Being the founder of a new non profit, Project Sanctuary, lends me the opportunity to share with lots of people what it is we are about and how we are helping military families. I have spoken with families, friends, social and business groups, in person and through emails. We frequently set up tables at King Soopers and all around Parker in an effort to develop some name recognition, and perhaps collect a dollar or two from mindful Samaritans. After I explain our mission, how we support our men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan by supporting the whole family by offering free retreats, support and other services, people's reactions are very similar; "Wow, what a great idea", and then it is quickly followed by the inevitable........."You should call Oprah!" If I had a dollar for each time I have been presented with that suggestion, we would be substantially closer to the full realization of our fund raising goals.

Now don't get me wrong. Most people are genuinely thrilled to offer that piece of advice, and are sincerely trying to identify ways to help. But after a few hundred times? Well, now it's just funny. I'll admit the thought has crossed my mind; maybe I should just call Oprah. It sure would simplify matters! But that isn't as easy at it seems. In case you didn't know, she is relatively popular, a little busy, and her number seems to be unpublished. Go figure!

Then I started to think, wow, what an icon. People really give this one woman a lot of credit, and deservedly so. She has helped many people and organizations, is known for her attention to important and righteous causes, and her philanthropic generosity is self evident. But really, should we all just sit back and wait for Oprah to fix everything?

Amidst the daily "Heavy Lifting" associated with the planning, funding and implementation of a grander plan, a nobler cause, I have learned a few things. First off, I can't do this alone. From staff, to volunteers, to our guests, and service providers who feel compelled to support our mission, I have learned that there are many "Oprah's" out there. The amusement park that offers a full day for our Military families to enjoy, photographers that volunteer their services free of charge, restaurants that bend over backwards to host our families and make our soldiers feel like heroes... the list goes on and on. But perhaps the most important are the kind people that stop at our table, wherever they see our banner, and donate even a dollar or two. The ones that say "Thank You" and offer a kind word or gesture. These are the people that keep us going. Without this outpouring of kindness and generosity, Project Sanctuary simply would not be able to realize its goal of helping military families.

So, we keep doing what we are doing, raising money to host our second, third and forth retreats, and doing what we can to support our military families. And now when people, tell me to, "Just call Oprah", I politely explain, that I seem to have lost her number. But, I do know a lot of other "Oprah's" who collectively, by making small, meaningful contributions, are making these retreats a reality for all of our Military Families. For that, I remain humbly optimistic about our future, and I thank you all.

Heather Maxey

PS, If you do have Oprah's number, can you please have her take a look at our website and then have her call me, Thanks!