Debra Parkinson

We all learned about them in Real Estate School, but how many of us have acutally done one? I'd love some input from anyone with experience in exchanges.

Thank you.

"We must be the change we wish to see in the world". Mahatma Gahandi

I had a dream. My dream was to bring "Challenge Day" to Lake Arrowhead. After watching the Oprah Winfrey show on "Challenge Day" in the fall of 2006, I felt compelled to do something potentially life changing for the youth on our Mountain.

My husband and I moved here to the mountains in order to give our children a different/better life style than what big cities have to offer. What I discovered over the years was that even though we live in paradise the people that live here have the same problems as anywhere else, and the kids in our community face many incredibly difficult situations daily. I wanted to give our kids the gift of knowing that someone does care. I care.

Many people helped make my dream a reality, at any point doors could have slammed shut, but instead others saw the good that could come when kids recognize that other kids and adults "have their backs" and that they are not alone on their school campus.

I shared the Oprah program first with my daughters Kate & Becca and asked them what they thought...they said it would be a great thing. Next with Jane St. John, who passed the video on to Superintendent Clint Harwick. Mr. Harwick said that the program looked great, but that there were absolutely no funds for any project, regardless of how worthy. I assured Mr. Harwick that the Challenge Day would be privately funded.

Mr. Harwick passed the video on to Stephanie Phillips at Rim High and from that point on she and I were advocates of Change. Stephanie has been instrumental in making Challenge Day happen. Mr. Harwick approved the program prior to leaving ou district as Superintendent of Schools. I thank you Clint Harwick for saying yes! Our new Principal Dr. Steven Buyerly (sp?) also gave us the green light, so Stephanie & I were off and running. Tricia Ostrowski & Stephanie Phillips handled the logistics and organization at the high school. Brilliantly! I might add.

Robert Turner, Principal of MPH Junior High is a friend of ours. I gave Bob a copy of the program and he agreed to have the program at MPH as well. Stephanie Ito and Sue Cullen organized the event at MPH, and all participated including the vice principal Tad Smith. How cool is that?

What about the funding? The Lake Arrowhead Rotary (noon club) and Sunrise Rotary (morning club) each donated $5,000.00. The Rotary Clubs have offered yearly sponsorship of Challenge Day. This is why I am Rotarian, Rotary truly gives back to its community!

The support received from Rotarians went way beyond financial. We had several Rotarians participating as Adult Facilitators on each of the 3 days, as well as School Board Members, and other concerned adults that care about our kids. Volunteering, not knowing really what their role for the day would be, but just being willing to be there. The day was life changing for everyone that participated, students and adults alike. The role of the Adult Facilitators is one of LISTENING, and offering support.

Day one at the High School was for primarily 11^th, days two and three at the Junior High, for 7^th and 8^th grade students.

There were/are so many people I'd like to personally thank for stepping out of their comfort zones and really being present for the day:

The Students that did participate with open hearts and minds.

The Challenge Day Leaders from Oakland, California, Sean & Aunty Nola are FANTASTIC and touched us all! The local Adult Facilitators, we had approximately 30 each day. We received huge blessings didn't we?

And to Our friends Vic & Sandy Puglisi owners of MVP Sports for donating 400 T-shirts with the "Be The Change" logo on the front and "We must be the change, we wish to see in the world" Mahatma Gahandi on the back of the shirts. Thank you both so much for your generosity!

I am looking forward to seeing the ripple effect this event has on schools and our community. Dreams do come true!

Blessings, Debra K. Parkinson