Leshell Hatley: Researcher & Author of Learning Technology!

Michelle Obama, Greater DC Cares, and Volunteerism


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Some of the Secret Service Agents responsible for making sure 'the coast is clear'... ....and the metal detector that helped do the same thing...... ...and the line of folks waiting to get in.....
The MC for the morning/afternoon = Maureen Bunyan (ABC News) - who literally told me she didn't need a badge. I responded with "no one can get through security without a badge" ...and she promptly got hers (but not happily). Make-A-Wish Foundation (Midlantic) CEO - Catherine C. Martens - who brought the house to tears with stories of the many children's wishes they have fulfilled! Mayde Henson, Pres & CEO of Greater DC Cares introducing who we've all been waiting for - Mrs. Michelle Obama!
Our first lady speaking about the joys, rewards, and weariness of the nonprofit sector and how although tiresome, she hopes they continue the work.... She further explained she was present to say thank you and to ensure that volunteers, nonprofits, and philanthropists alike are ready for the challenge because they are about to be called on even more.... (It should be noted that Greater DC Cares informs alot of Michelle Obama's volutneer efforts in the DC area....) I was the Dir. of Technology for Greater DC Cares for 2 years (which is how I got to attend). Special thanks to Mayde and Dawn for making th
Then the moment everyone was waiting for...a chance to meet the first lady.... The excitement and thrill in the room was immeasurable! ..and she was getting closer and closer to me! I wasn't sure what I would say or do although I had practiced a few options the night before..... You know how the noise in movies gets silenced and its just you and whatever or whomever is in front of you? Well, that's what happened. I didn't hear a thing...not even my own thoughts. I was speechless inside and out.
And she was still getting closer. At this point I could have said anything....but what!??!?! (Remember the small woman at the beginning of the album - that's her again in the lower right hand corner (all you can see is her hair). I felt her pain becaus All I could think of was to definitely shake her hand...that's the least I could do.... (room still silent - at least in my mind anyway - ok, maybe I could hear my heartbeat) She was right there in front of me... She is an amazing spirit. It was like magic. (But you have to view this album from the beginning to get the full impact of the moment.)
   
Photos 1 - 15 out of 16 | Back to Albums
Description: The magic of Michelle Obama...in the spirit of volunteerism.
Location: Washington, DC

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