#sharethejoy

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." 

-Mahatma Gahndi

These days are tough. It's easy to get caught up in the daily challenges in front of us. They're real. That said, if there is anything I've learned from working with community leaders, it's that the antidote to personal difficulties, is to focus on helping others. No matter how insurmountable one's personal picture might be, shifting focus outward on helping others, always brings needed energy, perspective and optimism.

On Saturday, November 21st LAA hosted a Food Collection event in partnership with Feed Anne Arundel, The Anne Arundel County Food Bank and the Greater Parole Community Association. Throughout the day, 40 volunteers (FLG and NLA alumni and current class members) collected more than 3,000 pounds of food and essential supplies and raised $1364 in cash to feed families in need across the county.

The photo album from the event is available here. It is certain to become an annual LAA event. 

On the same day, across town (FLG07) Lisa Seborowski's #justonesweater initiative soared to new heights with interim totals including:

• 3476 sweaters 
• 572 coats 
• 10 bags of infant clothes 
• 10 bags children’s clothes
• 750 items for Purple Heart 

Meanwhile, LAA Flagship grads and Annapolis Rotary Breakfast Group friends: Elaine Shanley (FLG14), Trish Farrell (FLG17), and Barb Eilertsen (FLG18) spread the joy of the season downtown Annapolis, “ringing the bells,” the sound of the season, to support the Salvation Army’s traditional holiday fundraiser.

These are just a few ways LAA grads bring joy to the season in the spirit of helping others. 

If you are looking for a little joy this holiday, we hope you will join us on Wednesday, December 13th to #sharethejoy of the season with LAA colleagues on the LAA Virtual Holiday Party. We'll gather over a virtual cup of cheer, celebrate leadership through the challenge of 2020 and toast to a fresh start in 2021. Featuring festive live music zoomed live from Brian Boru, (optional) curbside cocktails and appetizers from Soul* and lively breakout groups, polls and more to drive uncommon connections. 

We hope you'll join us and share what brings you joy and perhaps how you have "lost yourself in the service of others" this season!

Full details and registration are available here. Hope to see you there!

(*Deadline to order form Soul is Monday 12.14.20)