As the calendar turns and Jodie reminds it's time to finish my part of the newsletter, I often think about the month ahead. December is all about looking ahead. Each store has big countdown to Christmas signs as you walk in. You start planning for the holiday season and the year to come. 2018 will be a big year for Seabeck.
The Pines Capital Campaign will kick into high gear in January. We will be making our final push for funds so we can start building in September. Can you believe we are to the point that we are talking about breaking ground in nine months? I am a combination of excited and scared.
Campaigns always bring out great stories about Seabeck. In the past month, I have heard many different stories of how Seabeck has touched people. Here are a couple of examples:
A young man from the Eliot group passed away tragically. The family decided that a good way to remember him would be to donate to Pines in his name. Over $10,000 has been raised in his memory!
A group of quilters loved coming here so much that they formed their own non-profit corporation when their sponsoring group fell through. They surprised me last month with a $1,000 donation! There will be a brick on the Pines patio proudly showing how much the Friday Night Quilters from Puyallup love to come to Seabeck.
A lady called me on the Monday after Thanksgiving. The family was talking over the holiday and she remembered she had met her husband here 70 years ago. She asked if there was anything she could do for Seabeck. I think we will see a brick commemorating their 60+ year marriage.
Do you have a special story or event you want to immortalize at Seabeck? Do you want your family's name displayed at this sacred place? Please consider donating at the $1,000 level and be acknowledged on a brick. It's a really cool way to help Seabeck build our future. We take pledges too!
Have a very wonderful end of your year.
Happy Holidays!
P.S. I say Happy Holidays because I mean it. In the past, I have received a few negative comments because I use this term. I'm not disrespecting Christmas or hiding behind a politically correct veneer. I say it because I realize that many belief systems celebrate holidays this time of year. So whatever you do or celebrate, be Happy!
Thanks,
Chuck