tranquilosophy: celebrate do-gooding

Below is my 6th annual TSF event speech bullet points and above are the pics from last night's celebration. A BIG merci to all who supported in person and in spirit! The event was festive, sweet, and a lovely friend/fundraiser for Tranquil Space Foundation. As Gandhi said, "Your life is your message." May that be one to ponder on this Tranquilosophy Thursday.

-      Thanks for coming
-      Thanks to hosting committee (raise hand), Darlington House, Volunteers (raise hand), Grantee speakers (raise hand), Alli Manion Rock Star (raise hand).
-      TSF evolved from Tranquil Space. Tranquil Space began in my living room 13 years ago this month and has grown into a thriving, socially responsible small business with a focus on helping yogis take their practice off the mat.
-      Over time, we became interested in doing even more to bring the benefits of yoga to a wider community and in 2006 collaborated with local leaders to hatch the concept of Tranquil Space Foundation, building on our passion not only for yoga but also for helping women discover their full potential with a blend of yoga and creativity.
-      Since 2006 we have served more than 400 girls and donated over $12k to like-minded organizations.
-      Your presence here tonight means the world to us. Thank you for helping make a difference in the lives of women and girls in DC and around the globe.
-      Story of Starfish: A young girl was walking along a beach upon which thousands of starfish had been washed up during a terrible storm. When she came to each starfish, she would pick it up, and throw it back into the ocean. People watched her with amusement.
-      She had been doing this for some time when a man approached her and said, “Little girl, why are you doing this? Look at this beach! You can’t save all these starfish. You can’t begin to make a difference!"
-      The girl seemed crushed, suddenly deflated. But after a few moments, she bent down, picked up another starfish, and hurled it as far as she could into the ocean. Then she looked up at the man and replied,  “Well, I made a difference to that one!” The old man looked at the girl inquisitively and thought about what she had done and said. Inspired, he joined the little girl in throwing starfish back into the sea. Soon others joined, and all the starfish were saved. - adapted from the Star Thrower by Loren C. Eiseley
-     Simple ways to make a difference in everyday life: smile at strangers, pick up litter, give up your seat on the metro to someone in need.
-     Intro Lauren Brownstein – Generosity Chair to hear from our grantees.

May your Thursday be filled with simple ways to make a difference. Be kind. Do good. Bisous. x