April 19, 2007

‘A dream is a wish your heart makes’

Annual Senior Presents ceremony celebrates six years of mother / daughter
volunteer activities with the National Charity League

By Lorraine Gabbert
Staff Writer

Beneath sparkling chandeliers and towering palms, 13 girls from the Almaden-Blossom Valley chapter of National Charity League (NCL) were recently honored at the annual Senior Presents gala at the elegant Corinthian Center in downtown, San Jose.

Both mothers and daughters had reason to be proud, having completed six years of community service together. From left, front row: Kellen Donovan, Danielle Clough, Sara Adams, Morgan Wampler, Ashley Smith, Kaitlin Jones, Elizabeth Kay, Leann Witherspoon, Christine Stibbe, Jessica Kolte and Jordan O'Halloran; back row: Patty Donovan, Sue Clough, Dede Adams, Cindy Wampler, Jeanine Smith, Melanie Jones, Susan Kay, Betsy Witherspoon, Judy Stibbe, Beth Kolte and Tori O'Halloran. Not pictured: Meggie and Kristen Yoshioka. Photo courtesy of Guy Anderson

Radiant in white evening gowns, the young women received accolades for their inner beauty, having dedicated several years to volunteer projects in the community. Their mothers, resplendent in black formal attire, shared their pride and joy.

These mothers and daughters had cause to celebrate. Together, they completed six years of philanthropy, volunteering for local nonprofits such as the San Jose Family Shelter, Silicon Valley Habitat for Humanity and the American Cancer Society.

“I think what makes NCL so special,” says member Judy Stibbe, “is the opportunity it provides for mothers to spend special time with their daughters. I hope they carry these memories into the next chapter of their lives, and always remember the beauty of giving.”

For Stibbe’s daughter, Christy, a visit to the San Jose Family Shelter is one of her most cherished memories. “I will never forget how wonderful it felt sitting next to the children as we made ornaments together,” she says. “This may have been a first for some of them, and it was so special to be a small part of something positive in their lives.”

Together, these seniors completed nearly 1,500 hours of philanthropic work. They include: Sara Frances Adams, Danielle Nicole Clough, Kellen Jo Donovan, Kaitlin Nicole Jones, Elizabeth Robertson Kay, Jessica Lynn Kolte, Jordan Shea O’Halloran, Ashley Marie Smith, Christine Nicole Stibbe, Morgan Anne Wampler, Leann Marie Witherspoon, Meggie Kimiko Yoshioka and Kristen Ayako Yoshioka.

About National Charity League Mothers and daughters volunteering together sets NCL apart from other service organizations. They also share in cultural experiences, attending plays and symphony performances.

The organization began in 1925 with a small group of Southern California women who made baby layettes for the poor, delivered food to the hungry and volunteered for the American Red Cross. Sometimes, their daughters would join them, and found it equally fulfilling. In 1938, they decided to work together, forming Ticktockers, a name chosen by the daughters of Charity League. In 1947, this mother-daughter philanthropy became known as National Charity League. The traditions have continued, as the daughters are still called Ticktockers today.

With 140 chapters across the country, NCL provides some 800,000 hours of community service annually. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Almaden Blossom Valley Chapter boasts 100 mothers and daughters and continues to grow.

An evening of taffeta, Ticktockers and tradition
At the formal dinner, surrounded by family and friends, the girls sat upon chairs dressed in white linen and tied with taffeta ribbons. In keeping with the evening’s theme, “A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes,” alluding to Cinderella’s magic coach, each meticulously set table featured a white crowned pumpkin centerpiece.

Through NCL, these mothers taught their daughters compassion and life lessons. Both mothers and daughters had reason to be proud, having completed six years of community service together. Photo by Lorraine Gabbert

Upon arriving for dinner, guests mounted the Corinthian Event Center’s formal staircase, passing beneath its graceful archways. Before signing in at an ornately carved table graced with white lilies, pumpkins and taffeta, they stopped to admire framed photo collages of the girls, depicting special moments through the years.

At last came the moment everyone had been waiting for, when the girls were presented to the audience by name, with their mothers by their sides. Upon reaching the stage, each girl presented her mother with a yellow rose and a kiss upon her cheek.

The highlight of the evening was a poignant multimedia presentation dedicated in turn to each girl, tracing her life from birth to her senior year. Through laughter and tears, the audience was captivated as fleeting moments flashed across the screen accompanied by heartfelt letters written by each mother to her daughter.

In a show of appreciation for the love and support they received from their fathers, the evening concluded with a Father-Daughter dance to the song, “Butterfly Kisses.”

NCL: A rewarding experience
For Melanie Jones, helping people in need with her daughter, Kaitlin, was life changing. “It changes your perspective,” she says. “It’s not only a way for mothers and daughters to spend quality time together; it’s a great learning experience for both of us.”

Beth Kolte agrees. “It was extremely enriching to be by my daughter’s side while she was learning what it means to give back to the world,” she says. Kolte, and her daughter, Jessica, also strengthened their mother-daughter bond through NCL. Kolte was surprised to learn during a retreat, that her daughter’s favorite holiday is Thanksgiving because she likes cooking with her grandmother and spending time with their family. “I thought that was really touching,” says Kolte. “If I only had that one NCL mother-daughter moment, it would have been worth every minute of it.”

The mother-daughter question and answer period was Tori O’Halloran’s idea. “We had a big bonfire on the beach and the mothers and daughters broke off to sit together on the sand,” says O’Halloran. The thoughtful questions she compiled provided insight for the daughters, as well as their mothers—including O’Halloran’s own daughter, Jordan.

“We asked each other, ‘What’s your biggest accomplishment?’ and, ‘What would you change if you could?’ says Jordan. “It was good knowing my mom has some of the same feelings I do.”

O’Halloran wanted to teach her daughter not only to appreciate what she has, but also to have compassion for others. “I did learn what she was trying to achieve,” says Jordan, “and it made me more of an accepting person, wanting to help make others’ lives better.”

Both mother and daughter enjoyed giving and appreciate what they received in return. “NCL is a wonderful way to give back to the community,” says O’Halloran, “while at the same time connecting with your daughter on a really deep level. The beauty of it is that you’re really accomplishing two amazing things at the same time.”

Visiting the San Jose Family Shelter with her daughter, Sara, was a special experience for NCL President Dede Adams. “A little girl attached herself to Sara,” says Adams, “and it broke my daughter’s heart to eventually have to let her go. It’s nice to see your kids helping others and watching their hearts go out to them.”

Through NCL, these young women learned compassion and life lessons. From left, Sara Adams, Jessica Kolte, Meggie Yoshioka, Kaitlin Jones, Leann Witherspoon, Christine Stibbe, Jordan O'Halloran, Danielle Clough, Ashley Smith, Kellen Donovan, Morgan Wampler, Kristen Yoshioka and Elizabeth Kay. Photo courtesy of Randy Stibbe

Adams also credits NCL with inspiring leadership in her daughter. Sara and friends from Leland High School set up a dodge ball tournament to raise funds for Invisible Children (children in Uganda who flee their villages each night in the hopes of escaping induction into the Lord’s Resistance Army). “She contacted other schools and set up the whole event,” says Adams. “I was very proud of her.”

For Cheryl Ryan and her daughter, Jenna, being a part of NCL has been extremely worthwhile. “Through NCL, we learn more than just philanthropy,” says Ryan. “We learn about life.”

Jenna’s favorite charity is House of Grace because she enjoys making dinner for residents of the battered women’s shelter, spending time with them and babysitting their children when they attend support meetings. One night, Jenna was having trouble putting a baby to sleep. “He was crying and she was in a panic,” says Ryan. “I reassured her, and all of a sudden he fell asleep in her arms.” Ryan and Jenna have grown closer through NCL and enjoy sharing their thoughts on the way home from volunteering. “We’re always happy we did it,” says Ryan, “and that we did it together.”

Together, the senior class addressed the audience, sharing what they gained through NCL. “Our community service projects have taught us that giving back to others truly is a precious gift,” they said. “The home-cooked meals we made for House of Grace gave comfort to those who don’t have a home. The Valentines we made for the senior center show they are not forgotten. Through this organization, we have learned the necessity for compassion and empathy...and the positive impact we can have on this world by using our time and talents to help others. Our theme is, ‘A Dream is a Wish your Heart Makes.’ We could not think of a more perfect definition of our NCL experience.”

The National Charity League (NCL) is a nonprofit national organization of mothers and daughters who join together in community service with local chapters throughout the United States. For more information visit www.nationalcharityleague.org.