Be the Change: Shawn Bradley Golf Tournament

Step Forward

October 2015 President's Letter

“Never underestimate the difference YOU can make in the lives of others. Step forward, reach out and help.” ~ Pablo

At various times in my life I have been asked to step forward. Usually there is some worry and trepidation in the moment leading up to hearing my name called and knowing that it's my turn. But what is interesting to me is that those simple acts of stepping forward when called upon, feel like some of the few moments of bravery in my life.

It might sound weird to consider such a simple act one of bravery, but my experiences have taught me that bravery is taking action against an impulse to refrain.

Over the last two years, I have met absolutely remarkable people associated with Rising Star Outreach. The ones who have left the most lasting impressions are those who make a habit in life of stepping forward. They don't wait for their name to be called and they don't apologize for taking action. And I don't expect that they would consider themselves brave, though often, the rest of us might think so. They are people who see an opportunity to do good and take it. They step forward and invite the rest of us to join them in stepping forward as well.

I have been invited by the board of directors to step forward as the president of this amazing organization. Just as in other times in my life, I have felt worried and perhaps unprepared. For me, this has required a little bit of bravery. But I have stepped forward and I plan to continue following these wonderful examples of stepping forward to take this organization as far as I possibly can.

During my various visits to India, I have witnessed all kinds of examples of people stepping forward. Rising Star Outreach has empowered those we serve, the patients, students, and colony residents, and enabled these tender souls to step forward. Education and economic opportunity have brought hope and revitalized purpose and meaning in their lives.

The countenances and worldviews of volunteers change right before my face, as they step out of their comfort zones and bless individuals and communities through service. Individuals and communities that were previously considered forgotten, neglected, and invisible. Simple acts of love and caring, particularly those demonstrated by our sponsors and friends represent powerful changes within each of us. It is profound what love and action can do.

Recently, we enjoyed a wonderful time at the Sixth Annual Shawn Bradley Charity Golf Invitational and President's Brunch. I want to take a moment and thank the dozens of sponsors, golf participants, volunteers, and brunch attendees who made these events spectacular and memorable. Many, many individuals stepped forward to advance the work of Rising Star Outreach through these great events, and we are so grateful for all that was given and sacrificed not only to make the day special, but more importantly for the work of lifting the leprosy affected.

Dozens of remarkable volunteers also stepped forward this summer and gave so much to bless the lives of those we serve in India. Many came at great personal sacrifice and all gave from their heart. It was amazing to see the commitment and the passion on display. I want to thank each of you who has taken the time and given so much to serve with Rising Star Outreach. You are the lifeblood of our program and you give validation to those you touch, teach, and lift in India. The people we serve know of our love collectively because they see it in your eyes and feel it in your touch. Thank you for stepping forward and showing the world what love really looks like.

The work of Rising Star Outreach is one of love, service, and advancing the role and position of people who deserve better. We believe that no one should be stigmatized or forgotten, especially those affected by a disease that is both treatable and curable. Everyone deserves dignity and respect and the opportunity to take steps forward in their own life and in their own community.

As each of you with so many others have stepped forward, this organization has grown from humble beginnings to touching and serving more than 20,000 people in the colonies we serve in India. From a small school of 27, we have grown more than tenfold and are formally educating more than 280 students and assisting in the educational support of more than 200 others! Education is the path through which individuals, communities, and even entire nations can step forward and lift one another.

The work of Rising Star Outreach continues to step forward and empower individuals to take out microloans and build microenterprises and to provide for themselves and their families. In 2014, our mobile medical program took a huge step forward as we opened our Trichy branch office and doubled the number of leprosy affected patients receiving medical support from Rising Star Outreach.

The future is bright for this special organization. I believe that in the coming years we will continue to build on the foundations that have been laid by those who have gone before. At Rising Star Outreach, we believe that now it is our time to step forward. We don't look back, we keep our hand to the plow, and today we are calling your name. Prepare yourself. It may require just a little bit of bravery, but I know that you can do it. Please STEP FORWARD with us. I promise it will be a wonderful journey!

Sincerely,
Tyler

Monday, October 05, 2015
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President's Letter: Success through Education

Education

Read's Ride for Rising Star

Many people share their time and talents to help Rising Star Outreach be effective in the work of assisting those with leprosy. Keith Read organizes an annual bike ride, Read's Ride for Rising Star Outreach, and reaches out to friends and family to make this a meaningful event. This year it was a smashing success! On behalf of Rising Star Outreach, I thank him for his enthusiasm and passion year after year to raise awareness and money for Rising Star Outreach. Keep those bike wheels turning!

Shawn Bradley Golf Tournament

Each year Shawn Bradley shares his passion for Rising Star by hosting a golf tournament. In September the 5th Annual Shawn Bradley Golf Charity Invitational was held at the beautiful Red Ledges Golf Course in Heber City, Utah. Unusual rainy weather had been forecast, but on the day of the tournament the skies were blue and the vibrant autumn colors provided a spectacular backdrop for the many participants and guests that supported the event. When people think of Shawn Bradley they may think of his height or his successful basketball career, but I think of his incredible giving heart and the hope he offers to those affected by leprosy by providing the means for medical care, micro-grants, and the opportunity of receiving an education.

We were also honored to have Mehmet Okur, Randy Rigby, and Chad Lewis spend the day supporting Shawn and Rising Star Outreach. A special thank you to them for their part in the success of this day. In my book, they each hit a hole-in-one for Rising Star Outreach!

Thank you to all our sponsors and volunteers and participants of the day! You have made this year another year of success!

Education with Rising Star

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Many children living in leprosy colonies do not have nor have they ever had leprosy. However, they are often rejected from society due to the lingering stigma surrounding the disease. Because of this stigma these children do not have the opportunity to receive an education. Thankfully, Rising Star Outreach looks beyond the stigma and believes every child should have the advantage of an education. The Peery Matriculation School located on our campus offers rigorous academic programs to almost 300 students, who without Rising Star Outreach would not have this opportunity!

Rising Star Outreach believes in educating children, because education gives children options, education can end the cycle of poverty and education can remove the stigma associated with leprosy.

For many years I was an educator in Utah and in New York City. When I first visited the Rising Star Outreach campus in India, I was impressed with the educational programs because I saw first-hand their effectiveness to make positive changes in the students' lives. As a volunteer I remember sitting under a tree in the mango grove assisting the children with elementary English. I taught a basic phonics lesson about the short "a" sound by using the elements around me: “We sat on the mat and patted the mat, while the ant ambled by.” It was magical as I witnessed the student grasping the short "a" sound!

Today the classrooms are more sophisticated, but the process, so “painful and insignificant,” is where “success is being achieved” at Rising Star Outreach.

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Recently Ms. Nathiya (Standard IX teacher) and Mr. Dhanasekaran (Standard X teacher) recognized two outstanding students for their moral leadership and school work.

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“Naveen Raj is a quiet young man who has shown ability in leadership and responsibility. His family lives in the Government Leprosy Home at Paranur, near Chengalpet. His father has leprosy, and sadly his mother recently passed away. Naveen Raj is a promising student who wants to become a computer engineer. He dances well and is a member of LifeDance, a prestigious dance troupe at Rising Star Outreach in a partnership with Promethean Spark International.

“Naveen is also a star athlete. At the district level he has won gold medals in running, a silver medal for discus throw, and a bronze medal for long jump. He is a proud member of the Student Council and is also the School Pupil leader.

“The transformation of his life from a dismal past in a leprosy colony to a bright and brilliant future is due to the intervention of Rising Star, and he is very grateful to God for providing him with these opportunities.”

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“Vijayalakshmi M. is a cheerful and responsible young woman in the 10th standard. Her family lives in Chettipunyam. Her father is a truck driver, and her mother is a homemaker. She also has an older brother.

“She does well in all her subjects because of her dedication and intelligence. Sometimes she even wakes up at 3:00 a.m. to study for her exams! She plans to join the Indian Administrative Services (IAS), which is the premier administrative civil service of the Indian government.

“Vijayalakshmi is a talented dancer and is a member of Life Dance—a dance troupe that not only teaches dancing, but also teaches life skills and values through dance.

"Vijayalakshmi is also a good athlete and has won gold and silver medals at the zonal and district levels in running. She is interested in arts and crafts and has won prizes for theme drawing.

“Most of her peers in the colony do not have much to look forward to except marriage and routine jobs, but thanks to her God-given talents and the intervention of Rising Star Outreach, Vijayalakshmi has the opportunity of becoming a builder and architect of the nation in the highest echelons of the government. She says when she gets a job and 'lots of money', she wants to open a school to teach poor people to dance.”

Thanks to incredibly dedicated teachers at Peery Matriculation School like Ms. Nathiya and Mr. Dhanasekaran, Rising Star Outreach students are not only involved in rigorous academic learning, but also life lessons that enable them to accomplish their educational goals. This education will help them become leaders at Rising Star Outreach and throughout India.

Anne Sullivan, the beloved teacher, knew Helen Keller had the potential to not only learn, but also achieve great things. We at Rising Star Outreach believe each of our students—when given the opportunity to learn—will lift their own lives and those in the leprosy colonies that do not have those same opportunities. My sincere appreciation for your continued support of Rising Star Outreach. You are Rising Stars in significantly transforming lives.

Happy September!

Sally Read

President

Rising Star Outreach

Monday, October 06, 2014
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President's Letter: Start of a New School Year

Education

“A good head and good heart are always a formidable combination.But when you add to that a literate tongue or pen, then you have something very special.” ― Nelson Mandela

Once again the Rising Star Outreach campus is filled with the happy sounds of children who have returned from summer break to begin another year of learning at the Peery Matriculation School! We hope the children come back with appreciation of the time they spent with their families and also greater resolve to put forth their best efforts in the coming school year. Rising Star Outreach’s dedicated teaching staff has rolled up their sleeves and is ready to share their knowledge and skills in the school's wonderful environment of academics and life skills.

Sujatha and Sally Read
Sujatha will be attending a teacher's college.

A very special shout out to the first graduating class of Rising Star students! How quickly time has passed – It seems as if they just arrived at Rising Star Outreach a few years ago, and now many of them are in the process of furthering their education at universities and colleges. One student has already been accepted at a Teacher’s College and others are patiently waiting for acceptance into other programs. What an incredible accomplishment for these students!

We also heartily congratulate our Tenth Standard students for passing with good marks the government exams! Now they have the privilege to attend the exceptional St. John’s International School with Rising Star Outreach’s Twelfth Standard students who are already attending this institution. Rising Star Outreach is grateful to Dr. R. Kishore Kumar and Dr. V. Mirasu David for their work in enrolling these students. As we all know, education gives students options. It helps them break the cycle of poverty and can remove the stigma of leprosy. These remarkable students are another miracle at Rising Star Outreach!

Volunteer sessions are also back in full swing on campus. I recently received an email from a volunteer who shared her feelings about Rising Star Outreach:

           “As I looked around at the faces of the volunteers as they dug latrines, or put oil on foot wounds, or taught in the computer lab, I realized they were in essence storing up 'good vibes' to help them navigate the murky waters young adults often face. They may never return to the Rising Star campus, but they will take with them its positive impact!            I have never talked to a Rising Star volunteer who hasn't been excited about their time in India—last year or six years ago—the mention of Rising Star always brings enthusiastic bursts and exclamations, never mediocre or negative comments. I am personally acquainted with a young man who registered for an online dating service and after reading numerous profiles his attention was drawn to one profile because the registrant mentioned she had volunteered with Rising Star. As he told me later, he wanted to know her better mainly because she was associated with Rising Star.
            Volunteers wrap up their stay at Rising Star and then scatter throughout the world to homes, educational facilities, missions, etc. BUT what they learn while they are at Rising Star—the glimpses they had into how lives really can change and how alike we are as human beings—these things accompany them wherever they go. They are like welcome traveling companions of hope and love.
            In this age of cynicism and doubt, Rising Star is an organization that can be trusted. Its ideals and mission are a message to a weary and jaded world that service is meaningful, that each life has value, and that the world can really become a better place to live.”

Beautifully said, and I know many of you who have volunteered in the past have experienced some of the same sentiments. For those of you looking for an opportunity to have those ‘good vibes’ come volunteer with Rising Star Outreach! You’ll see why the program is so magical. Visit www.risingstaroutreach.org. You can also follow us on Instagram: risingstaroutreach

“Those who can, do. Those who can do more, volunteer!”

Author Unknown

Recently, Tyler Vigue, Executive Director at Rising Star spent time in India and shared the following about his experience:

“The Rising Star Outreach team on the ground in India is remarkable. From these dedicated individuals I have witnessed powerful examples that have touched and inspired me. On my most recent visit to our operation in Tamil Nadu I experienced the humility, devotion, sacrifice, service, global awareness, integrity, faith, and vision of these committed servants and leaders. They love what they do and even more so, they love those they are serving. Their passion for this work is rivaled only by their compassion for the people they are laboring to lift and bless. It was a humbling experience for me to see such commitment and love.
Life in India is so vastly different from life in the United States, and yet, when you spend time on the Rising Star campus and working with Rising Star in the colonies we serve, the world becomes a much smaller place. You start to recognize that we truly are one global family with obligations to lift and to serve one another, and with opportunities to have our lives changed as we do so. There is so much good to be done in this world, so many smiles to share, so many reasons to rejoice. Rising Star Outreach has given me a new perspective on life, humanity, and the impact for good I can have in this world.”

Rising Star Outreach appreciates Tyler and our incredibly dedicated staffs in the USA and in India as part of one big ‘global family’ helping this great work go forward. Read more here about Tyler’s experiences.

Please don’t forget to mark September 16^th on your calendars for the

5th Annual Shawn Bradley Charity Golf Invitational and President’s Brunch at Red Ledges Golf Course in Heber City, Utah. For those who have dreamed of playing this challenging course, come try your skills with Shawn and our other two special guests Mehmet Okur and Craig Bolerjack! You won’t be disappointed! And if you want to hear more about the Rising Star Outreach experience (and have a great lunch in a beautiful setting), bring your friends and join us for the President’s Brunch!

I hope you enjoy a relaxing summer filled with much sunshine, and if you want to send a special note of encouragement to the child(ren) you sponsor as they begin this new school year, I know they’ll be thrilled!

Warmly,

Sally Read

President

Rising Star Outreach

Monday, June 30, 2014
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President's Letter: The mission of Rising Star Outreach is to assist those affected by leprosy!

Colony Development

Rising Star Outreach continues to grow and expand! Last October I traveled with Dr. Susan Hilton, our Managing Director and Medical Director in India, to the town of Trichy. We visited colonies about five hours from our campus to assess needs so that Rising Star Outreach can establish programs to provide much-needed medical expertise, housing, and support to the residents of these colonies. It was an incredibly humbling experience.

As we arrived at the Lourde Nagar Colony we were greeted by its leaders and the families living there, including fathers, very young mothers carrying babies on their hips, and clusters of anxious, timid children. The leaders were weary and cautious and they generated an overall demeanor of hopelessness.

The homes in this colony were crammed together along a strip of land located next to a garbage-filled swamp. The walkway was so narrow we walked single file, stepping to avoid litter, clumps of dirt, grazing goats, and daily essentials that help them survive. I was overwhelmed to have a firsthand glimpse of so many families living in that deplorably small, crowded, and unsanitary space.

Initially the colony leaders were hesitant to discuss their needs, but as Dr. Hilton kindly and aptly shared information about Rising Star Outreach and its programs and they felt our genuine interest and concern, they became more comfortable. From that first meeting a trusting relationship has developed between Rising Star Outreach and Lourde Nagar and our social workers have now helped the residents form a Self-Help Group.

In March, Dr. Hilton and I returned to that area to a new colony she had previously visited, the Panchapur Colony. Although Dr. Hilton tried to prepare me for this experience I was shocked and visibly shaken by the lamentable living conditions. These dear people are living in a remote area that has scant water, with minimal food available, and no electricity. Their dwellings hardly provide protection and shelter. Many of the residents are elderly and suffering from the affects of leprosy. The beautiful children—always there are beautiful children—timidly peeked at us. We immediately noticed their extended stomachs and thin and discolored hair – both signs of malnutrition.

I have visited countless colonies and have always been able to somehow temper my reactions to the injustice and agonizing conditions knowing that Rising Star was trying to offer help and assistance, but that day at Panchapur Colony the wretched panorama of suffering and despair overcame me. I could not accept that people are living like this, especially in the twenty-first century! The thought came to mind: this is not right! The same words Rising Star Outreach's founder, Becky Douglas, expressed when she traveled to India many years ago and witnessed similar conditions. She chose to do something about it and Rising Star Outreach was born.

On that day in March, just a few months ago, I was grateful beyond words that Rising Star Outreach would offer the necessary help and resources to the people in Panchapur Colony because the mission of Rising Star Outreach is to assist those affected by leprosy! And this is accomplished by not only addressing physical needs, but through a holistic approach that gives HOPE to the colonies—hope for a better life and the crucial knowledge that their lives are of worth and that those assisting them genuinely care about them. Hope continues to inspire all of us at Rising Star Outreach. It is the light that pierces the darkness of doubt, discouragement, and unbelief when we witness situations such as those in Panchapur and we say—this is not right! We must do something about it! We can make a difference in the lives of those who suffer and we will begin today.

With the grace of God and by the dedication of our team in India, the Panchapur Colony is now receiving services from Rising Star! The Lourde Nagar Colony is now benefiting from small loans to help start micro-businesses. The sad and hopeless mothers and fathers who greeted us on our first visit are now excited to show us the positive changes in their lives: a sewing machine that helped start a mending business, a new snack shop, or a small business of packaging beans and rice!

HOPE was visible that day and is now felt throughout the colony! HOPE has dispelled the darkness and brought light into their lives! We have now opened the Trichy Branch Office and staffed it with a medical team and ten new colonies have been identified that need immediate assistance. What a miracle! Please contact Tyler Vigue, Rising Star's USA Executive Director, or Dr. Susan Hilton in India if you want to be part of this miracle! Rising Star Outreach would welcome your support!

Becoming involved is the best way to change the world for the better. In a recent commencement address at Duke University, Melinda Gates stated:

I want you to connect because I believe it will inspire you to do something, to make a difference in the world. Humanity in the abstract will never inspire you in the same way as human beings you meet. Poverty is not going to motivate you. But people will motivate you.

In 2008 several of my children and their friends volunteered for the first time at Rising Star. It significantly changed our lives. We traveled to India with the prospect of helping people in need, yet we quickly learned that we were actually helped by those we had come to serve, because they inspired us by their strength and resilience. We connected to a fascinating culture and a beautiful people that helped us appreciate education and the simple things we took for granted each day. Since that time we have continued to be blessed by being part of Rising Star.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to make a difference in the world and in your own world. Volunteer this summer or this year with your family or your friends. Visit our web site for more information and watch videos about our program. You will be inspired! risingstaroutreach.org/volunteer.php

Many times inspiration comes from people who have given meaning to their lives by serving others. Shawn and Annette Bradley are members of the Board of Directors at Rising Star Outreach. We appreciate their talents and good will. Below is a link to a 12-minute film about Shawn Bradley from the award-winning documentarian Andrew Jenks, of 30 for 30 Shorts. Shawn worked hard to be successful in the NBA. But the real success in his life has been off the court through his service to others—especially those at Rising Star Outreach. Enjoy!

http://grantland.com/features/30-for-30-shorts-posterized-shawn-bradley/

After you watch the feature about Shawn mark your calendars for the Shawn Bradley Charity Golf Event on September 16, 2014 at the beautiful Red Ledges Golf Course in Heber City, Utah. Shawn Bradley, Randy Rigby, and other celebrities are among many who will participate!

****And, look for a special announcement on our web site for a surprising event in October 2014. You will not want to miss this event!

Thank you for being connected to Rising Star. Your support motivates and inspires us to continue our mission of helping those affected by leprosy.

Warmly,

Sally

President

Rising Star Outreach

Monday, June 02, 2014
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President's Letter: It's Exciting!

Event

"What excites me most about philanthropy today is that we’re not standing still.

We are finding new ways to pursue and measure our impact. We are getting

better at what we do.” (Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation)

What excites us at Rising Star Outreach is that we’re not standing still either. We continue touching lives—lives that have been affected by the curse of leprosy.

It’s exciting to renew friendships at the annual Shawn Bradley Golf Charity Event and President’s Brunch. It is difficult to express our profound appreciation for the ongoing support from our sponsors. Because of these incredible individuals, families, corporations, and donors, we raised money and awareness to further our work. Additionally the golfers enjoyed food, golf, prizes, and socializing with Shawn Bradley and Ron Boone. Those who attended our Women to Women brunch heard from remarkable women who shared their love and support of the work we are doing at Rising Star. We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you!

It’s exciting to have the assurance that this support enables Rising Star to help patients heal one more wound, help one more student receive an outstanding education, and help one more individual receive a micro-grant to start or expand a business, which enables them to support a family and gain dignity.

It’s exciting to hear from the volunteers who spent their summer being Agents of Change—wanting to make a difference in the world. September’s Change Agent is DavidMcLaughlin. He represents the good hearts and giving hands of all our hardworking volunteers.

It’s exciting to share the journey of volunteers when they return home. Steve Hart relates:

“My wife, Jessica and I had the life changing opportunity to spend a summer in Chennai with Rising Star Outreach. Our time there and the people we met mean so much to us we want to give back in whatever way we can. We have started a community 5k in Provo, Utah called the Invasion Run. It is an alien themed 5k through a cornfield. The proceeds from the race will be donated to Rising Star Outreach. We hope you will support us in supporting them as we try and give leprosy a "run" for its money. To learn more visit us at www.invasionrun.com or see our facebook page at www.facebook.com/invasionrun

It’s exciting to read the blogs of volunteers like Kirsten Daines,

“I knew that coming to India and volunteering with Rising Star Outreach would change my life forever, but I never expected it to change it so drastically. When I read part of that quote by Gandhi, ‘Be the change,’ I like to take out the word ‘the.’ BE CHANGED. Let India change you. Let Rising Star Outreach change you. Let it change your life. I promise you won't regret it.”

Yes! It’s exciting to be part of Rising Star’s momentum as we move forward together, armed with hope and conviction to break the curse of leprosy

With excitement,

Sally Read

PS Please join us on Instagram—risingstaroutreach.

Monday, September 02, 2013
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President's Letter: One child or One pen at a time

Education

Many have responded with positive and supportive comments regarding our 10^th Standard students scoring in the 90^th percentile on the government exams. This accomplishment reflects the dedication and hard work of the students and of the teachers, who gave extra time to tutor and prepare the students for the exams. As we all know, education gives one options—options that sadly are not available to many children throughout the world.

Soniya and Mother

You may be familiar with the story of Malala Yousafzai, the young girl who was shot by the Taliban last year after speaking out in favor of girls’ education. In a speech at the United Nations she called on world leaders to provide free, compulsory education for every child. In her words, "Let us pick up our books and our pens. They are our most powerful weapons. One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.”

Rising Star recognizes that education is a powerful tool which should be a privilege for every child. One of our students, Soniya, recently shared her excitement about scoring well on an exam: “I was so happy and my parents were so happy. I know it will help me reach my goal of becoming a doctor one day!” Soniya now knows there are amazing possibilities beyond the curse of leprosy. She is an agent of change—maybe one child or one pen at a time!

Last month the Rising Star blog, launched a new initiative, Agent of Change, which recognizes a volunteer, partner, or supporter of Rising Star that exemplifies service and facilitates change. We are surrounded by examples of those who are making a difference through service, sharing resources, or advocating for positives change in the world. Check out our blog for new updates!

Join us and be an Agent of Change on August 20^th at out Shawn Bradley Charity Golf Event and President’s Brunch, “Women to Women.” A special panel of women will share their life experiences and the ways they have contributed to help Rising Star fulfill its mission. Go to our web site: www.rising staroutreach.org and sign up today!

And, please don't’ forget to join our Instragram—RISINGSTAROUTREACH—to see the latest photos from India!

See you at the Shawn Bradley Golf Event and President’s Brunch,

Sally Read

-- President of Rising Star Outreach