2021 was a year like none other. There was a significant amount of loss and heartache for most of us. It was full of ups and downs, joy, and tragedy, but above all else the one thing that remained certain was that God is ultimately in control.
John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
Last year I was honored to be part of so many amazing partnerships, events, celebrations, and extraordinary adventures. I want to share some of those with you!
I had the amazing opportunity to prepare 1,000 Easter Baskets with the LA Dream Center and Planet Hope Organization during the Easter season. The idea for the Easter baskets was from my dear friend Kelly Stone of Planet Hope. The Dream Center was so blessed to partner with her and the Planet Hope team. It was such a beautiful blessing to see this amazing love for children and community and all the people who came together to see this vision a reality.
Gateway For Cancer Research is one of very few organizations focusing on early-stage cancer research, and 99 cents of every dollar they raise goes straight back to the cause. I was fortunate to be able to attend Gateway for Cancer’s Vino Con Stelle, an incredible gala where Arizona Cardinals wide receiver, Larry Fitzgerald was presented with the prestigious Leadership in Cancer Advocacy Award and the fundraising event raised $750,000 for cancer research.
Jonathon and I had a wonderful evening raising funds for Child Help with our dear friends. It was also a very special night for my friend Dr. Stacie J. Stephenson, who received the Woman of the World Award! Most importantly, 6 million dollars were raised to help children. That was what this night was all about. We are truly blessed to be a blessing.
Italy has always held a special place in my heart. I love when I get to travel back. Last year I was incredibly blessed to be able to go to Lajatico, Toscana, Italy with some of the most dearest friends of ours. We attended a special concert at the Theater of Silence in Andrea Bocelli’s home town. He does this concert every year in July and it was spectacular. The photos below are of Jonathon and I and Andrea’s wife in their beautiful home in Italy. We had the most amazing time, and shared some incredible moments that I will cherish.
The Dream Center’s Night of Dreams is always the highlight of my year! Last year’s amazing gala raised 4.5 million dollars to fund rehab programs, human trafficking rescue, housing the homeless, assisting our veterans, food distribution, and educational programs in our beautiful city of Los Angeles. The JDFFoundation is proud to continue to be part of the incredible work that the Dream Center is doing in the heart of LA.
Being part of the John Maxwell Leadership team has allowed for incredible growth in my personal, spiritual, and professional life. Last year, Jonathon I had the opportunity to go on a trip to Maui for the John Maxwell Leadership open! My golf wasn’t so great, but I was blessed to have the most awesome golfing partner, Merrilee Kaszacs!
These are just some of the incredible highlights from my year. Yes, there have been struggles and hardships, but I am focused on the positive things I can bring into the new year.
I hope you have been able to find the blessings you’ve been surrounded with as you reflect on this past year and that you find joy and peace as you move into 2022!
Christine