Hello Fans!
This blog is going to be a mixture of personal and business, as well as being pretty lengthy. As you know, The Art of Encouragement is very dear to me and is something that I have poured my heart into for many years. So really, whenever we talk TAOE, we are talking personal. I want to thank you for standing along side of me in this journey. Can you believe we are moving into our 6th Christmas? I can hardly believe it myself!
Well, here it goes...
As I'm sure you remember, we were MOTIVATED and ready to start off a record breaking 2013 as soon as we woke up on December 26th. We released plans for our first ever cookbook and even set up an appointment with a non-profit lawyer to get the ball rolling on applying with the IRS for non-profit status (FINALLY, you will soon be able to write off those donations).
Let's start with the cookbook. The idea came from one of my favorite ladies ever. My Aunt Peggy loved her cookbooks and had more of them than anyone I've ever known. She had organized a cookbook fundraiser for her church and raised over $1000. Seeing as how that is how much it costs us to send 10,000 cards, she had me talked into it immediately. She told me all of the tips and tricks that she had learned along the way and had me excited to get back home and share the news with all of you. She always had a way of getting me excited about TAOE like it was our first year all over again. Sure enough, that weekend we tackled our 3rd year of airport outreach, made it through the Christmas holiday, and on the 28th I released a blog sharing my excitement about the cookbook.
2 days later, I lost my Aunt Peggy
Breast cancer stole her away, and I can't say I didn't know it was coming. When I'd hugged her less than 10 days before, I knew it would probably be the last time, but I didn't want to believe it, and I truly didn't think that I'd be getting that call in less than 10 days. I didn't just lose my aunt, or one of my best friends, I lost one of TAOE's most loyal supports. I lost a women who continually pushed the sweet old ladies in her Sunday School class to give a few dollars and sign a few cards. She took TAOE to her volunteer club and persuaded them to choose TAOE as one of their projects for the year. Each year I'd come to visit and we'd spend the days screening all of the cards she'd had people sign (over 1,000 each time), and then she'd hand me a check for all that she'd collected over the year, each year growing from the last. She lost the use of her entire right arm, but that didn't keep her from signing. She joked "I finally know why God made me left handed." I laughed at that, at the time, but she truly thought that. In her heart, she was left handed that day to bless me, to bless TAOE, and to bless a veteran with each card she signed. She was sick, she was tired, and she was in pain... but she never quit. She never even complained. I sure could take a note from her book. My Aunt Peggy didn't just support TAOE, but she supported ME. There are times when organizing how to get the cards and the money together, getting them screened, calling facilities, boxing cards, and filling up every post office drop box in a 10 mile radius of your house can be exhausting. There are times when I'm not sure I can do it another year, but she always reminded me that TAOE was not my own. She knew that TAOE was a calling from God, and He would always find a way to give me that extra push I needed to get it all done. She was often that extra push.
I continued to take submissions for the cookbook, but when I started to put it together, I just couldn't do it. It hurt too much and it took too much energy to try and not hurt. I met with the non-profit lawyer, started to make some really big strides in the paperwork, and then had ZERO energy to push through and complete it.
Energy, let's go with that next. In every heartache, there is a blessing. My sweet husband and I found out in late January that we are going to have our first baby! We've since found out that it is a little boy, and we are going to name him Lucas Allen. We couldn't be more thrilled! When I first found out, I was over the moon and couldn't wait for my husband to get home. I immediately downloaded an app to try and calculate when I would be due, and suddenly felt as if I'd been hit by a ton of bricks. If you don't know much about pregnancy it's calculated based on your last cycle and your due date is 40 weeks from that time. The beginning of my pregnancy started December 29th. One day before I lost my dear Aunt Peggy. I didn't know whether to smile and thank God knowing that He had exchanged a life that was so dear to me for another that would also be, or be utterly heartbroken that she would never meet my children or that I couldn't call her that second and tell her. Excitement and thanksgiving soon won over my heart, but part of me continued to ache by the lack of her presense. It still does, actually, and probably always will.
So with feeling like a part of my usual TAOE 'experience and encouragment' is missing, and having a sweet little baby sucking a large portion of my energy, I haven't quite been on my game the last 5 months. I never stop thinking of TAOE, but the motivation to press forward has just not been there. I want to apologize for the haitus I have taken. This organization can not function without all of the wonderful volunteers (that's YOU!) who are willing to take the time and effort to give a piece of yourself. That piece of you, no matter how large or small, is a part of a larger picture. A picture of 10,000 American Veterans who know they are appreicated and not forgotten on Christmas Day (or ever). A picture of active duty men and women, travelling through DFW, who get a Christmas card reminding them that they are appreciated. A picture of a hero who has lost hope, but is reminded by your letters that they are appreciated for their sacrifices. I owe you my sincerest apology that my piece has been missing from that picture, so far, this year. You all deserve better, and I'm hear to tell you that better I will strive to be!
My husband and I closed on our first home last week, and that means that TAOE 'headquarters" (both our storage and the office) are in the process of being moved. Once we are all settled in, I am back to hitting the pavement and getting things done! Will this year be different? Absolutely. Peggy will not be a large part of our card collection and fundraising, but you can be! I will be having a baby during our PRIME TIME, but I won't let that stop me. In fact, I still have plans of finally breaking our 10,000 card mark and adding at least another 1,000 to the card count. I have an amazing family and support system that will help me every step of the way, and I look forward to teaching little Lucas all about TAOE and the men and women who have sacrificed on our behalf to give us freedom. Afterall, he will need the passion to run this for me one day ;)
Thank you for being patient with me through this time. I appreciate your prayer and continued support, and I'm here to tell you I'm back and better than ever. Who's ready to get the 2013 card count started?!
Happy Signing Ya'll!
Ashley Fuhr
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Friday, May 31, 2013
Friday, December 28, 2012
The Cookbook Fundraiser 2013
You heard correctly, we're making a cookbook!
*Cookbooks are currently on hold due to some personal circumstances. Those who have ordered will be notified once they've been completed*
*Cookbooks are currently on hold due to some personal circumstances. Those who have ordered will be notified once they've been completed*
We took a vote on our Facebook page, and we are going to accept any type of recipes for our first annual cookbook. This cookbook will be a fundraiser for The Art of Encouragement. If you'd like to know what your money will be used for, please visit our Breakdown Blog Post.
Annual Cookbook Cost and Fees
Cost of our Annual Cookbook - $10.
Submitting a Recipe - Your first recipe is FREE.
Each additional recipe will cost $2.
Submitting a Recipe - Your first recipe is FREE.
Each additional recipe will cost $2.
We will be taking recipes through February 2nd. Cookbooks will be available for pickup/delivery by the end of February.
*Cookbooks are currently on hold due to some personal circumstances. Those who have ordered will be notified once they've been completed* If you would like your cookbook mailed to you, an additional fee will be added for shipping.
*Cookbooks are currently on hold due to some personal circumstances. Those who have ordered will be notified once they've been completed* If you would like your cookbook mailed to you, an additional fee will be added for shipping.
Unless you prefer to pay with check or cash, you will be invoiced via paypal.
If you'd like to reserve your cookbook(s), please email the following information to theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
- Your name
- Your full address (for shipping)
- Number of cookbooks
- How you would like to pay.
If you'd like to submit a recipe, please email the following information to theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
- Your complete recipe
- Your name
- Your city and state
- If you are in any way related to a military member, please provide your relation, their name, their rank, and their branch of service. Multiple family members may be provided (up to 5).
Please relay any pertinent information (for example, if the military member is retired, depolyed, deceased, etc,)
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask. We're hoping for a lot of support on this new project, so please consider sharing this with your friends.
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to try some of these recipes! Thank you for your willingness to help us honor those who have given the gift of freedom.
I don't know about you, but I can't wait to try some of these recipes! Thank you for your willingness to help us honor those who have given the gift of freedom.
God Bless You,
Ashley Hyde-Fuhr
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
The Helpful Hint
What Can You Do to Give Back to a Veteran?
The Art of Encouragement’s purpose is to spread a little Christmas cheer and encouragement to the men and women who have so bravely sacrificed to keep our country free. Many of our nation’s heroes are bound to VA hospitals and state nursing facilities during the holiday season. It is our hope that a hand-written Christmas card will brighten their day and help them to remember the spirit of the season. Help us send over 10,000 Christmas cards to veterans who may not receive anything else during the holiday season. We also visit DFW aiport, once a year, distribute cards to military members who are traveling during the holiday.
While collecting Christmas cards throughout the year, we also send encouragement packages to heroes who may need a little help. We want to ensure that every hero knows they are appreciated and that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Many of you have been asking how you can help get this year's card count off to a great start. Our largest need is always signed cards, so swing by your local store to get some Christmas cards on clearance! Everything you need to know should be below, but you if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to shoot us an email. If you'd simply like to make a donation to help us buy and distribute cards, please click the DONATE button below.
While collecting Christmas cards throughout the year, we also send encouragement packages to heroes who may need a little help. We want to ensure that every hero knows they are appreciated and that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.
Many of you have been asking how you can help get this year's card count off to a great start. Our largest need is always signed cards, so swing by your local store to get some Christmas cards on clearance! Everything you need to know should be below, but you if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to shoot us an email. If you'd simply like to make a donation to help us buy and distribute cards, please click the DONATE button below.
·
Thank you for your service to our country.
Your sacrifices are truly appreciated and will never be forgotten. Merry
Christmas! (Name, City, and State)
·
Your sacrifice to our country is a true
inspiration. We owe you a debt that we can never repay. Thank you for your
service. (Name, City, and State)
·
Your heroism is the reason that we celebrate
the holiday season in freedom. Thank you for your service. Merry Christmas!
(Name, City, and State)
When Are My Cards Due?
We accept cards all year long! If we do not receive your cards in time for the coming Christmas, they will simply be used for the next Christmas.
Please send cards to:
PO BOX 12922
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
How Can I Find Out More About The Art of Encouragement?
You can find out more about us on our website or our Facebook:
www.theartofencouragement.vpweb.com
www.facebook.com/TheArtofEncouragement
Or send us an email at theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
We accept cards all year long! If we do not receive your cards in time for the coming Christmas, they will simply be used for the next Christmas.
Please send cards to:
PO BOX 12922
Oklahoma City, OK 73157
How Can I Find Out More About The Art of Encouragement?
You can find out more about us on our website or our Facebook:
www.theartofencouragement.vpweb.com
www.facebook.com/TheArtofEncouragement
Or send us an email at theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
Freedom
is not free, and we hope to make sure that EVERY veteran hears the words
"Thank You" at least once in their lifetime.
Cards WITHOUT a genuine thank you will NOT be accepted.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!
Cards WITHOUT a genuine thank you will NOT be accepted.
THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP AND SUPPORT!
Monday, November 26, 2012
The Birthday Wish
Hey Guys!
Ashley here (as always). Today is my birthday and I am up calling the first veteran facilities of the year. Each year I get so excited for this day, but by tomorrow I will have given out all of the cards that we worked all year to sign. Unfortunately, there will still be facilities on my list that I didn't get to call. I am always hit with a bit of sadness that I think will linger until I am able to leave messages at all of the facilities in our nation. Luckily, I'm also so overjoyed at what we have accomplished! 10,000 cards for the last two years! We're only at 8,925 right now, but we will get to 10,000 again this year. I'm sure of it! That is 10,000 lives that we have the ability to change, and I'm so greatful for your help.
We were blessed by a huge donation from the Giamportone's this year. A gift of $1000. That will send ALL of this year's cards, and I we couldn't be more appreciative of these friends.
I have had a few friends, family, and volunteers ask what I want for my birthday. The Art of Encouragement is my passion and all I can ask for is your support. Each year, so many of you fight the crowds the day after Christmas to buy the clearance Christmas cards, you spend the year signing them until the holidays roll around again. Then you fight the crowd at the post office to send your cards my way, and even slip a $20 bill in the package to help send the cards off again.
I'm so greatful for YOU this holiday season. YOU have helped this dream become a reality. YOU have made it what it is today.
So, for my birthday, I'm asking for your help...again
For my birthday, I ask that you swing by the closest store, buy a box of Christmas cards and sign them.
It probably won't make it to this year's card count, but I really am determined to make it to 12,000 next year. I WILL call every facility someday!
For my birthday, I ask that, if you don't want to send signed cards, that you click the donate button below and give $10.
Do you know what your $10 can do? It can send 100 cards to our veterans. It can help pay for the plane ticket of a lovely young photographer who takes the time out of her busy holiday schedule to shoot pictures of us passing out cards to veterans at the airport. It can send an envelope full of encouraging letters to a hero who may think that no one cares about what he went through. It can fill up my gas tank so I can drive to the boonies to shake a dying hero's hand and let him know he's not forgotten. It can print inserts and business cards so when someone asks why I'm buying 2 carts fulls of cards after Christmas, I can tell them who we are and give them something to remember us by. It can also help buy those cart fulls of Christmas cards. =)
Please, if you're reading this, I ask that you promise to buy a box of cards and sign them, or donate $10. This dream is going to continue to grow, but I can't do it without you. For my birthday, I just wish for your help.
Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season,
Ashley Hyde-Fuhr
Founder of The Art of Encouragment
Ashley here (as always). Today is my birthday and I am up calling the first veteran facilities of the year. Each year I get so excited for this day, but by tomorrow I will have given out all of the cards that we worked all year to sign. Unfortunately, there will still be facilities on my list that I didn't get to call. I am always hit with a bit of sadness that I think will linger until I am able to leave messages at all of the facilities in our nation. Luckily, I'm also so overjoyed at what we have accomplished! 10,000 cards for the last two years! We're only at 8,925 right now, but we will get to 10,000 again this year. I'm sure of it! That is 10,000 lives that we have the ability to change, and I'm so greatful for your help.
We were blessed by a huge donation from the Giamportone's this year. A gift of $1000. That will send ALL of this year's cards, and I we couldn't be more appreciative of these friends.
I have had a few friends, family, and volunteers ask what I want for my birthday. The Art of Encouragement is my passion and all I can ask for is your support. Each year, so many of you fight the crowds the day after Christmas to buy the clearance Christmas cards, you spend the year signing them until the holidays roll around again. Then you fight the crowd at the post office to send your cards my way, and even slip a $20 bill in the package to help send the cards off again.
I'm so greatful for YOU this holiday season. YOU have helped this dream become a reality. YOU have made it what it is today.
So, for my birthday, I'm asking for your help...again
For my birthday, I ask that you swing by the closest store, buy a box of Christmas cards and sign them.
It probably won't make it to this year's card count, but I really am determined to make it to 12,000 next year. I WILL call every facility someday!
For my birthday, I ask that, if you don't want to send signed cards, that you click the donate button below and give $10.
Do you know what your $10 can do? It can send 100 cards to our veterans. It can help pay for the plane ticket of a lovely young photographer who takes the time out of her busy holiday schedule to shoot pictures of us passing out cards to veterans at the airport. It can send an envelope full of encouraging letters to a hero who may think that no one cares about what he went through. It can fill up my gas tank so I can drive to the boonies to shake a dying hero's hand and let him know he's not forgotten. It can print inserts and business cards so when someone asks why I'm buying 2 carts fulls of cards after Christmas, I can tell them who we are and give them something to remember us by. It can also help buy those cart fulls of Christmas cards. =)
Please, if you're reading this, I ask that you promise to buy a box of cards and sign them, or donate $10. This dream is going to continue to grow, but I can't do it without you. For my birthday, I just wish for your help.
Thank you and have a wonderful holiday season,
Ashley Hyde-Fuhr
Founder of The Art of Encouragment
Saturday, August 11, 2012
The August 2012 Hero of the Month - Dennis Hall
Our August Hero of the Month is 63 year old Dennis Hall. Mr. Hall is a Vietnam Veteran who has terminal cancer (believed to be a result of his exposure to chemicals during the war). Doctor's have given Dennis less than a year to live, and he has one goal he'd like to achieved before he leaves this life. He and his daughter plan to take a pilgrimage to the Vietnam War Memorial, in Washington D.C., at the end of this month.
Mr. Hall is from the small town of Bridgeport, Oklahoma. His community held a garage and bake sale this weekend to help raise funds to make sure Dennis gets his last wish. He wants to make the trip in order to honor the friends he lost while in Vietnam."I think my life will be complete", Dennis said "It has been a dream of mine for a long time."
We are happy to announce that this fundraiser not only raised enough money to send Dennis on his trip, but it will also help with his final arrangements, ones fit for a true hero.
We are happy to announce that this fundraiser not only raised enough money to send Dennis on his trip, but it will also help with his final arrangements, ones fit for a true hero.
Dennis has trouble standing because of his illness, but this Fourth of July he insisted on standing with the American Flag during a community tribute and parade. When talking about his illness, Mr. Hall said he'd do it all again to serve his country.
Hall married his wife after returning from Vietnam. They have been married for 40 wonderful years and have 2 children. The Hall's are known in their community as some of the most giving individuals around. They took in over 4 other children, over the years, out of the goodness of their hearts. Those that know them said they have done without so that they could give all they could for others. We are so happy the community has rallied around them to help grant Dennis' last wish.
We would like to send Dennis on of our encouragement packages for his trip to Washington D.C. We have to get this one out quick, so please take a few moments to write a letter to Dennis. Let him know you are grateful for his service and continued sacrifice, tell him what freedoms you're thankful for, and tell him a little bit about yourself. Many of our Vietnam veterans have never been told "Thank You" for the sacrifices they have made (and continue to make). PLEASE help us thank this hero. We're hoping to have over 50 letters, along with some travel essentials. If you'd like to help fund this package, please click the donate button on the right side of this page.
Please email your letters to theartofencouragement@yahoo.com by August 24th, 2012 (at 8am central time) to ensure we get the package to Mr. Hall before his big adventure.
God Bless you for your time. We couldn't honor our heroes without your help!
Ashley Hyde-Fuhr
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
For up to date info, visit us on facebook!
www.facebook.com/TheArtofEncouragement
www.facebook.com/TheArtofEncouragement
See Dennis Hall's story on OK News 9 here:
http://www.news9.com/story/19243041/family-of-oklahoma-vietnam-vet-hosting-sale-to-grant-dying-wish#.UCVX_aYzeu5.facebook
http://www.news9.com/story/19243041/family-of-oklahoma-vietnam-vet-hosting-sale-to-grant-dying-wish#.UCVX_aYzeu5.facebook
Monday, July 23, 2012
The Annual Breakdown
I've had a lot of people ask how much it costs to run The Art of Encouragement, lately. Honestly, each year is different, and it depends on how many cards we send, how many encouragement packages we send, how many events we do, and the general cost of "stuff" that year.
The following is a general breakdown of our average yearly costs
Cards average $0.10 each to send. That's $1,000 to send 10,000 cards to our veterans each Christmas.
TOTAL = $1,000
Encouragement packages average $20 each to produce and send. We average around 6 each year, adding up to $120.
TOTAL = $1000 + $120 = $1120
Each of our cards includes an insert explaining our mission and how to contact us. 10,000 inserts costs an average of $300, before shipping costs. Shipping for each shipment averages $15, equaling $30.
TOTAL = $1120 + $300 +$30 = $1,450
Each month we spend $5 on our website. We are now in the process of building a new website that will up the costs until we are able to full transition over. For the next year we will avearage $10 a month, totaling $120.
TOTAL = $1450 + $120 = $1,570
We spend an avereage of $300 in gas to travel to and from our events, that take place all over Oklahoma (and occasionally in other states!)
TOTAL = $1570 + $300 = $1,870
For the Christmas of 2011, two volunteers and one volunteer photographer traveled to DFW airport to pass out cards to our heroes traveling in uniform. With taxes and fees, the airline tickets of the 3 volunteers cost $425
TOTAL = $1870 + $425 = $2,295
For the last two years, we have signed our way through 10,000 cards. Our first year, we had a sizeable donation of cards, but we did not receive that last year. Because of this, we had to purchase new cards to help keep our stock up. $200 (We were so lucky to get a STEAL on the cards after Christmas!)
TOTAL = $2295 + 200 = $2,495
There are also quite a few little things that many may not think about, including waterproof totes to house our cards ($150 was spent over the last two years), rubberbands to help sort the cards, ($25 each year), paper and ink to print flyers, instructions sheets, and letters to our facilities ($150 each year), thank you cards to our donors ($20 a year), and pens to take to signing events ($30 a year).
TOTAL = $2495 + $150 + $25 + $150 + $20 + $30 = $2,670.
Also, new to TAOE this year, we gave a cash scholarship that was selected based on the outstanding service of a young women competing in the Miss Altus (Oklahoma) Scholarship Pageant. The Art of Encouragement was created in Altus (while I was the reigning Miss Altus), and the town embraced my passion and made it a reality. Without the support of that wonderful community, we would have not been able to successfully reach so many about the mission of TAOE. As founder, I feel it is important to not only support the community that so humbly supported us, but to fuel the giving and volunteering of other young people, in order to make our world a better place. I personally donated $100 dollars and so did my best friend, Rachel Newton. Together, we were able to give a $200 cash college scholarship named after The Art of Encouragment that promotes the act of community service. While this doesn't technically add to our total, we like to let you know about the things we support in TAOE's name.
The following is a general breakdown of our average yearly costs
Cards average $0.10 each to send. That's $1,000 to send 10,000 cards to our veterans each Christmas.
TOTAL = $1,000
Encouragement packages average $20 each to produce and send. We average around 6 each year, adding up to $120.
TOTAL = $1000 + $120 = $1120
Each of our cards includes an insert explaining our mission and how to contact us. 10,000 inserts costs an average of $300, before shipping costs. Shipping for each shipment averages $15, equaling $30.
TOTAL = $1120 + $300 +$30 = $1,450
Each month we spend $5 on our website. We are now in the process of building a new website that will up the costs until we are able to full transition over. For the next year we will avearage $10 a month, totaling $120.
TOTAL = $1450 + $120 = $1,570
We spend an avereage of $300 in gas to travel to and from our events, that take place all over Oklahoma (and occasionally in other states!)
TOTAL = $1570 + $300 = $1,870
For the Christmas of 2011, two volunteers and one volunteer photographer traveled to DFW airport to pass out cards to our heroes traveling in uniform. With taxes and fees, the airline tickets of the 3 volunteers cost $425
TOTAL = $1870 + $425 = $2,295
For the last two years, we have signed our way through 10,000 cards. Our first year, we had a sizeable donation of cards, but we did not receive that last year. Because of this, we had to purchase new cards to help keep our stock up. $200 (We were so lucky to get a STEAL on the cards after Christmas!)
TOTAL = $2295 + 200 = $2,495
There are also quite a few little things that many may not think about, including waterproof totes to house our cards ($150 was spent over the last two years), rubberbands to help sort the cards, ($25 each year), paper and ink to print flyers, instructions sheets, and letters to our facilities ($150 each year), thank you cards to our donors ($20 a year), and pens to take to signing events ($30 a year).
TOTAL = $2495 + $150 + $25 + $150 + $20 + $30 = $2,670.
Also, new to TAOE this year, we gave a cash scholarship that was selected based on the outstanding service of a young women competing in the Miss Altus (Oklahoma) Scholarship Pageant. The Art of Encouragement was created in Altus (while I was the reigning Miss Altus), and the town embraced my passion and made it a reality. Without the support of that wonderful community, we would have not been able to successfully reach so many about the mission of TAOE. As founder, I feel it is important to not only support the community that so humbly supported us, but to fuel the giving and volunteering of other young people, in order to make our world a better place. I personally donated $100 dollars and so did my best friend, Rachel Newton. Together, we were able to give a $200 cash college scholarship named after The Art of Encouragment that promotes the act of community service. While this doesn't technically add to our total, we like to let you know about the things we support in TAOE's name.
$2,670
Please keep in mind that this is an average annual cost for us. These are things that we are guaranteed to spend money on each year. Inevitably, we tend to spend more than this becuase of other little things that come up throughout the year. This year we also bought furniture for a new TAOE office, and we are finally going to be able to file nationally for our non-profit status with the IRS. The filing cost for a non-profit can cost anywhere from $500-$1,000 depending on the specifics of your non-profit, and this does not include the amount we will pay both lawyers and CPAs to file the different portions to different state and federal agencies.
We also hope to send at least 2,000 more cards this year than we have the last two. This will up our costs a few hundred extra dollars, but we will find a way to make it happen!
We also hope to send at least 2,000 more cards this year than we have the last two. This will up our costs a few hundred extra dollars, but we will find a way to make it happen!
We always strive to be completely transparent with our volunteers, supporters, and friends. We want you to know where your time and money is being invested. If you have any questions about our annual breakdown, please ask! Thank you for believing in what we do and for helping us honor those who have given us the gift of freedom.
God Bless!
Ashley Hyde-Fuhr
Founder
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
The FEBRUARY Hero of the Month - Ashley Jones
Wow. I'm bursting to tell you about February's Hero of the Month!
Everyone, Meet Specialist Ashley Jones!
SPC Ashley Jones was raised in the small town of Cleveland, Oklahoma where only 3,200 people reside (CAN WE GET HER SOME LOVE, OKLAHOMA?!). Jones was 17 years old when she chose to join the Oklahoma Army National Guard in order to help aid with her college costs. After her first semester at Tulsa Community College, the call came for Jones to prepare for deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.Jones is assigned to Company C, 700 Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (or IBCT), as a combat medic. She often traveled on convoys to provide medical support. She recently was involved in a firefight and earned the Combat Medic Badge for being engaged by the enemy and continuing to treat a fellow Soldier.
Shortly after, on December 18, 2011, Jones' convoy was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED). She broke her back and pelvis in the attack, and doctors were forced to amputate her right foot above the ankle. This made her the first amputee in the 45th IBCT.
Below, is a picture of Ashley receiving her Purple Heart
Ashley is loved by everyone in the 45th and was nominated for HERO OF THE MONTH by a fellow soldier. Below, she is laughing with some of her friends from the 45th.
Ashley has a vivacious sense of humor and is always laughing. We'd like to thank Ashley for her service and sacrifice to our country by overwhelming her with thank you letters from around the world.
As always, if you're a friend or family member of Ashley's, please help us ensure that this encouragement package comes as a SURPRISE! That's right, you have to keep a secret! =)
Well, you guys know the drill! Please send your letters to
We are now taking letters until February 29th at 10pm, but don't delay! The sooner we have the letters, the better!
If you'd like to help with the cost of our Hero of the Month Program (includes printing, shipping, and the goodies inside each package) Please follow the link below. Thank you!
Sunday, October 16, 2011
The Need
Hello everyone!
We are working hard to get all of your cards screened and sorted so we can send them off to our nation's heroes this holiday season.
Please send your signed cards as soon as you can! We would like to send at least as many as we did last year, and would love to have all of them packed up and ready to send by Thanksgiving.
Also, we are still looking for funds to help us send cards, buy cards after the holiday season, and to visit DFW airport, on Christmas Eve, to pass our cards to our heroes that are traveling.
We are working hard to get all of your cards screened and sorted so we can send them off to our nation's heroes this holiday season.
Please send your signed cards as soon as you can! We would like to send at least as many as we did last year, and would love to have all of them packed up and ready to send by Thanksgiving.
Also, we are still looking for funds to help us send cards, buy cards after the holiday season, and to visit DFW airport, on Christmas Eve, to pass our cards to our heroes that are traveling.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
The Friendly Reminder
Well everyone, remember when I said the deadline for cards was October 1st? Where has all of the time gone?!
We are less than a month away from the deadline and only have about 25% of our goal!! If it has snuck up on me, I know it has snuck up on all of you. This is your friendly reminder that the clock is ticking! Christmas cards are going to start creeping up in your favorite stores so grab a few boxes, sign a few cards, and send them our way!
We have made plans to do our Airport Outreach again this year! To hear about last year's adventure, just click HERE! We will be headed out to DFW on Christmas Eve to pass out Christmas cards. If we're lucky, we may also have a photographer tailing us, so we will be sure to share the entire adventure with you!
Of course (and unfortunately!) we can't send these cards for free. We know everyone is saving up for that perfect Christmas gift, but if you have a few extra dollars, please consider donating to The Art of Encouragement.
Did you know that $10 will send a Christmas card to 100 veterans in either a VA hospital or a VA state nursing home? That's 100 lives that you could touch, and 100 heroes that might not get anything else for Christmas. Please help us make sure that these heroes know that their heroism and sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
If you have an hour to sit and write these heroes a card, to tell them thank you and that they are not forgotten, we need you, and we thank you.
If you have $10 or more to help us touch the hearts and lives of 20,000 heroes, we need you, and we thank you.
Maybe you don't have the time or the money to help, but you still want to do something. Guess what?! We need you, and we thank you!
Please share this mission with your friends and family. It takes an army of people to make this happen every year, and your help to spread the word is what creates the army! We thank you for standing with us, helping us, and beleiving in our mission! We simply want to thank those who have stood for us, protected us, and kept us free.
CLICK HERE to find out "How to Sign a Card for TAOE"
CLICK HERE to find out "Where to Send your Cards"
CLICK HERE to like us on Facebook
or CLICK HERE to visit our website and find out more about us!
To Donate, Please Click the Button Below:
God Bless You and Merry Christmas,
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement.
We are less than a month away from the deadline and only have about 25% of our goal!! If it has snuck up on me, I know it has snuck up on all of you. This is your friendly reminder that the clock is ticking! Christmas cards are going to start creeping up in your favorite stores so grab a few boxes, sign a few cards, and send them our way!
We have made plans to do our Airport Outreach again this year! To hear about last year's adventure, just click HERE! We will be headed out to DFW on Christmas Eve to pass out Christmas cards. If we're lucky, we may also have a photographer tailing us, so we will be sure to share the entire adventure with you!
Of course (and unfortunately!) we can't send these cards for free. We know everyone is saving up for that perfect Christmas gift, but if you have a few extra dollars, please consider donating to The Art of Encouragement.
Did you know that $10 will send a Christmas card to 100 veterans in either a VA hospital or a VA state nursing home? That's 100 lives that you could touch, and 100 heroes that might not get anything else for Christmas. Please help us make sure that these heroes know that their heroism and sacrifice is greatly appreciated.
If you have an hour to sit and write these heroes a card, to tell them thank you and that they are not forgotten, we need you, and we thank you.
If you have $10 or more to help us touch the hearts and lives of 20,000 heroes, we need you, and we thank you.
Maybe you don't have the time or the money to help, but you still want to do something. Guess what?! We need you, and we thank you!
Please share this mission with your friends and family. It takes an army of people to make this happen every year, and your help to spread the word is what creates the army! We thank you for standing with us, helping us, and beleiving in our mission! We simply want to thank those who have stood for us, protected us, and kept us free.
CLICK HERE to find out "How to Sign a Card for TAOE"
CLICK HERE to find out "Where to Send your Cards"
CLICK HERE to like us on Facebook
or CLICK HERE to visit our website and find out more about us!
To Donate, Please Click the Button Below:
God Bless You and Merry Christmas,
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The AUGUST Hero of the Month - Rusty Dunagan
We've decided to allow a little extra time to receive letters for our hero of the month, since we had such difficulty collecting for our last one. This month's hero was nominated by his Aunt, Susan Porter. She describes Rusty better than I ever could, so I will let you enjoy parts of her nomination letter so you can get to know Rusty a little better...
"During the wee morning hours of 9/22/2010, my birthday, while the dew still clung to the grass, and the sun had barely graced the darkness, my nephew, Sgt. Rusty Dunagan and his unit, encountered an IED during a routine patrol in Afghanistan. When the IED exploded, Rusty was thrown into a creek with sewer laden water. He remembers in quite vivid detail trying to get up, but being unable to do so. Looking around for an explanation, Rusty then realized the reason why he couldn't get up---it was then that he recognized one of his legs on the embankment. Rusty lost both legs and his left arm, becoming one of 23 triple amputees from this war. But another type of war was just beginning. The open wounds from his limb loss created a breeding ground from the bacteria in the water; and Rusty had lost quite a bit of blood.I was with Rusty when he received his purple heart. Very little was said as the gold medal, hanging by a wide purple ribbon, was pinned to his chest. Deplete of fanfare, or a cheering crowd, normally expressed at an awards ceremony, there was a very profound silence. This medal is not one that a soldier seeks, for it demands the greatest of sacrifice.Rusty is an incredible young man, with an earthy laugh and an amazing sense of humor. His father, Richard Dunagan said it best, "The best parts of Rusty were not taken." The 34 surgeries he has encountered have not daunted his eagerness to live life to the fullest, nor has it stopped him from being a great father and excellent husband."
Wow, what a hero! Rusty is currently living in Oklahoma (To all of my Oklahomans out there, let's show him some Okie love!). He loves to read, play video games and, of course, spend time with is family.
Rusty is also a huge movie buff! If he could meet any actor, it would be Clint Eastwood (he's a HUGE fan) followed by Bruce Willis and Will Smith.
Alright, you guys know the drill! Send us your letters of encouragement for Rusty at
We will be taking letters until August 5th at midnight, but don't delay! The sooner we have the letters, the better!
UPDATE - We will be presenting these letters to Rusty (IN PERSON) on August 6th in Guthrie, OK!
If you'd like to help with the cost of our Hero of the Month Program (includes printing, shipping, and the goodies inside each package) Please follow the link below. Thank you!
Saturday, April 2, 2011
The APRIL Hero of the Month - Ronnie McCulley
It's that time again! Our Hero of the Month is Ronnie McCulley. Ronnie is a 21 year-old from Owasso, Oklahoma.
Ronnie spent six months patrolling the rugged mountains of Afghanistan until he was injured in October 2010.
At about 3 o'clock in the morning, Ronnie saw a few guys that were walking in the riverbed in front of him.
We only received 33 letters for our last hero of the month, and we know you can do better than that! Share this blog with your friends. The more letters, the better!
As always, we love for our packages to come as a surprise to the hero! If you know Ronnie, help us keep the surprise going! Thank you!
Here are a couple of great news stories about Ronnie!
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20110326_12_A15_CUTLIN907118&archive=yes
Ronnie spent six months patrolling the rugged mountains of Afghanistan until he was injured in October 2010.
At about 3 o'clock in the morning, Ronnie saw a few guys that were walking in the riverbed in front of him.
Before he could call for help, he was hit with an incendiary device. His entire body caught on fire.
Countless surgeries later, Specialist McCulley is home. A cane and compression bandages are the only signs of his battle wounds. Specialist McCulley expects to undergo even more surgeries, including one to amputate his pinky.
Perhaps my favorite thing about this young hero is his gratitude. Despite all that he has gone through, he continues to keep a positive attitude, while thanking everyone around him for supporting him.
"You see people who have it way worse. It was an honor and a blessing to serve my country," the 21-year-old said.
Personally, I think his father said it best, "He's always thanking people and really, we need to be thanking him".
Alright guys, you know the drill! Let's overload this hero with some notes of encouragement and gratitude!
Email us your notes/letters at theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
Please put HERO OF THE MONTH in the subject line. Also, include your name, age, and where you are from.
Send them in by April 20th at 11:59pm. We will take care of making sure Ronnie receives all of your amazing letters!
A hero contintues to be strong on the outside because it is their job; it is their nature. No one can possibly know of the struggle that wrestles inside the brave and injured men and women of our armed forces. Let's make sure they always have something to remind them that people are grateful for their sacrfice, even in their darkest hours.
We only received 33 letters for our last hero of the month, and we know you can do better than that! Share this blog with your friends. The more letters, the better!
DON'T DELAY!!! Send us your letters today!
As always, we love for our packages to come as a surprise to the hero! If you know Ronnie, help us keep the surprise going! Thank you!
Here are a couple of great news stories about Ronnie!
http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/article.aspx?subjectid=11&articleid=20110326_12_A15_CUTLIN907118&archive=yes
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Card-A-Thon
What an experience! Our first public Card-A-Thon was a success!
We were able to sign 500 cards in a 5 hour period, and raise a total of $130 in pledges and donations!
We would like to thank Lush Fashions of OKC, the OK County Sheriff's Department, News 9, Fox 25, and all of the volunteers who came out to donate and sign cards.
Another exciting part of our Card-A-Thon was the amount of publicity we received because of it. Because of News 9 and Fox 25's interest in our charity project, we were able to reach a multitude of Oklahomans in and around the Metro area.
Check out our live interview before the Card-A-Thon
AND
our feature story after the Card-A-Thon, both from News 9
We were able to sign 500 cards in a 5 hour period, and raise a total of $130 in pledges and donations!
We would like to thank Lush Fashions of OKC, the OK County Sheriff's Department, News 9, Fox 25, and all of the volunteers who came out to donate and sign cards.
Another exciting part of our Card-A-Thon was the amount of publicity we received because of it. Because of News 9 and Fox 25's interest in our charity project, we were able to reach a multitude of Oklahomans in and around the Metro area.
Check out our live interview before the Card-A-Thon
AND
our feature story after the Card-A-Thon, both from News 9
Thursday, March 3, 2011
The Pledge
Hello Everyone!
We are so excited for our first ever public Card-A-Thon! We will be at Quail Springs Mall this Saturday (March 5th, 2011) from 10am-3pm. We will be in the Oklahoma Sheriff's Department Sub-Station, just inside the Northeast mall entrance (Between Dillards and Sears).
We hope that you are able to join us as we inch closer to our goal of sending 20,000 Christmas cards to our heroic veterans!
We are also in need of individuals, groups, and businesses to make monetary pledges in order to cover the shipping costs of the cards! For every 10 cards we sign, it costs approximately $1 to ship them. If you think your $1 won't make a difference, think again! 10 lives could be impacted this holiday season because of your single dollar.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover the shipping of the cards we sign this Saturday. Pledging your donation is so easy, and you can even do it in the comfort of your own home!
We are so excited for our first ever public Card-A-Thon! We will be at Quail Springs Mall this Saturday (March 5th, 2011) from 10am-3pm. We will be in the Oklahoma Sheriff's Department Sub-Station, just inside the Northeast mall entrance (Between Dillards and Sears).
We hope that you are able to join us as we inch closer to our goal of sending 20,000 Christmas cards to our heroic veterans!
We are also in need of individuals, groups, and businesses to make monetary pledges in order to cover the shipping costs of the cards! For every 10 cards we sign, it costs approximately $1 to ship them. If you think your $1 won't make a difference, think again! 10 lives could be impacted this holiday season because of your single dollar.
Our goal is to raise enough funds to cover the shipping of the cards we sign this Saturday. Pledging your donation is so easy, and you can even do it in the comfort of your own home!
- If you'd like to pledge now by debit or credit card, just click the donate button below!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
The Nominations
WE ARE NOW TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR OUR NEXT HERO OF THE MONTH!!!
This year, we are sending surprise encouragement packages to our country's heroes every month.
Our inspiration came from this great paper we found at Mardel!
After selecting a hero (either past or present military personnel), we will send out a request for encouragement. People around the world will email us encouraging notes and letters addressed to our selected hero. We will print these encouraging notes on the paper above, and send them to our hero. Hopefully we will be able to help our nation's heroes through some tough times.
Do you have a hero in mind that needs some encouragement?
We are now taking nominations for our Hero of the Month.
Please email us their story and why you think we should choose them as our Hero of the Month. Please keep all nominations 750 words or less : theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
Nominations for the following month are due by the last day of the current month!!! Don't Delay!
Please leave your contact information and put "HERO OF THE MONTH" in the subject line.
Nominations will be taken all year long. The month in which you nominate will qualify you for the following month's selection.
After reading the nominations, we will allow our facebook fans to vote on their favorite story.
Good luck and happy nominating!
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Want to help cover the shipping of our Hero of the Month packages? Donate to TAOE via the button below. You just need a credit or debit card!
Our Heroes of the Month
Chaz Allen - February 2011 (Read More Here)
Ronnie McCulley - April 2011 (Read More Here)
Rusty Dunagan - August 2011 (Read More Here)
This year, we are sending surprise encouragement packages to our country's heroes every month.
Our inspiration came from this great paper we found at Mardel!
Do you have a hero in mind that needs some encouragement?
We are now taking nominations for our Hero of the Month.
Please email us their story and why you think we should choose them as our Hero of the Month. Please keep all nominations 750 words or less : theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
Nominations for the following month are due by the last day of the current month!!! Don't Delay!
Please leave your contact information and put "HERO OF THE MONTH" in the subject line.
Please include info like name, hometown, age, name of family members, and a picture if possible. We want to know as much as we can!
We must have a current address in order to send our package. PLEASE include this address in your nomination letter.
(If your nomination is not chosen this month, it will be placed in the running for next month, for your convenience. We will contact you prior to selecting your hero to make sure your nomination is still relevent at the time of selection.)We must have a current address in order to send our package. PLEASE include this address in your nomination letter.
Nominations will be taken all year long. The month in which you nominate will qualify you for the following month's selection.
After reading the nominations, we will allow our facebook fans to vote on their favorite story.
Good luck and happy nominating!
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Want to help cover the shipping of our Hero of the Month packages? Donate to TAOE via the button below. You just need a credit or debit card!
Our Heroes of the Month
Chaz Allen - February 2011 (Read More Here)
Ronnie McCulley - April 2011 (Read More Here)
Rusty Dunagan - August 2011 (Read More Here)
Thursday, February 3, 2011
February's Hero of the Month
Hey Everyone!
We received one nomination for TAOE's February “HERO OF THE MONTH”, and I’m glad we didn’t have to decide between more than one!
We need your help to send encouragement to our chosen soldier! Just a reminder, our hero of the month program is a chance for you to write a letter to an American hero. Please take a moment from your busy schedule to thank someone who has ensured your freedom.
Staff Sergeant Chaz Allen, a soldier from Ravia, Oklahoma, was hit with an IED in Afghanistan on January 21st. He was transported to the US military hospital at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Both of Chaz’s legs were amputated above the knees. He also suffered a broken arm and a handful of other injuries.
SSG Allen was transported to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. and was in surgery on Wednesday January 26th. His mother called the hospital and found out about the surgery, but didn't know what the surgery was for.
Chaz’s mother, Denise, left for Washington D.C. on Friday January 28th. She wants to thank everyone again for all the prayers and support she has received. She said Chaz was moved to a less intensive ICU room, and is doing better.
Chaz’s wife says his spirits are really good and he is joking around. He told his Dad he wanted some OU shorts. He really likes OU stuff and wants everyone to know he is from Oklahoma!
Chaz graduate from Tishomingo High School (in Oklahoma). He has been serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army since June.
We received one nomination for TAOE's February “HERO OF THE MONTH”, and I’m glad we didn’t have to decide between more than one!
We need your help to send encouragement to our chosen soldier! Just a reminder, our hero of the month program is a chance for you to write a letter to an American hero. Please take a moment from your busy schedule to thank someone who has ensured your freedom.
This nomination is a special one and it comes from Joy Reader-Cummings.
Staff Sergeant Chaz Allen, a soldier from Ravia, Oklahoma, was hit with an IED in Afghanistan on January 21st. He was transported to the US military hospital at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Both of Chaz’s legs were amputated above the knees. He also suffered a broken arm and a handful of other injuries.
SSG Allen was transported to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington D.C. and was in surgery on Wednesday January 26th. His mother called the hospital and found out about the surgery, but didn't know what the surgery was for.
Chaz’s mother, Denise, left for Washington D.C. on Friday January 28th. She wants to thank everyone again for all the prayers and support she has received. She said Chaz was moved to a less intensive ICU room, and is doing better.
Chaz’s wife says his spirits are really good and he is joking around. He told his Dad he wanted some OU shorts. He really likes OU stuff and wants everyone to know he is from Oklahoma!
Chaz graduate from Tishomingo High School (in Oklahoma). He has been serving in Afghanistan with the U.S. Army since June.
Please read Mr. Chaz Allen’s story and send us your notes of thanks, encouragement, and well wishes.
All messages must be received by Monday February 7th at 7pm (Central Standard Time).
The package will be send Monday afternoon.
The package will be send Monday afternoon.
You can submit your message to Chaz via email at theartofencouragement@yahoo.com.
Don't forget to sign your name, age, and where you're from.
Please feel free to pass this note along to your friends. The more messages the better!
THANK YOU!
Ashley Hyde
Founder - The Art of Encouragement
***EDIT***
Here are some of the goodies we sent to Chaz!
A comfy OU Shirt and a no-sew pillow to help keep warm in those cold hospital rooms!
A comfy OU Shirt and a no-sew pillow to help keep warm in those cold hospital rooms!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
The Reason
I had the privilege of speaking to a new American about The Art of Encouragement the other day. As a military brat, I've spent my entire 23 years bleeding red, white, and blue. This conversation truly moved me; I realized how often Americans take for granted their freedom.
I was signing some Christmas cards in my free time and she asked "What are those cards for? Isn't it past Christmas?"
I replied with my usual short info-mmerical about The Art of Encouragement.
"Oh, so you get paid to do it. I see"
"No, no, no." I replied. "I do this for free. It's volunteer work"
"Why would you spend so much time doing that....for people you don't even know?" She asked me
*A GOLDEN WINDOW OF OPPURTUNITY*
"Because I want to give back to the men and women who have given me my freedom. America didn't just become a free nation and stay that way. The reason that you and I can pick our jobs, live where we want to, shop with our friends, walk down the street...that is all because of the men and women who have served in the American military. They have defended our country against anyone who wishes to try to harm us or take our freedom away, and done so successfully. Without them, we would not get to do a lot of the things we do everyday."
"And they still do this now?"
"Yes. Everyday their are thousands and thousands of servicemen and women defending our country. Not just here in America, but all over the world."
"I guess I never really knew there were so many of them"
"Yep. So that's why I write these cards. Some of them are in hospitals or retirement homes at Christmas, and many of them don't have family or are unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones. I send a card so that they know someone is thinking about them at Christmas, even if they are alone. It's also a really easy way to say "THANK YOU" for all of the freedoms we get to enjoy because of them.
"Cool"
It wasn't the most profound conversation, but I got the message across. I'm not sure how long this women has lived in the United States, but I do know she has been a citizen for less than 6 months. She didn't grow up learning the history that is so ingrained within the average American. She is just now getting to hear the stories and learn the history of this great country, and she can now call it her own.
She didn't say much, but I could tell by the look in her eyes that a lightbulb had gone off. Though I know she appreciates the freedom of America for her own reasons, she now appreciates it for a whole new reason.
Which leads me to the "REASON" for this blog. Why do we do what we do? What is the reason?
If you have ever taken the time to stop a veteran who is proudly wearing their hat in the local WalMart, or shaken the hand of a soldier in uniform, you already know the answer to this question.
Why do we do what we do?
The genuine look of astonishment, thankfulness, and pride that you see in the eyes of a military service member when you shake their hand and say thank you is undescribable. Our hope is that we would be able to stir that same emotion within each veteran that receives a card, package, or letter from us.
Why? So that every hero is thanked
Why? So that every hero knows that they are GENUINELY appreciated
Why? So they know their sacrifices were not made in vain
Why? So we can give back to those that have ensured our freedom
Why? So that we may have the chance to say thank you
WHY? SO THAT NO HERO IS EVER FORGOTTEN
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog! Don't forget to nominate your "HERO OF THE MONTH" for February. Nominations are due by January 31st at 11:59pm.
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
I was signing some Christmas cards in my free time and she asked "What are those cards for? Isn't it past Christmas?"
I replied with my usual short info-mmerical about The Art of Encouragement.
"Oh, so you get paid to do it. I see"
"No, no, no." I replied. "I do this for free. It's volunteer work"
"Why would you spend so much time doing that....for people you don't even know?" She asked me
*A GOLDEN WINDOW OF OPPURTUNITY*
"Because I want to give back to the men and women who have given me my freedom. America didn't just become a free nation and stay that way. The reason that you and I can pick our jobs, live where we want to, shop with our friends, walk down the street...that is all because of the men and women who have served in the American military. They have defended our country against anyone who wishes to try to harm us or take our freedom away, and done so successfully. Without them, we would not get to do a lot of the things we do everyday."
"And they still do this now?"
"Yes. Everyday their are thousands and thousands of servicemen and women defending our country. Not just here in America, but all over the world."
"I guess I never really knew there were so many of them"
"Yep. So that's why I write these cards. Some of them are in hospitals or retirement homes at Christmas, and many of them don't have family or are unable to spend the holidays with their loved ones. I send a card so that they know someone is thinking about them at Christmas, even if they are alone. It's also a really easy way to say "THANK YOU" for all of the freedoms we get to enjoy because of them.
"Cool"
It wasn't the most profound conversation, but I got the message across. I'm not sure how long this women has lived in the United States, but I do know she has been a citizen for less than 6 months. She didn't grow up learning the history that is so ingrained within the average American. She is just now getting to hear the stories and learn the history of this great country, and she can now call it her own.
She didn't say much, but I could tell by the look in her eyes that a lightbulb had gone off. Though I know she appreciates the freedom of America for her own reasons, she now appreciates it for a whole new reason.
Which leads me to the "REASON" for this blog. Why do we do what we do? What is the reason?
If you have ever taken the time to stop a veteran who is proudly wearing their hat in the local WalMart, or shaken the hand of a soldier in uniform, you already know the answer to this question.
Why do we do what we do?
The genuine look of astonishment, thankfulness, and pride that you see in the eyes of a military service member when you shake their hand and say thank you is undescribable. Our hope is that we would be able to stir that same emotion within each veteran that receives a card, package, or letter from us.
Why? So that every hero is thanked
Why? So that every hero knows that they are GENUINELY appreciated
Why? So they know their sacrifices were not made in vain
Why? So we can give back to those that have ensured our freedom
Why? So that we may have the chance to say thank you
WHY? SO THAT NO HERO IS EVER FORGOTTEN
Thanks for taking the time to read our blog! Don't forget to nominate your "HERO OF THE MONTH" for February. Nominations are due by January 31st at 11:59pm.
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Sunday, January 23, 2011
The Frame
Hello Fans!
Founder Ashley Hyde has started hand designing unique frames to sell in order to fundraise for The Art of Encouragement.
The following frames are all 8x10 in dimension, but hold a 5x7 photo.
Founder Ashley Hyde has started hand designing unique frames to sell in order to fundraise for The Art of Encouragement.
The following frames are all 8x10 in dimension, but hold a 5x7 photo.
Pink Swirl Frame - $20
Green and Black Floral Frame - $20
Solid Purple Frame - $20
(Ashley can also create frames that hold a 8x10 photo. These are $30 each.)
All frames can be made both vertically and horizontally. They make great gifts for any occasion. We will post more designs as they are made available. We just wanted to share this unique gift with you! It would make a great addition to any home/room/office.
Follow the link for Ashley's Designs:
Happy Shopping and Happy Supporting!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
The Hero of the Month
Hello Everyone!
In honor of reaching 1,000 fans on our facebook page yesterday, we have decided to add a new tradition to The Art of Encouragement.
In 2010, we added our Airport Outreach (Click HERE to read more).
This year, we are going to send surprise Encouragement packages to our country's heroes. We sent two of these packages last year, and we have decided to send one package a month to our "Hero of the Month".
Our inspiration came from this great paper we found at Mardel yesterday!
After selecting a hero (either past or present military personnel), we sill send out a request for encouragement. People around the world will email us encouraging notes and letters addressed to our selected hero. We will print these encouraging notes on the paper above, and send them to our hero. Hopefully we will be able to help our nation's heroes through some tough times.
***Example***
Last year we sent an encourgement pacakge to Mr. Eldon Box. Eldon was a two time P.O.W. who was diagnosed with cancer due to his exposure to Agent Orange. Eldon had to leave his home in Oklahoma and spend an extensive amount of time in a specialty hosptial, undergoing multiple treatments for his cancer. Eldon had never heard the words "thank you" (for his many sacrifies during his years of service to our country) until a couple of years prior to TAOE hearing about his story. We sent Eldon pages and pages of "thank you" messages from people around the country.
Do you have a hero in mind that needs some encouragement?
We are now taking nominations for our first official Hero of the Month.
Please email us their story and why you thing we should choose them as our Hero of the Month. Please keep all nominations 750 words or less : theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
Nominations for February are due JANUARY 31st!!! Don't Delay!
Please leave your contact information and put "HERO OF THE MONTH" in the subject line.
Please include info like name, hometown, age, name of family members, and a picture if possible. We want to know as much as we can!
(If your nomination is not chosen this month, it will be placed in the running for next month, for your convenience. We will contact you prior to selecting your hero to make sure your nomination is still relevent at the time of selection.)
Nominations will be taken all year long. The month in which you nominate will qualify you for the following month's selection.
After reading the nominations, we will allow our facebook fans to vote on their favorite story.
Good luck and happy nominating!
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Want to help cover the shipping of our Hero of the Month packages? Donate to TAOE via the button below. You just need a credit or debit card!
In honor of reaching 1,000 fans on our facebook page yesterday, we have decided to add a new tradition to The Art of Encouragement.
In 2010, we added our Airport Outreach (Click HERE to read more).
This year, we are going to send surprise Encouragement packages to our country's heroes. We sent two of these packages last year, and we have decided to send one package a month to our "Hero of the Month".
Our inspiration came from this great paper we found at Mardel yesterday!
***Example***
Last year we sent an encourgement pacakge to Mr. Eldon Box. Eldon was a two time P.O.W. who was diagnosed with cancer due to his exposure to Agent Orange. Eldon had to leave his home in Oklahoma and spend an extensive amount of time in a specialty hosptial, undergoing multiple treatments for his cancer. Eldon had never heard the words "thank you" (for his many sacrifies during his years of service to our country) until a couple of years prior to TAOE hearing about his story. We sent Eldon pages and pages of "thank you" messages from people around the country.
Do you have a hero in mind that needs some encouragement?
We are now taking nominations for our first official Hero of the Month.
Please email us their story and why you thing we should choose them as our Hero of the Month. Please keep all nominations 750 words or less : theartofencouragement@yahoo.com
Nominations for February are due JANUARY 31st!!! Don't Delay!
Please leave your contact information and put "HERO OF THE MONTH" in the subject line.
Please include info like name, hometown, age, name of family members, and a picture if possible. We want to know as much as we can!
(If your nomination is not chosen this month, it will be placed in the running for next month, for your convenience. We will contact you prior to selecting your hero to make sure your nomination is still relevent at the time of selection.)
Nominations will be taken all year long. The month in which you nominate will qualify you for the following month's selection.
After reading the nominations, we will allow our facebook fans to vote on their favorite story.
Good luck and happy nominating!
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
Want to help cover the shipping of our Hero of the Month packages? Donate to TAOE via the button below. You just need a credit or debit card!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
The Day
Now that things have calmed down a bit, I can share with you about Ashley Hyde Day!
January 12, 2011 was officially declared Ashley Hyde Day in Oklahoma County.
I met County Commissioner Brian Maughan (District 2) at our Miss Oklahoma City card signing party. He, along with Commisioner Ray Vaughn (District 3), wrote a proclamation declaring the day. Here's a cell phone picture of the actual resolution.
I was honored to be invited to the weekly Commissioner meeting to hear my resolution read and passed. I was able to speak with those in attendence about what The Art of Encouragement is and what our goals are for the immediate and extended future. Here's a (not so great) picture of me with the Oklahoma County Commissioners
January 12, 2011 was officially declared Ashley Hyde Day in Oklahoma County.
I met County Commissioner Brian Maughan (District 2) at our Miss Oklahoma City card signing party. He, along with Commisioner Ray Vaughn (District 3), wrote a proclamation declaring the day. Here's a cell phone picture of the actual resolution.
(Ray Vaughn/District 3, Me, Willa Johnson/District 1, and Brian Maughan/District 2)
After my exciting meeting with the County Commissioners, I was suppossed to be a guest on News Channel 9 @ 4 with Lauren Nelson and Christina Eckert, but their show had some last minute additions and I was bumped to Thursday. I went in on Thursday and did a quick interview with Christina and Amanda Taylor. They were wonderfully kind and made me feel good about the interview even though I felt like I did poorly. Luckily, we were able to get the word out there about TAOE and I've already received a few responses from people who saw the show. News 9 was even kind enough to share our website via their own, and share a few of our pictures on air.
While my TAOE activities for Ashley Hyde were over, I had one last bit of excitement. Last May I taped an episode of TLC's Toddlers and Tiaras here in Oklahoma City. By some coincidence, the episode just happened to air on "Ashley Hyde Day". I enjoyed the show with some of my close friends, and we did plenty of laughing at my expense. What are the odds I'd make it on national television on "Ashley Hyde Day"?
Too bad I was talking about glitz pageants and not The Art of Encouragement! Maybe next time ; )
Ashley Hyde
Founder of The Art of Encouragement
To help us raise $2,000 to send 20.000 cards, please click the donate button below!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Resolutions
res·o·lu·tion [ rèzzə loosh'n ] (n) - a firm decision to do something
We've got a few "resolutions" for 2011 and we wanted to take the time to share them with you!
Each of our goals for this year has one thing that unifies them, and that is YOU! We can definitely use your help to ensure that we achieve each of our goals. If you can help us with any of these, please feel free to contact us! We'd love to talk with you about a route to making ideas become a reality.
1.Recieve blank cards
Well, we can definitely take one of our goals off of the list already! We recieved a donation of 25,000+ cards from a local walmart. For more details check out our last blog : THE DONATION
2. Publicity, publicity, publicity!
With so many cards to get signed, we need to up our exposure! The best way to spread the word is with YOUR help. Send out an email with our website, blog, and facebook page attached, or just take a few minutes to suggest our facebook fan page to some of your facebook friends! A few minutes of your time can helps us tremendously!
Our publicity for the year is off to a great start! Our founder has received a local award called the "Diffee Difference Maker Award", sponsored by Diffee Ford Lincoln Mercury in El Reno, OK and WWLS - The Sports Animal. The Oklahoma County commissioners are also in the process of writing a proclamation to name a day after Ashley. January 12th will officially be "Ashley Hyde Day" in Oklahoma County.
3. Perhaps our largest goal for 2011 is to obtain our 501(c)3 nonprofit status. There is a lot of paperwork and specifics that go into this process. We are currently looking for a lawyer that would like to help us tackle this process and make it happen!
4. Our next goal is to obtain an office space here in OKC. We'd like an office space to work from so we can be more available to our loyal volunteers. We often have people that want to pick up, drop off, or just come by and sign cards. We've been lucky enough to find a supportive staff at a local storage unit, and we are currently keeping all of our cards there. (If you need some storage, go see Randy at American Self Storage - 7801 W Hefner Road!)
5. Our biggest NEED for the year is funds. We are still establishing availability of time and resources in order to nail down a concrete goal for 2011. We do know that our goal will be, AT LEAST, 20,000. This means it will cost an estimated $2,000 just to send the cards that we receive. We also need funds to purchase our card inserts, advertising, storage, weather resistant totes, and supplies for our card parties (instruction sheets, pens, decor, fuel, etc.)
These five resolutions lead up to the one big goal that I know many of you have been waiting for! How many cards are we going to send this year? Well, we know that we would like to double 2010 and aim for 20,000. We learned a lot in our quest for 10,000 cards last year, and we are trying to set an attainable, and somewhat organized goal. We are also continuing to contact facilities in order to estimate how many we will need to cover a certain number of states/facilities. So, for now, lets press on towards 20,000! That means you! Get out those cards and start signing. With a goal of 20,000 in our sights, we need to start now!
One down and four to go! Let us know if you'd like to help.
Thank you for your generousity and support. We couldn't continue this journey without you!
We've got a few "resolutions" for 2011 and we wanted to take the time to share them with you!
Each of our goals for this year has one thing that unifies them, and that is YOU! We can definitely use your help to ensure that we achieve each of our goals. If you can help us with any of these, please feel free to contact us! We'd love to talk with you about a route to making ideas become a reality.
1.
Well, we can definitely take one of our goals off of the list already! We recieved a donation of 25,000+ cards from a local walmart. For more details check out our last blog : THE DONATION
2. Publicity, publicity, publicity!
With so many cards to get signed, we need to up our exposure! The best way to spread the word is with YOUR help. Send out an email with our website, blog, and facebook page attached, or just take a few minutes to suggest our facebook fan page to some of your facebook friends! A few minutes of your time can helps us tremendously!
Our publicity for the year is off to a great start! Our founder has received a local award called the "Diffee Difference Maker Award", sponsored by Diffee Ford Lincoln Mercury in El Reno, OK and WWLS - The Sports Animal. The Oklahoma County commissioners are also in the process of writing a proclamation to name a day after Ashley. January 12th will officially be "Ashley Hyde Day" in Oklahoma County.
3. Perhaps our largest goal for 2011 is to obtain our 501(c)3 nonprofit status. There is a lot of paperwork and specifics that go into this process. We are currently looking for a lawyer that would like to help us tackle this process and make it happen!
4. Our next goal is to obtain an office space here in OKC. We'd like an office space to work from so we can be more available to our loyal volunteers. We often have people that want to pick up, drop off, or just come by and sign cards. We've been lucky enough to find a supportive staff at a local storage unit, and we are currently keeping all of our cards there. (If you need some storage, go see Randy at American Self Storage - 7801 W Hefner Road!)
5. Our biggest NEED for the year is funds. We are still establishing availability of time and resources in order to nail down a concrete goal for 2011. We do know that our goal will be, AT LEAST, 20,000. This means it will cost an estimated $2,000 just to send the cards that we receive. We also need funds to purchase our card inserts, advertising, storage, weather resistant totes, and supplies for our card parties (instruction sheets, pens, decor, fuel, etc.)
These five resolutions lead up to the one big goal that I know many of you have been waiting for! How many cards are we going to send this year? Well, we know that we would like to double 2010 and aim for 20,000. We learned a lot in our quest for 10,000 cards last year, and we are trying to set an attainable, and somewhat organized goal. We are also continuing to contact facilities in order to estimate how many we will need to cover a certain number of states/facilities. So, for now, lets press on towards 20,000! That means you! Get out those cards and start signing. With a goal of 20,000 in our sights, we need to start now!
This year's deadline is going to be on November 1st instead of December 1st. That leaves 298 days to sign cards at 68 cards a day!
One down and four to go! Let us know if you'd like to help.
Thank you for your generousity and support. We couldn't continue this journey without you!
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