Day 1 of the Cutler Family Service Challenge

Yesterday was March 25, 2011, a day that would be my sister Marie's 51st birthday. So what greater gift than to honor her memory, family style, with a year of doing what matters most...helping others?

Here's the background: Service has always mattered to my family.  My husband and I were raised by parents who knew the importance of volunteering.  We have tried, successfully I think,  to instill these same values in our own children. We believe that a commitment to service is a lifestyle, not just a phase.  And this works for us.  Giving does not need to involve a lot of money.  And that's the point here.  So we look forward to a year ahead that will be filled with all sorts of creative ways that families can give of themselves to make the world a better place. Some will involve a few dollars; others just time or support.  And if we inspire anyone along the way during this journey, it makes March 25, 2012 even sweeter!

Because Marie died of cancer, and we are starting this challenge on her birthday, we have chosen to begin our year  long service journey with a little donation to the American Cancer Society, which now hails itself as"The Official Sponsor of Birthdays".     http://www.cancer.org/         Sophia actually entered a cake design/decorating contest last year,organized by the ACS when they initiated the birthday campaign at a local Relay For Life Event.  And guess what?  She won the contest!!  A local baker made Sophia's "Together We Can-Can Kick Away Cancer" cake design a reality and the dessert was served in the RFL Survivor's Tent.