This will be my last blog post leading up to convention. I am working hard on those last-minute details so that, hopefully, everyone will have the best time ever next week in Memphis!
Our “Serving Together” theme has been carried throughout the entire planning process for convention.
- All of our speakers are donating their time
- The “Serving Together” logo was produced at a reduced rate
- Several firms have contributed financially as break sponsors
- Silent Auction donations are streaming in
- Dinner tickets were donated to two deserving students
- St. Jude Educational Tour planned
- St. Jude T-shirt Fundraiser honoring Turner Lee
- St. Jude Waiting Room Fun Bag/Craft Table
- Our convention photographer is donating his time
- Our convention photographer is giving back all proceeds to TCRA from any sale of pics
- Student Scholarship Award of $1500 will be awarded to a most deserving student (thanks to the generosity of our members)
- Our promotional vendor is a former St. Jude patient
I would like to take just a few moments to speak a bit more about the last bullet point. During the initial phase of planning, I was talking to a representative of St. Jude researching different options of things to do at our convention in furtherance of our theme. Christopher advised me in that telephone call that I really needed to speak with a certain gentleman by the name of Harris to secure TCRA’s promotional materials. He went on to tell me that St. Jude uses his services and that he was really great to work with. He also informed me that Harris was a former St. Jude patient. I thought to myself, “Wow! What a great recommendation!” Plus, it would tie in well with our overall theme. Harris’ firm name is Perfect 10 Promotions, reflecting the fact that his survival after diagnosis was estimated to be ten years. With the advances in technology and medicine and the resources of St. Jude, Harris has beat the odds!
Of course I’m all about networking and finding good people to work with. Harris has exceeded my expectations throughout the whole process! From Day One, he has kept me informed and abreast of all aspects of the order process. He is always gracious and kind when I e-mail or call him on the phone inquiring as to status of product, never once making me feel as though I were “bugging” him.
I have invited Harris to come by convention next week to say “hi” and so that I may introduce him to all of my court reporting friends. His personal story is one of triumph, to be sure. I look at him and see the powerful miracle sitting before me and know that St. Jude had such a strong hand in that miracle and in others before him.
Have a good week leading up to convention, everyone. I look forward to “Serving Together” with you all next week!
