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Thank you to all those that joined us on December 5th for a wonderful evening of exercise, socializing, shopping and give back holiday cheer! HOKA, thank you for supporting our community and encouraging us to give back this holiday season!
Meet our great community members and learn how you too can be HAPPY TO SHARE!
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
I have always tried to connect my passions with helping others and trying to make the world a better place. As humans, we are not wired to live solitary lives. We are social beings, who benefit from being in community with others, and therefore we are called to serve and love our neighbors. Back in 2021, I felt a strong tug to start being more active in climate and environmental justice, both locally and globally. I was able to come alongside a new friend, who had recently created a Facebook group called Waste-Free Dayton, and we turned it into an official nonprofit.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
I have always enjoyed volunteering for various causes since I was younger; volunteering gives me a sense of purpose. Since starting this 5k I have heard so many stories about loved ones that have been lost to Pancreatic Cancer. To have an event benefiting the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in Dayton has meant a lot to the community. It gives them a day to come together remembering their loved ones with others in the community that have had a similar experience. It helps people to not feel alone when you come together like this.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
I absolutely love being outdoors running, cycling, swimming, etc. There is nowhere / no time else that I feel more at home, at peace on the planet. The benefits of these activities are manifoldclose to my heart and my work, they help prevent cancers in every population. We are built to be active and out of doors but the demands of modern life makes these pursuits very difficult. If you couple the inside time required for most of us at our respective jobs, sleep, and necessary other activities, there is little time to get out to be, away. This time crunch leads to fast everything food, meetings, relationships, AND these sum to ridiculous stress levels, obesity, etc.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
Giving back to my community is important knowing the impact teachers have in the lives of their students, especially as an English as a Second Language teacher. Every day, I witness the transformative process of learning English. English is not just a language; it's a gateway to opportunities better jobs, higher education, and a deeper connection to the world around us. My current classroom has students who speak 16 different languages and come from 25 different countries.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
I desire to create an inclusive community where everyone is comfortable running/walking together. I remember feeling nervous when I first started running in college- feeling hesitant to call myself a runner because I had never done anything athletic before. So many people encouraged me and brought me in to the beautiful run/walk community. I want to be able to now be that person for others. I want people to feel included and valued at our group, no matter their pace or experience level. Thats what brings me joy.
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
God has given me the heart and ability to reach those who are not as fortunate as others. Being the founder of one bistro and now the Exectutive Director at Bridges of Hope, I get the opportunity daily to have an impact in people's lives. I'm grateful everyday for that opportunity!
Why is it important to you to give back to your community?
We seem to be perpetual volunteers! It just seems to be in our nature - when you see something that needs to be done, or someone needs some help, you jump in. We have both participated in Team in Training, and other charity type organizations. Now we are both active in Centerville Noon Optimist. The Optimists focus on helping the kids in the community, and as a teacher, Mike sees first hand how much help is needed, and the impact our giving has on them.