Volunteering is such a rewarding way to give back to your community.
Have you been wanting to volunteer but don’t know where to start?
I’m sharing more about meaningful ways that you can give your time and use your talents at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.
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I met Karen several years ago as the sponsor of a program that I’m a part of that helps encourage middle and high school students to make good choices.
Over the years we have become friends, and I’ve observed her passion for health through CrossFit continue to grow.
As someone who prided themselves on never trying CrossFit, I’ve always appreciated that people were really into it… from a distance….
I met Jessica Ekstrom at the “Bloggy Con” Conference in Cincinnati. She shared her story of why she founded Headbands of Hope and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the room.
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There is so much to reflect on from my incredible impact travel experience with Fathom in the Dominican Republic. The people that I met on our team, along with the locals that we interacted with and worked beside, truly left an impression on my heart. I have soooooo many stories to share with you!
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One of my challenges after the holiday season is to continue to model a lifestyle of giving all year round with my family. I feel like giving tends to come easier for our family in the months of November and December because it ties in with thankfulness and gift giving. After the holidays, we have good intentions and sometimes they are that are just that….good intentions. I’ll think about lots of ways to give…and then I’ll forget about it…or I’ll get a great idea while I’m doing something else, at a time when I can’t stop to put that thought into action. Sometimes giving can feel like another thing on my to do list of what I should be doing. I want our family to give more with more frequency. Sometimes I just need the reminder and the deadline to give myself accountability.
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‘Follow the Liters’ Program:
The filtration process is extremely simple.
Unscrew the top and take the filter out.
Fill up the water bottle with water.
Screw the top back on and let your kid test the water first.
Why would I let my son test it first???
Here is why
LifeStraw Go:
After each drinking session, unscrew lid and blow through the LifeStraw® to expel dirty water. This water bottle can filter up to 1,000 liters!
The LifeStraw® Go Retails for $34.95
You can connect with LifeStraw®
LifeStraw® Facebook Page
I’ve been given a LifeStraw® Go to giveaway!
Disclosure: Lifestraw Go, information, and additional product have all been provided by Vestergaard. All opinions are my own.
Vestergaard:
My family has been going to Over the Rhine pretty frequently and we had been curious about Venice on Vine for a while. A few weeks ago, I attended a blogger event to find out more about the heart behind Venice on Vine that included sampling a variety of food from their restaurant and catering menu.
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Over the summer, my husband and I were invited to attend a fundraiser at Gorman Heritage Farms for Bluegrass for Babies.
The setting was gorgeous, the local food from some of the city’s best local chefs was incredible and the heart behind Anne and Matt, who started this non profit, helped me understand why they are so passionate about their organization, Bluegrass for Babies.
I asked Anne a few questions to tell us more about Bluegrass for Babies.
What is the story behind Bluegrass for Babies?
My husband Matt and I started Bluegrass for Babies as a way to give back to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Our son Nicholas required life-saving surgery at the hospital when he was less than two days old and after receiving world-class emergency care; we wanted to be able to show our gratitude. We married our passion for the roots of American music – bluegrass music, to the roots of planting a healthy start for children.
When did you start Bluegrass for Babies?
In September 2009, we repurposed our annual backyard neighborhood barbecue into a benefit for Children’s and Bluegrass for Babies was born.
What was an obstacle/challenge you had to overcome in achieving your goals?
Bluegrass for Babies has evolved into an organization that provides tools, resources, and year-round special events centered on helping parents create an environment to raise healthy children, right from the start. There is a huge need for these resources currently because of the prevalence of health issues with our children and so many unknowns surrounding our present environment. We have an incredible amount of opportunity, and the greatest challenge we have is to pace ourselves so that we grow effectively.
How do you balance running a non profit with your other responsibilities?
I have to be very conscious of managing my time. My kids were really babies when Bluegrass for Babies began and now my youngest is starting Pre K. Next fall they will both be in school full time. I have had to be very efficient with my kid free time. I try not to do anything during this time that I can easily do with kids. So, that means that I am not cleaning the house while the kids are at school. Additionally, I have been fortunate enough to arrange “ babysitting swaps” with friends for some budget friendly childcare. For instance, I will watch my friend’s girls one afternoon a week and she will watch my boys one afternoon a week. That way the kids get to play together, and we both manage to get some time to ourselves. It is definitely full of its challenges, but the end results are worth it.
What are some of your favorite experiences with Bluegrass for Babies so far?
I have really enjoyed the sense of community I have discovered in Cincinnati and nationally with so many people who have the same goals – to give back to our children and to our future. It gives me hope that collectively we can make a difference. Additionally, it has been such an honor to work with the leaders of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. We are truly very fortunate to have such talent in our backyards, and I am humbled to be able to partner with Cincinnati Children’s to change the outcome.
Do you have any favorite reactions or responses from Bluegrass for Babies recipients?
My favorite response is seeing the educational lessons we provide taking place in the community. It is motivating to have individuals and organizations contact us about how they can implement more nutritious food options, minimize toxins and reduce waste in their homes, events and companies.
What would you like to see Bluegrass for Babies doing in the future?
I would like to see Bluegrass for Babies continue to grow as a resource to help advance perinatal environmental research and to continue to educate the community on ways to improve our environment to directly improve children’s health.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start something in their community as a way to give back?
I would advise them to start small, engage your friends, reach out to like-minded influencers and just do it. I also think you always need to be flexible and adapt.
How can someone get involved with Bluegrass for Babies?
There are many ways to get involved with Bluegrass for Babies. We are always looking for volunteers for a variety of positions. Additionally, we are constantly seeking business partners and sponsors who have similar goals. We also have many community and family sponsor opportunities or you can attend one of our events. www.bluegrassforbabies.com
Thanks to Anne for sharing her story.
Bluegrass for Babies has an upcoming fundraiser concert coming up that you can support.
A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to join several local bloggers to hear from Firehouse Subs Co-founder, Robin Sorensen. This resturaunt was founded by former firemen who are brothers.
I was not familar with the national chain before but I’m definitely excited to go back. Firehouse Subs was started by fireman. They have a love of quality food, a passion for excellent customer service and a heart to give back.
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