Friends and family, we officially survived the first annual Bluegrass Education Expo! I cannot adequately express how thankful I am to those of you who helped, who exhibited, who sponsored, who prayed, and who encouraged throughout the process. HOWEVER, just because I cannot adequately express my thankfulness, doesn't mean that I shouldn't try, so here goes...
The ABCs of My Thankfulness
I am thankful to...
Almighty God-- I unabashedly believe in the LORD and believe that it was HE who initiated the vision for this event, provided for the financial needs, and ironed out the details along the way.
Brockman, Dawn Brockman-- When the idea for the B.E.E. was percolating in my mind, I approached Dawn. At the time, I did not know her... I did not know how competent she was... that she has a heart for kids and that she was beginning a new path of service. This event would not have moved forward without Dawn's tutelage, encouragement, and knowledge. Dawn, you are a gem!
Civil Air Patrol Volunteers-- What kind, courteous kids! These volunteers went above and beyond to offer their services to the Expo staff. They carried books, set up and broke down tables, and were willing to help in any way needed. If your kids are interested in growing in manners, responsibility, and have an interest in learning to fly, I encourage you to look into the Civil Air Patrol. www.capfrankfort.com
Dana Wingfield-- She is undoubtedly one of THE MOST AMAZING workers and friends that I know. Every time that a need/crisis arose, Dana stepped in to brainstorm and offer emotional and physical support. Problems were not problems when Dana was around. This lady is both unflappable and humble and I hope that I am never forced to plan an event without her.
Exhibitors-- What a wonderful group of exhibitors we had this year! Even though this was our first event, we had 24 groups willing partner with us in this venture. Their representatives were kind and gracious, and working with them was a delight! If you are looking for GREAT opportunities for your kids, check out our list of exhibitors!
2015 Exhibitors
Friends-- So many people willingly stepped in to help on the day of the event! A special thank you to Audra Thomas, Kye & Kendall Keefe, Connie Jirak, Jessica Freeburne, Keith Frank, Samantha Frederick, Guy & Emma Duerson, Mary Van Campen, Ryland & Retta Wheeler, Ethan Thomas, Keith & Macy Brockman, Ben & Owen Wingfield, Jocelyn & Carson Frederick, Gabrielle & Don Yoder, Nolan Flannery, and Paula & Maddie Bruckman.
Give-away Providers-- Thank you to White, Greer Maggard, Awesome Inc., LexKAGE, Bricks4Kidz, BreyerFest, Classical Conversations, Stratton Eyes, Alison Begor with Barefoot Books, and many more for providing give-away items for our event.
Hilary Fiskeaux-- This gal is a book consignment sale guru. She showed up at the best possible time to fill in gaps, offer her leadership skills, and make sure that the event ran smoothly.
Instant friends-- Because of the planning and execution of the Expo, I was able to develop instant friendships with many like-minded people. Thank you to Betsy Waters, Yolanda Walters, Desiree Wilson, and Wafaa from the Sphinx Academy for your encouragement in this event.
Jessica Berry & Michael Dailey from FCPS-- These great Fayette County representatives helped me find speakers for the event and they offered advice on engaging Fayette County students.
Kelsey Barber-- Kelsey provided invaluable support and leadership throughout the planning process of the B.E.E. She kept the ball rolling and encouraged her group, KYL to take part. She put up with an innumerable amount of questions, texts, and directives over the past six months. Thank you Kelsey!
Lecturers-- What a line-up! For those of you who missed the Expo, I wish you could have been there to glean wisdom from the lecturers at the event. They were incredible! Hopefully you will have a chance to hear them next year. :)
2015 Lecturers
My parents-- Seriously, without the love and service of these two individuals, I would be lost. Thank you for watching my kiddos during the event!
Nice strangers-- For all those of you who spoke kind words to us about the event, THANK YOU! Your words encouraged us that our pursuit was worthwhile and was a great service to the community.
Our venue host, LCA-- What a wonderful, spacious venue for the event! Thank you to Joni Maggard for her flexibility and willingness to work with me in this!
Praying friends-- These were the behind-the-scenes friends and family who prayed for me to retain my sanity through the months of planning. THANK YOU!
Quiet reinforcement-- Thank you to Luke Wingfield, Gavin Duerson, Eric Thomas, and Keith Brockman for watching the kids while their wives helped me plan this event.
Real best friends who travel all the way from Cincinnati (sometimes with a broken toe) in order to support you. Thank you Sheridan Flannery for making time for me and for making me sit down, reminding me to eat, and generally looking out for my welfare on the day of the event.
Stratton Eyes-- When the vision of the Bluegrass Education Expo began to take shape, I was concerned about the financial impact on my family. We knew that we wanted to offer this service to the community, but we were not sure how we could afford to rent the space, buy the book consignment sale program, pay for advertising, etc. Stratton Eyes graciously became the sponsor for our event and urged us to fulfill the vision (pun somewhat intended). Without Stratton Eyes, the Bluegrass Education Expo could not have taken place. (Seriously folks, go buy some glasses from these people!)
The Kentucky Youth Leadership Team-- This wonderful group loves kids and willingly provided a leadership experience for 5th-12th graders at the Expo. At the beginning of the Expo planning stage, they were instrumental in pushing the vision forward and offering help at every turn.
Uncommonly talented, competent, and cute husband-- My sweet man knows about technology, extension cord placement, audio equipment, and book sale requirements. He also knows me well enough to tell me repeatedly to stay at the Welcome Desk rather than become embroiled in the little details of the event. Thank you, husband dear, for letting me ask you a zillion conference questions and for picking up the slack on the home front while I concentrated on planning this event. Now that the event is over, you can have my full attention again... at least for the next six months.
Volunteers and consignors for the book sale. Because of your willingness to give the Expo a try, we were able to provide curriculum to many central Kentucky families. On top of that we raised money for charity and donated books to the International Book Project. Well done, friends!
Whitney Callahan-- This girl single-handedly got the ball rolling with exhibitors! She worked the phone, shared the vision, and helped people get signed up to be a part of the B.E.E.
Xcellent friend, Karla Duerson-- She has been with me through thick and thin since college and this event was no exception. Karla wrote e-mails, called lecturers, formed informational packets, and served in countless ways on the day of the event. Karla, you are a ROCK STAR!
You-- the fact that you have even read this far into the blog means that you must either be crazy or be a supporter of Bluegrass Education. Either way, thank you!
Zee End-- Aren't you thankful for that too?
I am so very thankful for those who made this event happen. Now I am off to take a long awaited break. Happy summer to you and yours!!!
The ABCs of My Thankfulness
I am thankful to...
Almighty God-- I unabashedly believe in the LORD and believe that it was HE who initiated the vision for this event, provided for the financial needs, and ironed out the details along the way.
Brockman, Dawn Brockman-- When the idea for the B.E.E. was percolating in my mind, I approached Dawn. At the time, I did not know her... I did not know how competent she was... that she has a heart for kids and that she was beginning a new path of service. This event would not have moved forward without Dawn's tutelage, encouragement, and knowledge. Dawn, you are a gem!
Civil Air Patrol Volunteers-- What kind, courteous kids! These volunteers went above and beyond to offer their services to the Expo staff. They carried books, set up and broke down tables, and were willing to help in any way needed. If your kids are interested in growing in manners, responsibility, and have an interest in learning to fly, I encourage you to look into the Civil Air Patrol. www.capfrankfort.com
Dana Wingfield-- She is undoubtedly one of THE MOST AMAZING workers and friends that I know. Every time that a need/crisis arose, Dana stepped in to brainstorm and offer emotional and physical support. Problems were not problems when Dana was around. This lady is both unflappable and humble and I hope that I am never forced to plan an event without her.
Exhibitors-- What a wonderful group of exhibitors we had this year! Even though this was our first event, we had 24 groups willing partner with us in this venture. Their representatives were kind and gracious, and working with them was a delight! If you are looking for GREAT opportunities for your kids, check out our list of exhibitors!
2015 Exhibitors
Friends-- So many people willingly stepped in to help on the day of the event! A special thank you to Audra Thomas, Kye & Kendall Keefe, Connie Jirak, Jessica Freeburne, Keith Frank, Samantha Frederick, Guy & Emma Duerson, Mary Van Campen, Ryland & Retta Wheeler, Ethan Thomas, Keith & Macy Brockman, Ben & Owen Wingfield, Jocelyn & Carson Frederick, Gabrielle & Don Yoder, Nolan Flannery, and Paula & Maddie Bruckman.
Give-away Providers-- Thank you to White, Greer Maggard, Awesome Inc., LexKAGE, Bricks4Kidz, BreyerFest, Classical Conversations, Stratton Eyes, Alison Begor with Barefoot Books, and many more for providing give-away items for our event.
Hilary Fiskeaux-- This gal is a book consignment sale guru. She showed up at the best possible time to fill in gaps, offer her leadership skills, and make sure that the event ran smoothly.
Instant friends-- Because of the planning and execution of the Expo, I was able to develop instant friendships with many like-minded people. Thank you to Betsy Waters, Yolanda Walters, Desiree Wilson, and Wafaa from the Sphinx Academy for your encouragement in this event.
Jessica Berry & Michael Dailey from FCPS-- These great Fayette County representatives helped me find speakers for the event and they offered advice on engaging Fayette County students.
Kelsey Barber-- Kelsey provided invaluable support and leadership throughout the planning process of the B.E.E. She kept the ball rolling and encouraged her group, KYL to take part. She put up with an innumerable amount of questions, texts, and directives over the past six months. Thank you Kelsey!
Lecturers-- What a line-up! For those of you who missed the Expo, I wish you could have been there to glean wisdom from the lecturers at the event. They were incredible! Hopefully you will have a chance to hear them next year. :)
2015 Lecturers
My parents-- Seriously, without the love and service of these two individuals, I would be lost. Thank you for watching my kiddos during the event!
Nice strangers-- For all those of you who spoke kind words to us about the event, THANK YOU! Your words encouraged us that our pursuit was worthwhile and was a great service to the community.
Our venue host, LCA-- What a wonderful, spacious venue for the event! Thank you to Joni Maggard for her flexibility and willingness to work with me in this!
Praying friends-- These were the behind-the-scenes friends and family who prayed for me to retain my sanity through the months of planning. THANK YOU!
Quiet reinforcement-- Thank you to Luke Wingfield, Gavin Duerson, Eric Thomas, and Keith Brockman for watching the kids while their wives helped me plan this event.
Real best friends who travel all the way from Cincinnati (sometimes with a broken toe) in order to support you. Thank you Sheridan Flannery for making time for me and for making me sit down, reminding me to eat, and generally looking out for my welfare on the day of the event.
Stratton Eyes-- When the vision of the Bluegrass Education Expo began to take shape, I was concerned about the financial impact on my family. We knew that we wanted to offer this service to the community, but we were not sure how we could afford to rent the space, buy the book consignment sale program, pay for advertising, etc. Stratton Eyes graciously became the sponsor for our event and urged us to fulfill the vision (pun somewhat intended). Without Stratton Eyes, the Bluegrass Education Expo could not have taken place. (Seriously folks, go buy some glasses from these people!)
The Kentucky Youth Leadership Team-- This wonderful group loves kids and willingly provided a leadership experience for 5th-12th graders at the Expo. At the beginning of the Expo planning stage, they were instrumental in pushing the vision forward and offering help at every turn.
Uncommonly talented, competent, and cute husband-- My sweet man knows about technology, extension cord placement, audio equipment, and book sale requirements. He also knows me well enough to tell me repeatedly to stay at the Welcome Desk rather than become embroiled in the little details of the event. Thank you, husband dear, for letting me ask you a zillion conference questions and for picking up the slack on the home front while I concentrated on planning this event. Now that the event is over, you can have my full attention again... at least for the next six months.
Volunteers and consignors for the book sale. Because of your willingness to give the Expo a try, we were able to provide curriculum to many central Kentucky families. On top of that we raised money for charity and donated books to the International Book Project. Well done, friends!
Whitney Callahan-- This girl single-handedly got the ball rolling with exhibitors! She worked the phone, shared the vision, and helped people get signed up to be a part of the B.E.E.
Xcellent friend, Karla Duerson-- She has been with me through thick and thin since college and this event was no exception. Karla wrote e-mails, called lecturers, formed informational packets, and served in countless ways on the day of the event. Karla, you are a ROCK STAR!
You-- the fact that you have even read this far into the blog means that you must either be crazy or be a supporter of Bluegrass Education. Either way, thank you!
Zee End-- Aren't you thankful for that too?
I am so very thankful for those who made this event happen. Now I am off to take a long awaited break. Happy summer to you and yours!!!
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