From Grizzlies to Galas

One of my much anticipated to-do's this trip was to spend some time both supporting and learning at Camp Mak-A-Dream (CMD) in Goldcreek, MT. CMD provides a medically-supervised Montana experience to individuals and families affected by cancer. Last January, I had the opportunity to spend time with George Laufenberg , CMD Executive Director,  and Jennifer Benton , CMD Director, when they traveled to Philadelphia to network. The goals were to grow CMD awareness, and with it referrals to the camp, and also to recruit medical volunteers who are essential to the camp operation. We attended the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation   Lemon Ball in suburban Philadelpha together to give them exposure to a larger scale non-profit fundraiser as they expand their own development function and also plan for CMD 30th anniversary celebrations in 2025. I was able to support their efforts through strategic introductions and by providing hospitality as George and Jennifer "friendraised." N...

Photo credit Matthew Paulsen Thanks to the warm hospitality by the Helena, MT airport staff-member whom I encountered in the elevator, I was able to secure a Sunshine Taxi operator who safely and efficiently took me to where I am staying and will take me back to the airport at the end of my stay. With a population of 35,000+, Helena isn't large enough to support a robust Uber/Lyft network that I have come to take for granted back home. I feel a little lucky to be alive. A couple of days into my trip, I was driving down the street near where I am staying and there was neither a stop light, nor a stop sign so I proceeded. As I entered the intersection, I observed that the cross street did not have stop signs either. What?? I made an inquiry of a local resident who informed me that they are called uncontrolled intersections . Maybe this is what people mean by the wild wild West! I have had two terrific meals since my arrival. My first dinner out was at The Union in downtown Helen...

I have to admit that I am a little nervous. I am going to Montana!  I am not new to traveling and it won’t be my first time in Montana, but for some reason this trip has me feeling a little bit out of my comfort zone. Well, maybe, more than a little bit. But I am up for the challenge! To provide context, I grew up outside of Washington, DC in Bethesda, MD and have lived for many years in Main Line Philadelphia, named for the railroad line that connects the towns running west from Center City Philadelphia (what we call "downtown" here). As some of you know, I provide outsourced lifestyle management services, meaning executive assistance, personal assistance and estate management services to clients who typically have busy complicated lives. I take things off their plate to quiet the chaos and preserve their time. This trip to Montana is a work trip with several objectives. I will make and build relationships with people with whom my clients do business that will enable me to b...