land. I wish I could say that I had much to do with this grant, but really it was mostly Eugene's hard work and late night hours. I was busy doing my end of business and work that he was left to fend with this by himself.  It's a miracle that we finished a bit earlier than the deadline, and it just gave us enough time to find a few more to apply to from now into the beginning of the upcoming year.

We are super proud of our loving theatre non-profit that has run so far strictly by donations and volunteers alone. Each year that this company grows I'm just blown away at the amazing incredible things that we've done. On top of Directing/ Producing/ Sponsoring/ Guest Speaking/ ____ (fill in blank), we had to become grant writers ourselves. Something that I will be involved more with the next one.

In the past three years we have gone through four grant writers; all of which had left us for good or bad reasons (That story alone would make quite the short comical play). A thrown table and Producer's frown later, we decided we wanted to take the challenge ourselves. Let me tell you, grant writing is another type of animal that any other writing task. I will say however, representing a cause you truly feel passionate about and putting it to the test is an experience second to none.

To celebrate we went out for a quiet day at our favorite sushi bar. Then we brought home a bottle of bubbly and finished it off with a double chocolate scone. My romance runs dangerously close to business, and I wouldn't have it any other way!

Being here compared to yesterday, has a lifting sensation to it. Thank you for sharing it with us!

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OOTD: Ramona High

 

I love my job! I hope that one day my job as a CEO of a non-profit will become a full time and not seasonal career. We're coming up on our 3rd year which means we're finally eligible for grants, which in turns means our operations staff can finally have a chance at a regular stipend paycheck. It take plenty of love, self abandonment, and risk taking; and its been worth every heartache. It completes me, gives me that fast life I wanted, places to see, art to crack open from their shells.

Sunglasses: Lane Bryant, Necklace: Miscellanous Creation,
Sweater: Coldwater Creek, Shoes: TJ Maxx

I've become comfortable being a public speaker. I used to be conscience because of my weight, but when I started to do it more, I realized that people want to listen to what I have to say. Since then I look forward to when I can spread the word about my organization and my experience. I love the fact that I can give the future leaders a helping hand. I also feel like me in the right clothes puts a positive face to body image and confidence that they need to hear. I was tickled pink when I had the privilege to go to Ramona High School.

Ramona High is a private all girls catholic school. I didn't speak at this event, but Eugene and I brought a booth to represent my company. The assembly was created to honor girls that have done over 100 hours of volunteer service this year. That's a big deal! In a world thats lacking awareness and humanity, it's good to know there are the few that are willing to get out there and lend a hand. They had introduced the organizations there and allowed them to visit and talk with them like a mini volunteer fair. The girls had even created presentations of previous charities and clubs they helped at.

We were welcomed with open arms! I was so honored and humbled by these willing beautiful ladies. We got an ample amount of volunteers and good feedback. It's these events that give me that extra assurance that my mission is one that people need and are indeed listening to. My cause brings smiles, public conversation, and a haven for people to take a chance and be apart of something bigger than themselves.

So to all of those struggling with you're self image, keep in mind that there is more to you. Don't punish the world with your insecurities, there's a beautiful character waiting to be introduced. These girls are in the prime of insecurities: high school, and I cannot even imagine judging their willingness based on their inner securities. It's tough to fight your fears, but to live with it is far worse. Goodness knows if I let my fears guide me, I wouldn't be the bold role model I was blessed to become. Live your life, be you, be strong.
-Stef

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