Dear YuMMies,
We’re delighted to share another powerful You Matter story.
Keri lives in Orlando, FL and has participated in the You Matter Marathon several times. This past year, she was an ambassador for Eastland Christian School and helped them achieve a very successful campaign! She enjoys giving You Matter cards as a way to give back, AND, as a way to get her children involved in the community.
Here is Keri’s “You Matter” story:
Q. Why did you want to participate in the YMM?
A. “In a small and personal way, the YOU MATTER cards let people know that they matter. Life can get so busy sometimes that we don’t always take the time to stop and smell the roses or say thank you or things like that, and I loved the idea of handing out the cards as a way to stop and say to someone, ‘YOU MATTER.’ It’s a phrase we all need to say more, and, it’s a phrase more people need to hear. The responses you get from people when they receive a simple black and white card with the words YOU MATTER on it are amazing. It is incredibly impactful. The cards have the power to make someone’s day and possibly even change someone’s outlook on their life.”
Q. What You Matter story or moment do you want to share?
A. “My kids and I have made YOU MATTER care packages for the homeless people in our city. We’ve attached a YOU MATTER card to every package to let them know that all these people do matter, regardless of their current circumstances in life. We hope that the cards bring a smile to each person’s face and that they will keep the bag and card, as a constant reminder that they do matter every time they open up and use something inside.”
Q. What has the impact been for you in giving out the cards?
A. “So far, we’ve given out 6 care packages to various homeless people that we have seen throughout our travels this summer, and it has been amazing! The packages have been well received; it is priceless to watch the people’s faces when they read the words YOU MATTER on the bags. They’ve brought some people to tears. One homeless man that we gave a care package to, told us that he was robbed of everything he had the night before and couldn’t do anything about it, as he was a disabled homeless vet in a wheelchair. He simply said, ‘Thank you so much for even noticing me … it means more to me than you could possibly know.’”
Q. Why would you suggest someone participate in the You Matter Marathon?
A. “I think the YOU MATTER marathon is such a wonderful idea, and I would love to see the movement grow all around the world. Our world needs more kindness and love, and these cards are such a wonderful way to show that. They are simple and yet so very powerful!”
What You Can do Now
If you have a You Matter Marathon story that you would like to share, please send an email stating your interest to Megan Knorr at [email protected].
It’s not too early to sign-up for the 2019 You Matter Marathon (even if you’ve participated in previous years) to experience magical moments like Keri’s. We would love to see the impact of the YMM spread even further than last year!
You Matter.
Cheryl Rice, Founder
