Plans next week?

I have some thoughts on what you should pencil into your planner next week. Specifically for Thursday night dinner. (A week from today!) Check it out: 

I hope you'll join me! Andre will be there too. Add Mike Colombo to that list as well. Several other people from the News 4 Team are participating at other restaurants and different times. We will be doing the 4-6 shift since we have to go to bed early. :-) The Crisis Nursery folks recommend that you make a reservation if possible. 

You may remember that I did a story on the Nursery a few months ago. I have been absolutely in awe of the work they do since I first learned about it a few years ago. Back then I was reporting from the St. Charles County bureau and working on a story about child abuse. I interviewed DiAnne Mueller, who you see in the above picture, as an 'expert' on child abuse prevention. Put simply, I was blown away. This woman exudes love and empathy from her pores and is definitely one of my "sheroes". St. Louis is a better place and countless children are in safe, happy homes thanks to her. Typical TV interviews are 5-10 minutes tops...ours stretched to nearly 20 because I was SO fascinated by what she had to say. (She would want me to mention the dedicated team of people who help her in that mission every day. Kudos to each of you!)

{Watch my most recent story here: http://www.kmov.com/story/28630793/st-louis-crisis-nursery-provides-safe-place-for-children}

Shortly before that story aired, I started volunteering at the Nursery and haven't stopped since. I don't get there as much as I would like or for as long, but I have to say my time there has had a profound effect. It is a lesson in love unlike any other. Rocking babies, helping with snack time, or reading a book and playing trucks have been some of the most special times I've had this year. It truly surprised me to find out how much love one can feel for kids whose names you may not even know, whose communities or families seem nothing like the one you may have come from. It is a powerful reminder that above all, we are part of one community and one world. It is our job to take care of each other. 

For the record, I don't wear this outfit when I volunteer. Although sometimes the kids do like to point out how much makeup I'm wearing if I go to the Nursery right after work. :-) This picture is from the Crisis Nursery's Razzle Dazzle ball back in March. We had the privilege of emceeing the event and had a GREAT time. They raised a lot of money then, and next week is the next opportunity to show some support. 

Please consider coming out for a great time next Thursday. Or you could volunteer at one of several Nursery locations all over the St. Louis area! 

More info here: http://www.crisisnurserykids.org/volunteer_opportunities.htm

Have a great Thursday!
-em