Community Builder's Corner
What a ride this year has been for us all, huh? I honestly did not know if I was coming or going. But, I managed to stay afloat. This publication, digital, and print, will be nearly two years old; had it not been for the steadfast, creative, and passionate work from the Woolridge Impact Marketing team, I do not know how I would have stayed on course.
I, like so many, was rocked by the roller coaster that is 2020. Sometimes it felt like I was so overwhelmed that I would never see daylight; But, Impact held my nose to the grindstone and helped the Near Northwest go from 1,500 publications to 10,000!!! 10,000!!! That number is so incredible that I have to spell it out.
Ten thousand!!
Mr. and Mrs. Woolridge and Ms. Blunt and the crew stood by me every step of the way and encouraged me even when I thought I would drown! Then we have all of our sponsors who believed in us enough to support this ongoing project so that we can share it with you. They gave so that we could give; I cannot tell you how grateful I am because of it. Whether you gave annually or quarterly, your sponsorship made the difference. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I also want to take this time to thank one of our biggest supporters, Cleo's Bodega & Cafe.
Yeah, I said it. Cleo's has become my official office away from my office. I have met soooo, many wonderful people there. I have played chess against the best and devastated my quads on the patio at Hip Hop Step Aerobics classes. I honestly don't think you, the reader, have fully realized the potential of this establishment.
And Friday's "One and Dones" ...Earl, $%#! My Fridays have become my "...-itis" days! Lol!
Finally, I have another large, thank you, to give. Flanner House, thank you for allowing me a chance to spread my wings and to do the job I was appointed to do. You have supported, encouraged, taught, and embraced me; I cannot thank you enough.
Happy Holidays everyone, and thank someone who has supported your endeavors. There is always someone holding you up, and sometimes they should hear how you feel.
Ron Rice
So many selfless members of our community doing whatever they could. That’s when I realized how selfish I was being. I am not alone. I never was. You never are. Your community, your neighbors, whether you know it or not, have been here for you all along. Sometimes we forget. Sometimes I forget. But that doesn’t stop them from doing what they do. Thank you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you and we need you. All of you.
Sincerely,
Ron Rice, Community Builder
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