"JUST DO IT" Attitude - Just One Ingredient in Your OH YES Moments
Modern B*A*G Ladies,
Heather and Audra in "A"ction
Ok, go buy some high tech running shoes, one styling workout getup, buck up and JUST DO IT, right? Well the slogan does invoke a brief moment of inspiration and maybe just long enough to go out and buy that jogging outfit.
Of course there is a little more to a successful JUST DO IT story than Lycra �, buns of steel and a misty morning running through an asphalt jungle.
Ask Heather Marx and she will tell you her recipe for success includes passion, a worthy project, a good support system, her "B"elief in others, including fellow MBAGL Audra AND a Just Do It attitude.
Here is my brief interview with Heather giving us a little insight into what fuels her Believe Act Go Traveling Sanctuary that helped to bring many passionate, talented people together to secure donations and citizens' time to construct a playground friendly to people with restricted mobility.
MBAGL: Tell us a little bit about the playground project?
Heather: Red Wing and our surrounding communities do not have playgrounds that fully accommodate children and adults with physical and/or cognitive disabilities. In addition to a lack of ramps, current playground facilities have barriers that include woodchips, sand and grass making wheelchair and walker accessibility impossible. These physical barriers make it difficult for physically challenged children, parents and grandparents to access the playgrounds.
Located in Colvill Park, the playground flooring will consist of brightly colored rubberized tiles. Perhaps the most expensive component of the project, it will provide a universally accessible foundation for the playground. The bright color of the tiles provides focal points for the visually impaired. The play structure includes ramps and panels to provide cognitive and sensory development opportunities. Swings, accessible swings and ground level play components can be accessed by all children. Additional equipment includes climbers, slides, bridges and tunnels.
A universal playground encourages mobility for disabled persons, allowing them to combat obesity and health conditions that arise due to lack of activity. It provides all children the opportunity to play together and look beyond the differences in one another, fostering this concept as they grow into adulthood. Parents with disabilities are able to join their children on the playground, allowing them to interact together and provide supervision the children need. A universal playground is for everyone, removing many barriers and encouraging a diverse community.
MBAGL: What was the total funds raised and how long did it take to raise the funds?
Heather: The total project cost is $518,000. We raised this amount in eight months.
MBAGL: Who is your support cast?
Heather: The United Way of Goodhue, Wabasha & Pierce is acting as the fiscal sponsor for the Red Wing Universal Playground Project. This association ensures that all donations to the Universal Playground Project are tax deductible.
Also, the city of Red Wing donated the land, dollars and labor for a total value of $157,000. The other key support came from individuals, local businesses, local foundations, and community fundraising events. At home my family was a huge support. Many nights I had the boys and my husband working on little projects for the playground. The committee members all worked and supported each other!
MBAGL: Are there other women that you have come to know personally or otherwise that gave you inspiration to follow your dream?
Heather: Yes!! The mayor of Red Wing, Donna Dummer, was the first person who really encouraged me to go for it. She lead me to some key people to recruit as committee members and she has encouraged me every step of the way. Also, the executive director of United Way, Meg Walsh, is an amazing woman who has provided me with guidance and knowledge on funding raising. She has also inspired me to look beyond this project and to always be involved in helping in our community.
MBAGL: What fueled your Belief in yourself to help make this dream a reality?
Heather: I believed I lived in a community that would not allow children or adults to sit on the sidelines at our playgrounds! I knew that people would rally around this project because it is the right thing to do. I also felt like it was my job as a mother to advocate for my family! We needed a place where we could all play together and I knew other people in our community needed the same thing. I'm not sure if it was a belief in myself but more of a belief in others!
MBAGL: What was the very first action you took that started this journey?
Heather: The first thing I did was find other individuals who believed in the need for this playground then we formed a committee. Our committee is a diverse group of individuals with varying skills.
MBAGL: What advice would you give other women who have a passion for fund raising for worthy causes?
Heather: Never be afraid to ask for money, the worst someone can say is "no." Also, most people want to help, if they can't help financially maybe there are other things they can help with.
MBAGL: What is a fear that you had to overcome and how did you overcome it?
Heather: Public speaking is my biggest fear!! I still very lousy at it but if someone wants be to talk about the playground; I'm there!!! I figure it's a small price to pay for such an amazing reward!
MBAGL: Can you begin to describe the joy you feel now that your dream is becoming reality?
Heather: I can't describe the happiness I feel when I think about how this community will soon have a place where everyone can play no matter what their abilities may be. I'm so proud to be a part of something so amazing!!
