Providence House is Ohio’s first and one of the nation’s longest-operating crisis nurseries among the 70+ in operation in the U.S. and Canada.
They offer free, voluntary, non-custodial emergency shelter to children newborn through twelve years old, actively living in crisis situations that place them at risk of abuse or neglect.
December 13, 2022 was the 27th annual benefit, the first such live since 2019 (which I worked as well).
I had been looking forward to this evening, seeing people I have not see since the last event. Walking around gathering hugs, handshakes, and smiles was a treat. Having many ask “didn’t I see you at this place” or say they saw me at that place is always wonderful. It tells me I am noticed, I am known and I am admired and that pleases me to no end. It is the simple truth of who I am in our Cleveland community.
My job was to monitor one of the silent auction tables. I drew the children’s table, which you can see in the photo below.
I simply had a wonderful time! The North Coast Men’s Chorus, whom I just worked for a few days prior performed there so I saw many familiar faces. I reconnected with two friends who are also serial volunteers. We like to work big events because, of course, our help is needed, but we also receive the same benefits as the paying patrons. They turned me on to a few cool events coming in February.
I also made a few new friends, with whom I will be seeing in a week from this day for a Christmas Dinner and our celebration of a Very Sherry Christmas! There are also always local celebrities there, here I am with soon-to-be first ballot Hall of Famer Joe Thomas. I certainly felt a bit small here.
I’ve taken pictures with current and former Browns players, Indians (as they were named then) players, local television personalities and most of the mascots of the local teams. I guess I do get around.
I returned home, happy for the time I gave and the love I received. The woman who runs The Providence House, who was too busy for me to have said hello during the event, wrapped me in a good ten to fifteen second hug on my way out. Really, really cool, huh?
4 Responses
Wonderful as always to see your smiling face and read about your volunteer adventures. A simple LBD and heels, elevated by the gray cardigan and beautiful jewelry, make you memorable in all the right ways.
It’s the little things, the added detail, that make all the difference!
Happy New Year Tina!! Let’s hope you have peace this year.
Kandi you are a great inspiration, and I don’t know how you do it but you get prettier each year.
Kris
I have three words for you: practice, practice, practice!
No one knows this face (thank goodness) more than I do.
You are a doll!