Meet Dianna, Stephanie, and Candace!
All three of these ladies were instrumental in implementing a Be Bag Drive that engaged nearly 200 participants at Temple Sinai of Sharon and its preschool, Gilson JCC Early Learning Center. Altogether, their community created 80 Be Bags that will provide families with a special diversion as they await treatment in area hospitals.
Since they all played a role in making this event a resounding success, The B Fund would like to highlight all three in this week’s “Be Inspired” piece!
Dianna, Stephanie, and Candace are all heavily involved with JCC Greater Boston (JCCGB), one of the largest Jewish organizations in the Boston area. It strives to promote Jewish life and connect families to activities in the region to create a greater sense of community.
To get to know each of these women a bit better, we asked them a few questions:
Stephanie Vogt can best be described as sweet, caring, and compassionate. She enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures, and she is involved with Children International in addition to JCCGB.
When Stephanie learned about The B Fund, she loved its purpose immediately, as she loves organizations that help and support children. When asked why it is important to help others, she said, “Everyone can use a helping hand at some point in one’s life. It makes me happy to see someone else smile.”
Here are some fun facts about Stephanie:
- Her favorite movie is The Notebook.
- If Stephanie had one hour to herself to do anything, she would get a massage.
- Her favorite toy as a child was an indoor climbing structure.
- Her favorite app is Facebook!
- She thinks that helping others feels fulfilling.
- Stephanie’s friends and family would say that she is thoughtful, hardworking, and loving.
The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Stephanie completed this sentence by pledging to be “a helping hand.”
Candace Lyons can best be described as loyal, caring, and funny. She loves reading, traveling, and doing arts and crafts with her family.
As a Family Connector for JCCGB, Candace plans programs and events for families in the Boston area. She finds this role rewarding because it connects her to families in the area and helps other families to make similar connections.
When asked why it is important to help others, Candace said, “We only have one chance to live the best life we can, and helping others is not only personally rewarding, it can mean the world to someone else. As a mom, it’s even more important to me to show my girls that there is a world beyond our home and that helping others can connect them to our community.”
Here are some fun facts about Candace:
- Her favorite movie is Beetlejuice.
- Her favorite toy as a child was her Cabbage Patch Kid.
- Her favorite app is Facebook.
- Candace thinks that helping others feels very rewarding!
- If Candace’s family had to describe her, her husband would say that she is dedicated, her daughters would say that she is loving, and her friends would say that she is a good listener.
The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Candace completed this sentence by pledging to be “a positive force.”
Dianna Abrams can best be described as kind, empathetic, and nurturing. She loves working out and writing, and, like Candace, she is a Family Connector for JCCGB.
This winter, Dianna wanted to plan a service-oriented event for Temple Sinai of Sharon’s Tot Shabbat. After hearing about The B Fund on a radio program, Dianna decided to reach out and inquire about kid-friendly activities. When she learned about our signature Be Bag program, this seemed like the perfect holiday activity for the Temple Sinai community!
When asked why it is important to help others, Dianna said, “I feel we are raising our children in a world that was tougher than when we grew up. I find it so important to teach our children and the next generation that the world can be a beautiful place but it is up to them to make that difference.”
Dianna strives to set a good example for her children in everything that she does. When asked to reflect on how her closest friends and family see her, she wrote, “I hope my children and my family see me as someone who will always put their needs before my own. I hope they know I always give my best to make their world a little more fun and light!”
Here are some fun facts about Dianna:
- Her favorite movie is Rudy.
- Her favorite toy as a child was her soccer ball.
- Her favorite app is Instagram.
- Dianna believes that helping others feels fulfilling.
The B Fund asks kids to consider how they will make a difference in the world by answering the question, “What will you be?” Dianna completed this sentence by pledging to be “kind to others.”
The B Fund is so grateful for all of the hard work that Dianna, Candace, and Stephanie put into organizing their Be Bag drive. Thanks to their dedication and willingness to help, their community was inspired to use their time, talents, and treasures to create fun-filled Be Bags that are sure to brighten children’s days.
Do you know someone who’s using their time, talents, and treasures to help those in need? Nominate them to be featured for our “Be Inspired” piece! Email us at info@thebfund.org for more information.