Community Happenings: December 18, 2018

Shannon Emery

Hi Community!


As much as I hate to point out the obvious, how can there only be 13 days left in 2018?! Time really does fly.




As I am sure some of you are doing, I'm starting to reflect on what this year has taught me.


I've been reminded of the importance of family, of my health, and even more importantly, love. It sounds trite but each of my big 2018 moments are laced with love - even the sad ones.


Not every memory is sad. Right here in the Community, I've gotten to know many of you. We have traded messages, cheered each other on, and I even got to meet some of you at bbcon 2018. Those memories are some of the best in my career so far - all because of you. Thank you for the amazing memories this year. You all are truly awe-inspiring - keep changing the world. 


Alright, enough of the sappiness! Onto the Community! 

Make an Appearance

• Join us for the last 2018 Raiser's Edge 30-Minute Tips & Timesavers - Database Management and Cleanup tomorrow, December 19.

Stay Informed

• Ready to head to bbcon 2019? Next year we'll be heading to Nashville, TN  so get those dancing boots ready and snag our lowest bbcon 2019 price yet.

Get Involved

• Not every day needs to end in a huge victory to make it an awesome day. Share your small victories with us in this discussion from the fabulous KaLeigh Hurley.
  • Added bonus: If you chime in, you can be entered to win this week's Season of Giving challenge!

Alright favorite Community, what has life taught you this year? Share your answers below with me and I'll do a drawing for a random holiday prize on me.


See you around the Community! 

Lisa Krause

This year has taught me that even though it's scary at times, change can be an incredibly good thing!

Crystal Bruce

Life has taught me to seek new experiences in familiar places. I moved back to Charleston this year and in the year I was away, realized how much I love this town. Now, I'm sharing all of my Charleston adventures with friends and loved ones! 

Aubrie Wright

I think the biggest thing I learned in my work life this year is that no matter how long or how hard you plan, nothing is absolute.  There will always be something off and that's ok.  You can't plan for everything, and even if you do there will be something out of the norm to throw you off a bit.  The most important thing to do is keep a level head and make good decisions on the fly.  It will all turn out in the end.

Debbie Hayes

This year I learned that I really do need to be more empathetic, sympathetic, and understanding.  I lost my Dad a couple of months ago and realized during that week that every person has loved and lost someone.  That overwhelming sadness and ache in my heart was not unique to me and my loss.  We all carry sadness, pain, and loss with us.  Some may not show that they are hurting or sad but all of us have a story.  My Dad is still teaching me!  So, I am trying to be more understanding with those persons I come into contact with this holiday season and beyond!

Shelly Gammieri

This year was a major lesson in gratitude. I'm especially grateful for my mom who spent the year fighting cancer. I'm thankful that she's on the upside of where one can be, and for the perspective something like that can bring to a family. It's a valuable lesson to say the least.

Ray Bergman

This year I learned that persistence pays off.  Even the tiny stream or brook that rolls over solid granite eventually wears that granite down over time and forges its own path.  No longer am I the immovable rock of granite.  Now I am the stream; cutting my own path through even the toughest of obstacles.

Anne Candreva

In 2018, I learned how quickly (and hugely) things can change, for both the good and for the sad.   For the good: at the beginning of the year, I was newly retired.  Fast forward 9 months, and I'm working part-time as a consultant for a great non-profit, acting as the project manager for their Altru implementation and helping out with other techie-type things.  Love what I'm doing, love being a part-time consultant, love learning new software and helping people who do good do it well.  For the sad:  at the beginning of the year, my family members were all healthy, but a few weeks ago we learned that two of my brothers have cancer, and one is expected to live only a few months; our heads are spinning and we are heartbroken.  I am grateful to be retired and working part-time, so that I can spend time helping my brothers through their challenges.

Shannon Emery

Lisa Krause‍ - Change is indeed scary but that also means you're doing something that will make a difference for you! Go Lisa!

Aubrie Wright‍ - Isn't there a quote that says "Life happens while you're making plans"? I think that echos your sentiment perfectly.

Debbie Hayes‍ - Thank you for sharing and I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I lost two uncles this year and while my grief isn't as deep as say my Grams, I know what you mean, loss can make you more caring. Kudos for taking a positive route with your loss. Your Dad would have been proud.

Shelly Gammieri‍ - Thank you for sharing and I am glad that your Mom is on the upside of her recovery. Illness can bring amazing life perspective and make you realize how cherished life should be. If she's a high fiver, give her one for me.

Anne Candreva‍ - Thank you for sharing. I am partly excited for your new adventures and then also heart broken at your news. You are in a good place to spend time with your brothers - take advantage of that since life is painfully short. Know that we're here for you as a Community! 

Shannon Emery

Thank you each for sharing. It goes without saying that we never know what someone else may be dealing with so thank you for taking that step and sharing with me today! It means the world to me. 

Karen Tuecke

This year has taught me to be patient. In a world where technology can make things happen at the speed of light, I have to be patient and understand our partners in mission need precious time to make life changing decisions. As the year comes to an end, I am thankful and blessed to be surrounded by philanthropists like you!