Blackbaud and Community Appreciation

Elizabeth Johnson · April 2020

Spoiler alert - I wear my heart on my sleeve and I'm not afraid to be vulnerable.

I've been thinking a lot about my favorite Blackbaud moments as of late.

Naomi Harding‍ came and spoke to the VT/NH RE User Group. Even though we are like the same age I so want to be her when I grow up! I want to be able to train people the way she does and I do hope that someday she will be able to come to train our group again. I was so appreciative that day. Not only was she amazing but I feel like it was the moment that our young group started by Carol Flint‍ really solidified itself. Thank you, Blackbaud for letting her join us!
The first time I got truly choked up was on my way back from my first bbcon. I was on the train home typing up all my notes and working on a blog entry and had been on Twitter all week posting and Mike Gianoni had followed me. I'm so grateful that he did as I followed him back and have blown away by his pride in his employees and customers.
At my second bbcon, Mindy Barenblat‍ knew who I was from a distance. I was far enough away from the BBU booth that there was no way to see my name tag. This blew me away. I'm a huge fan of all the instructors at BBU and to have her know who made me feel special.
I love meeting people at bbcon and in the community. Especially when I get to meet community members and so many Blackbaud employees at bbcon. Too numerous to mention them all but if you think you might be one of them you are! I learn so much from everyone and it truly charges me up for the year to come. Even though it is unlikely that I can attend bbcon this coming year I'm still spinning yarn to send to Karen Hartt‍ (My kindred spirit according to Crystal Bruce‍) so she can knit it up into something fun!
I can't read the news and hear stories about Captain Tom Moore and not get choked up about how Blackbaud has made his fundraising endeavors possible and exceed expectations.
And I will always be grateful for winning the blog contest twice to go to bbcon.

Is anyone willing to get sappy with me? I have a lot more to share however it is that time and I'm off to go make dinner, again.

Thank you all for being you and everything you all bring to everything you do!

Karen Hartt · April 2020

Oh, thank you for the shout out Elizabeth Johnson. I can't wait to see the yarn, I am sure it will be beautiful and I'll be able to create something very special. I've been working on more shawls, just finished and started a new one while in isolation.

I have not met a Blackbaud employee that wasn't kind, enthusiastic, and helpful. The networking at conference and BBU are one of the best reasons to attend. I hoping that BBCon 2020 will go on as planned.

Stay healthy and safe.

Mindy Barenblat · April 2020

I"m honored by the shout out. Elizabeth Johnson‍ , you are a truly radiant human. It is easy to light up when I get the chance to see you. Sending you all good vibes. Thanks for sharing these lovely memories on Community. #KindnessTogether

Naomi Harding · April 2020

Thank you so much - I am honored by the shout out, Elizabeth Johnson‍. Speaking at the VT/NH RE User Group and getting to meet you and Carol Flint‍ is one of my favorite Blackbaud memories, too. I hope to be able to come back again. I love my job because it gives me the opportunity to work with people like you, who enjoy learning and who want to find new ways to help make the world a better place.

Wishing you health and happiness & hoping to see you again soon!

Carol Flint · April 2020

Thank you for the shout out, Elizabeth Johnson‍! I'm so proud of our Vermont/New Hampshire User Group and have really enjoyed getting to know others around our region. I, too, love going to BBCon and wish that I can get more often. I hope to "see" you in June for our next meeting in person or virtually. And I so hope that someday we can get Naomi Harding‍ to present again! Fingers crossed!

Crystal Bruce · April 2020

I stand by the kindred spirit observation. You and Karen are just the most beautiful, uplifting souls!!

Karen Hartt · April 2020

So sweet Crystal Bruce‍ I've attached my newest shawl. Still needs to be blocked, but you'll get the idea.

7850befe60e25a3c94b3713f77d6d2b6-huge-bl

Crystal Bruce · April 2020

I still have mine and love it!

Elizabeth Johnson · April 2020

I had intended this to be about starting a movement to share love for Blackbaud! I was overwhelmed by the warm fuzzies I had in return.

I'm truly blessed and hope that you are too!

Karen Hartt‍ that shawl is gorgeous!

Karen Hartt · April 2020

Thank you Elizabeth Johnson‍. This one is my all time favorite. Unfortunately the yarn has been discontinued.

be65365e20a1c6d8361e6cf834de46ff-huge-su

Elizabeth Johnson · April 2020

Karen Hartt‍ How was the yarn dyed? What weight is it? Is it a sock yarn? Do you design as you go to make sure the pattern bends to your will or are you following a pattern?

GORGEOUS!

Karen Hartt · April 2020

Elizabeth Johnson‍ the yarn is machine dyed, sock weight, approx 590 yards/500 meters per skein, composition is 10% Alpaca, 10%Wool, 76% Acrylic, 4% Metallic Polyester (this is a fuchsia thread throughout) the maker is Arya Eloruli Sim (Turkey), and the yarn name is Nako, color is called Parti but alas, it is discontinued. The shawl is a crescent shape and the lace pattern is a modified Chevron Fantastic lace by Barbara G. Walker.

I don't often knit from patterns, this shawl is my own design. I am working on writing the pattern.

Blackbaud and Community Appreciation

Comments

Categories