Bully for Happy Hearts

Gordon Russell Middle School in Gresham Oregon

Let me begin that our children are our greatest resource.  Their safety, their education, their health, and their happiness are something we all strive to protect  enhance and provide.  When that does not happen, we as a community are personally responsible.  Yesterday morning I attended an Anti-Bullying Assembly at Gordon Russell Middle School and it shook me to my core.  The statistics are appalling especially in relation to those same statistics less than 20 years ago in regards to suicide and self-mutilation.

The title of the Assembly was "Stand for Respect ....And Be the Change" it was inspired by the PLT and the PBIS Committees and led by School instructor Tim Tetz.  The featured speaker was Erin Van Horn-Wormer, a young man from Vancouver who lost his 14 year old sister to suicide.  Suicide, of course being the worst cast scenario, it was described to the students as a permanent fix, for a temporary situation.  Of course, why is this such a problem and why so severe....the answer may lie in it is easy to text, tweet, Facebook  etc. things that you would never say to another person's face.  We really don't have all the reasons why but know that the cure is in kindness.  One of the presentations showed how hurtful word processed thru the brain really do make your heart physically hurt!

So in closing and in celebration of a great leader - Martin Luther King, a quote...."History will have to record that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition was not the strident clamor of the bad people, but the appalling silence of the good people!"  Ashley, a true modern day hero used this quote today to describe part of her journey.  Don't be silent, use your words to make people's hearts feel better.

Fill-A-Bag homestretch

TV morning show celebrity Ann Currie, in light of recent tragedies offered a healing process of a "random act of kindness".  As it is well documented the best way to heal a heart is to do some selfless act of kindness or giving that touches another heart.  Even before the senseless tragedies (some of which were a little too close to home) members of our community were providing food and cash support for Snow-Cap,  This will provide nutrition and support to families, kids, and seniors you've never met!

While none of the following did these acts of kindness for any kind of attention or recognition...we at Gresham Ford this it is important to honor them as they deserve the media attention far more than the dark stories we have been showered with in recent weeks.

Fill-A-Bag would not have been possible without.....Burgerville, Classique Floors, Gresham Outlook, Drake's 7 Dees Garden Center, Riverview Community Bank (Gresham, Wood Village, Gateway), La Petit Academy, Troutdale General Store, Greater Gresham Baptist Church, Portland Adventist Elementary, Caffeinated Coffee Culture  Liberty Lighting, Oregonians Credit Union, Best Burger, Paisano Club, Crismon Lewis, Gresham Breakfast Lions, Gresham Rotary, West Columbia Gorge Rotary Club, Axis Design Group, Rick Stubblefield, Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce, Bob Battles of Dovetail Construction, Michael Calcagno, Nichole Snell, Kadels Auto Body, Marget Scott Elementary, Ryan & Tammy Johnson, Columbia Symphony, Advo Care Jean Crawford, Skyland Pub, Hems in a Hurry and I am running out of room so thanks to all the others.  Your reward is in your heart!~ Bess Wills

Gresham Ford Service Team,

Thank you very much for going above and beyond your duty to promptly take care of my truck's needs.  I will continue to bring my truck here for service because of the trust I have in your team!

Thanks again,
Cary

...even in the cold wind...

Hi Van,
This is Hannah.  You helped my husband Tim and I buy the Lincoln yesterday :)

I just wanted to send you a big thank you for all of your help.  It was really great to meet you and you made the whole experience so enjoyable...even in the cold wind!!  We feel so blessed to have found your dealership and are excited to know that when we are ready for a second car we can come back and work with great people.

Thanks again and have a great day!

Tim and Hannah

Hi Bess,
Good news travels and circles around.  One of our employees who lives in Gresham told me yesterday that she has utilized your open late auto service...she praised Gresham Ford for doing that, also talked about how good the service was, and especially how you, Bess Wills gives the community in so many ways.  Way to go...just thought you'd like to hear some good news!  Thanks for working with us as well. 

Best regards,
Lynda
Oregon Commission for the Blind

YMCA

Dear Bess,

2012 was an exciting year for the teens in the Teen Leadership Development programs at the Y.  Thanks to you and your support, over 193 teens were able to increase their leadership skills and gain self confidence by participating in leadership clubs, leadership conferences and becoming civilly engaged in our state government in fun and educational ways.  This school year brings even more excitement.  We have expanded our reach into  2 additional middle schools for the YMCA Youth and Government program, as well as 10 teens will be heading to Prague, Czech Republic in August 2013 for the YMCA Europe Youth Festival and we couldn't have done it without YOU!

Again, I want to thank you for your support and belief in the teens.

DB

Hearts of Gold Pet Services

Our 4th Annual Holiday Pet Food Drive for SnowCap was a huge success.  5,309 pounds of pet food were donated.  Amazing!

We couldn't have done it without your help.

Thank you!!

Lauren & Ken
Hearts of Gold Pet Services