Local Patron Creates a "Big Time Rush"

During the pilot program this summer at Berry Creek Middle School, Girl PowHER introduced an installment dubbed “Workshop Wednesdays,” where notable women from our community came to speak to Girl PowHER girls about their careers, hobbies, and other passions. One particular week, we had the extraordinary pleasure of listening to Ann Smead, a business entrepreneur and incredible philanthropist, talk about the power of networking, the importance of first impressions, and the value of setting goals. At the very end of the workshop, Ann was generous enough to provide every girl in attendance with not only their own journal, but with her business card, inviting each one of them to e-mail or call her at any time if they needed any help or advice in order to fulfill their goals.

Over the next few weeks, many girls wrote to her, some just to chat, others to talk about future plans. One girl in particular, however, took her lesson about networking to hear. She had a very unique request, not for herself, but for her little brother. “My brother always helps me with everything,” she wrote. “When I get sad, he helps me.” Her wish was simple. She wanted to do something special for her brother involving his favorite band, Big Time Rush, from the wildly popular Nickelodeon television show. She writes, “He is 7 and knows every song. Every single one. I’m not joking.”

As promised, Ann and her assistant Aimee went to work, contacting folks in the music business looking for ways for to get in contact with this infamous music group. Finally, they were able to get a hold of a Big Time Rush poster, personally signed by all four members! Check out the picture below to see Ann and Aimee delivering the special gift to this young lady. Thank you Ann for being so thoughtful and for making her wish come true! 

Maggie Jackson, AmeriCorps Volunteer