Wednesday, December 15th, 2010...1:18 am

The Inspiring Silver Project

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Last Tuesday afternoon my friend Stacey sent out an email to all of her friends introducing the Silver Project. Stacey created a holiday gift, a very cool calendar (.pdf file), to raise money for the Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation. It’s a charity for which she has a strong personal connection. Stacey did this all to inspire, remind, support and give back. Her words are far more poignant than anything I can write so I encourage you to read her note. (note: I can’t find the email message online but can forward it to you upon request.)

In just one week Stacey has sold over 850 calendars. It’s a staggering amount and more than she could have ever imagined. Her new goal is to sell 1000 and I know she would be delighted if you could help her get there.

I’ve had a front row seat (or at least an open IM conversation window) since before she launched and have been rooting her on. I love to see people challenge themselves in an entrepreneurial way. Stacey works for a company that does custom promotional/gift product distribution. Her friend Stephanie is a talented photographer. Creating a cool calendar makes lots of sense. I also love to see people put their time and effort into things they are passionate about. It seems like the personal reward is always there no matter if the outcome or result goes your way. If you talk to Stacey you will see she has the fire in her to make this work.

If one of Stacey’s goals was to inspire it certainly has rubbed off on me.

Over three years ago I blogged about wanting be more involved in a philanthropic cause. I wanted to devote some of my time to a project that was more selfless. I wanted to work with family and friends that I may never have a chance to work with in my professional career. I wanted my time to be spent on something I helped create rather than contribute to something I might not be passionate about.

I’ve been thinking about this for years trying to formulate exactly how I want it all to come together…and then to muster up the courage to go out and do it. A few months ago I emailed my friend Kras sharing some of the themes, ideas, and goals I wanted to achieve through the organization I wanted to create. Kras is measured and thoughtful so it took him some time to warm up to the idea. After a bunch of conversations I think we are very much on the same page and both excited to move forward in 2011. When I received Stacey’s original note the first thing I did was forward it on to Kras with some more thoughts to incorporate into our plans.

One of my major life goals for 2011 will be to try and get this project off the ground. I’m partly writing this blog post as another way to motivate and challenge myself to follow through on this goal. I hope to be sharing more information with you, as well as asking for your support, contribution, passion and skills in the near future. Stay tuned…and buy a damn calendar!

  • Stephanie (Silver) Markell

    Litty, thanks for spreading the word! Appreciate the shout-out.

    -Stephanie (co-creator of the silver project)

  • Schlossj3

    Thanks litty- I have been waiting for this since last week! You are a great support:)

  • Stacey Lewis

    This totally makes up for never offering me any burgers at your BBQs!!!!
    We’re surely going to reach our goal of 1000 after this!!