Welcome
On Saturday, I had the opportunity to attend the National Inclusion Project event in Southern California. Titled Let’s All Play in Joanie’s Backyard, the event was sponsored by the Campaign Leadership Council of the National Inclusion Project.
There were approximately 70 people at this wonderful party. The group included many National Inclusion Project fans and others that were there to learn more about the charity.
A Beautiful Backyard Party
Joanie’s backyard was amazing. The large area was full of round tables for the guests surrounded by tables that held some fun games that introduced all of the participants to appropriate games for all kids….think hula hoops, bubbles, face art, a ball toss, coloring pages, tattoos and face painting. One of my favorite activities was the hands for inclusion. What a great way to help everyone understand more about kids and inclusion.
The food was delicious. There were lots of fresh salads and fruits along with the sandwiches and dessert from a colorful food truck called the grilledcheesetruck.com. There was something for everyone.
Food, Glorious Food!!
Jaymes with other members of the family
There were many special guests in attendance. Jerry Aiken was up front to greet us as we arrived and Faye Parker was helping, making sure that everything was looking lovely. I was so glad to meet Tonya Gillham. Tonya is the newest member of the staff of the National Inclusion Project. Tonya was totally involved in party. She introduced herself to all of us and participated in many of the activities.
It was great to see Jaymes Foster there too. She attended with her sister and I even challenged them in a game of Toss The Ball (I lost).
Faye - Tonya - Jerry
After lunch, Jerry Aiken talked about the National Inclusion Project. He included some information on the founding of the organization. He also talked about the up-coming Champions Gala in October. Ticket sales are good, but they need to be “Great”. Jerry suggested that we get a friend to attend with us. That would double the attendance and make the move to Washington D.C. profitable.
Faye Parker spoke for a moment and thanked each one of us for all we do for the National Inclusion Project. She showed off the printed material that is available to all of us to use when we speak to others about the organization.
One of the more popular tables was the place that held the raffle tickets. They seemed to be selling quickly. The prizes were outstanding. Who wouldn’t like to win an iPad? Unfortunately, I had to leave before the drawing to catch my plane home. Who knows?? Maybe I won something!
The Hosts of the Party
Congratulations to Joanie Mason, Shelley Anderson, Rhoda Welch, and Irene Williams. The party was a success. Everything was so organized and beautiful. Your hours of preparation certainly paid off!
A big “Hello” to all of the wonderful people who talked with me at the event. Clay fans are the very best. You are never alone because each one makes a point to include every participant. I cherish each hug and greeting. You are all amazing people.
I left the party wondering what I can do to help the National Inclusion Project. Maybe we can somehow have one of these amazing parties in Northern California. We need to introduce Inclusion and The National Inclusion Project to as many people as we can.
I was the crazy person snapping pictures throughout the afternoon. I want to share some of them with you. They were taken on my phone so…they are OK, not excellent!
Thank you for letting me share my excitement with all of you. It is amazing to see the growth in the Project and see the great potential for the organization. With all of our help and enthusiasm, we can make sure that no child is left on the outside, looking in!
A quick reminder…if you click on the pictures, you will see them in their original size. Give it a try. The following pictures are some of the wonderful people who were at the party and support the National Inclusion Project.
Jerry - Warming Up His Karaoke Voice!
There is a bit of kid in each one of us!