(Community Matters) why, how

(Community Matters) my husband – in from NYC last night sometime past midnight, off this morning to teach, then off to Philly until Saturday.

(Community Matters) so, Jan Hill had a dream of a ride that one day raised $1,000,000 for breast cancer services in Central Texas. She had this dream about 5 years ago. About 4 years ago she teamed up with Nan McRaven and they gathered up all the breast cancer service providers to talk about services and volunteer opportunities. About 3 years ago, the Entrepreneurs Foundation agreed to adopt the collaboration of providers as a leadership project. Marion Cimbala joined EF and worked for the collaboration. We talked about a vision for the continuum of services, incubated new ones, raised monies, conducted studies and reengaged in conversations about this ride. About 2 years ago, David Smith agreed to create the Mamma Jamma Ride AGAINST Breast Cancer. One year ago, Kerry Tate agreed to serve as honorary chair of the ride (I haven’t seen anything honorary about it, she worked her tail off too).

Kerry Tate, Jan Hill & David Smith

Last night at Galaxy Cafe (Mamma Jamma sponsor extraordinaire!) David, Jan & Kerry announced we raised $564k our very first year.

Jan’s dream was to one day raise $1,000,000. We budgeted to raise $250,000 our first year, though we all hoped to hit $400,000 – wow, $564,000 our first year.

Teresa Ricar and daughter Amy Lynn

Teresa volunteer in charge of corporate teams and giving – for the Mamma Jamma & the Hill Country Ride for AIDS

Kevin Johns, Mark Kelly, Becky Taylor & Brigid Shea

David Altounian (Motion Computing), Joanna Luttjohann (Pervassive), Larry Stone (Motion)

Funny story about Dave and his first training ride. There were some issues which needed to be addressed. Thankfully Dave expressed his concerns, the issues were addressed and Dave became one of the ride’s biggest cheerleaders and supporters. He went on to co-chair the EF corporate teams.

Jackie Oaks & Sandi Aitken

Jackie co-chaired logistics; Sandi chaired outreach. They obviously both way exceeded expectations

Alisa Weldon, Millie Price, Lynn Slayton Yeldell, Oliver Everette

Amon, Carol & Scott Burton & Brandi Clark

Cherie Matthews & Sloan Foster

Wow, the team blew away expectations. Just being with them last night, easy to see how. Congrats

(Community Matters) A friend asked what do I think about AmericaBlog’s call for a DNC boycott. My answer:

I certainly understand John’s and others’ frustrations – of course we all share impatience for achieving full equality

So much of what John Aravosis lists in his FAQ is flat out wrong, and he knows it. We exchanged emails earlier this year about some of this. And, John and Joe are important voices in our community.

I’m glad there’s dissension and impatience, though a boycott of the DNC and OFA? That’s extraordinarily counterproductive and shortsighted. (I appreciate the reference to a break rather than a boycott)

There is and always has been movement on all these fronts in the big white house on Pennsylvania Ave. As to frustration with the Hill, they should really be boycotting the DCCC and DSCC, but let’s not do that either.

I continue to believe that a stronger economy and healthcare reform will impact more LGBT families than military service and marriage combined. I don’t believe in mutual exclusivity and I do understand gathering votes. Thus, I support not losing even one hanging-by-the-thread vote on healthcare reform before bending (maybe breaking) arms to get DA/DT and DOMA repeals done. President Obama remains our friend and advocate. The DNC and OFA exist to support the President’s agenda. I support both.

(Community Matters) The Church of LDS supports Salt Lake City passage of LGBT employment and housing ordinance.