Future of Love for Blue

I get a ton of questions, concerning our foundation. And our upcoming fundraiser. So I thought, today would be a good day, to address them.

Where do I see our foundation going? I see it growing. Slowly, but surely. Like a little bird. My Dad always enforced that. "Things take time. And nurturing. And loving." That's how I see this foundation. It's not a job for me. It's something I work on, because I'm passionate about it. I see my Dad's vision. What he wanted. And what he believed in. We talked a lot about it, before his death. And I know exactly, how he wanted his foundation to look.

Short term goals, are simple. Keep moving forward. This year's fundraiser, I'm hoping is more successful than last year's. I don't know how it will go. I just have hopes. I hope there are a few more faces there. I hope we raise a bit more money. And I hope, it continues to grow. Slowly, I think word of mouth will spread. I've contacted news and radio stations. Put up flyers. Advertised on social media. And I hope each year, gets a little bit bigger.

But no one can be certain. Heck, I just talked to some friends of my Dad. They had no clue, that he had past away. And honestly, it happens more than you'd think. So many people, 13 months later, still don't know. So as far as the growth of our fundraiser, I think it will be a slow process.

Another short term goal would be, to reopen our Etsy shop in May. I've put it on "vacation," while we prepare for our fundraiser. But I do hope, to get it back up. And make it a success. It's a ton of work! And mostly, I have items on there, for local people to look at. Then I hand deliver our items. It helps with the bottom line.

I want to grow our Fun Mail and Caring for the Caregiver projects. Both take money, time, and donations. I would like to be able to send more mail, to patients. And to be able to send some sort of package, to a caregiver...every week. Instead of once a month. I have a stack, of people who have been nominated for both.

The Grower's Market is another goal of mine. I'm anxious, to get that going again. We did really well, last season. It's a ton of work. Lots of commitment. And means I'm busy selling, twice a week. Spending the rest of the week, creating items to sell. And for this year, we have more items. Stocked up. I'm also having T-shirts, tote bags, and caps made. Anything to sell. And help us grow our foundation.

As far as long term goals, it's mostly to grow what we've started. Hopefully, getting more sponsors. Either for materials, fees for permits, items like our T-shirts...things like that. I've already been talking to people about next year's fundraiser. Local businesses and such. And surprisingly enough, I've got more donations lined up for next year, than I do for this year. :)

Another long term goal, would be to grow our scholarship fund. There is such a NEED for it! And we hope, to grow our Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship, to $1000. For the 2016-2017 school year. I'm also hopeful, that we can raise enough money, to grow our Field Trip Scholarship. To $1000 a semester. So many of the schools we serviced, still call me....

I'd also like to add, some online sales. I've talked with a few companies. And hope to start successful partnerships soon. A little hint...there will be jewelry, bags, and some makeup. But that's the only hint you get. Until I can solidify some more details.

Eventually, we'd like to completely pay, for a family to attend the Cancer Services of New Mexico retreat. Twice a year. We were given the chance to go...although my Dad was hospitalized. And we ended up, not attending. It's such a GREAT event! And this is a goal, that I'm working towards. I'd also like, to be able to make some substantial donations, towards colon cancer research. I'm so passionate about that!

Overall, we're a "grassroots" type of group. It's all about pounding the pavement, doing the hard work, and slowly growing our foundation. There are lots of big goals, that I have. But it's the little steps, that will get us there. Lots of hard work, sweat, and love...is poured into Love for Blue! ❤❤❤

Volunteers Wanted

On this week's Wishful Wednesday, I'm looking for volunteers. Of all sorts. For our upcoming fundraiser. Actually, we're calling it a "Day of Celebration." Honestly, I can't think of a better way to put it.

 

Yes, we're fundraising. Yes, it will be a day, full of hard work. But we want it, to be a day of celebration. Of my Dad's life. Of his vision. Of our community. Of the New Mexico Cancer Community. And of the children of our community.

We could use all the help, we can get. From our entire community. In terms of spreading the word, about our upcoming fundraiser. In any way possible. Do you want to hand out flyers? Can you share on your social media? Do you know people, who would want to join us?

Maybe you have some skills, that we can use that day. Cooking, setting up, tearing down, selling our items, or helping me with the last minute details. Do you know a person, or business, that would like to sponsor us? Maybe they can donate an item for our raffle. Or food items. Maybe help us with some of the costs, associated with our fundraiser. 

 

This quote, reminds me of my Dad. He was all about giving back. It's one of the things, I admire the most, about my Dad. And one of the lessons, that I value most in life. In a ton of ways, I was more prepared this year. For our fundraiser, than I was last year. I had a T-shirt design, saved in December. Flyers made in January. I was out and about, getting things done. Then I got sick. And everything came to a screeching stop.

The thought has crossed my mind. A few times. Cancel the event. Postpone it. Reschedule. But that is not what my Dad taught me. He taught me, when things get tough, we get tougher. We somehow, pull together, and tackle this beast. And that's what I'm going to do.

We've got the permits. I talked with my friend Amber, about the T-shirts. I've been collecting donations. Flyers are being handed out. And I'm trying my best, to spread the word. One way or another, we'll get there. And hopefully, we'll have people that show up.

This event, is not about me. Or my struggles. It's about celebrating my Dad's life. Raising up the people, around us. Making a path, that will be easier, for the next family to travel. Life isn't about our accomplishments. As proud as we may be of them. It's about lifting others up. Giving a hand, when it's needed most. It's about helping others, to succeed.

That is what gets me through my days. It's the inspiration, that I lean on. We're 17 days, away from our event. I'm feeling overwhelmed. But I know, we can make it. Somehow, we'll make it. We have God on our side. A supportive community. And a purpose.

I keep thinking, about the kids in our community. Who will benefit from our scholarship fund. I'm doing this, for them. They deserve it. It's what my Dad taught me. The youth, is our future. And we have to believe in them. And invest in them.

I'm also staying tough, for the New Mexico Cancer Community. All the people we've met along the way. Because they deserve it. They fight, every single day, for their lives. Some struggle, more than others. We are all in a family. It's a group, that you never thought you'd be a part of. And now, you are a lifelong member. You want to carry the next family, through their tough time.

I think about all the families, who struggled. While we were in and out of the hospital. I can still see nurses and doctors, putting money together. To order pizza. For families. Who came from out of town. Their loved one dying. The kids, hanging out in the Family Room. Sleeping on the floor. I do it for them.

Please, if you'd like to volunteer, in any way...let me know. Contact me here on the blog, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. It's all about the people, we can help. And hold up, during the toughest time, of their lives. Let's make our 2nd Annual Memorial Love For Blue Fundraiser a success! ❤❤❤

The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship

Our last BIG Announcement, is the one I'm most proud of. The one, that I've worked hardest, over the last few months, to be able to offer. The Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Scholarship Fund. For $500. To be awarded, to a 2015-2016 APS graduating Senior.

I've talked about it, here and here. How my Dad's passion, was with the youth of his community. How he, wanted them to succeed. In so many ways, he did his best, to see that happen. Donating buses, money, and time...to these students.

Here's a little background. My Dad, only had an eighth grade education. He left school, to help support his family. Blue was the eldest son, in his family, of thirteen kids. Later in his life, he'd regret not going further in school. But he'd never let that, hold him back.

Blue was passionate about education. I knew that first hand. As his daughter, my first and only priority growing up, was my education. All the other activities, that I was involved in, came second to my education.

My Dad told me many times, he wished he would have finished school. At least 12th grade. But his education, took him far in life. He was a successful business owner, for 45 years. What he didn't know, he'd seek out. He'd ask people. And would learn along the way. In his words, "I learned in the school of hard knocks. I don't want that for you. Or for all these other kids."

Years ago, during my freshman year in college, my Dad and I talked about his legacy. What he wanted to be remembered for. What he wanted to leave behind. 14 years ago, I promised my Dad, that I'd do this for him. I'd put together a scholarship fund, in his name. To benefit his community. And honor his lifetime of service.

Maybe that's the reason, I'm most passionate, about this scholarship. I see how far, my Dad, went in his life. On his eighth grade education. And I can only imagine, how far he could have gone, on a college education.

In my heart, I know his success, was based off of will. Pure will, to do better, in his life. But education, would have also allowed more. And he always knew that fact. It's probably the reason, he pushed me, so far in life.

During my time in school, I had many opportunities to attend private schools. And later, private colleges. But my Dad's community, was central to his life. And he believed, in public education. And I'm so glad he did. I'm a proud graduate of New Mexico schools. I'm very proud to say, that I received my first two degrees, from a New Mexico University.

 

Education is a gift. Truly, I believe this. My Dad, single handed, gave me this gift. He valued education. And taught me, how to value it as well. I'll ALWAYS be grateful, to my Dad, for this. For valuing what I learned, every single day, in school. For making books, such a beautiful gift. For realizing, education was my gateway, to a better life.

It's the one thing in life, that people can't ever take away from me. What I've learned. My academic achievements. Those experiences. I'm so grateful, and thankful, to my Dad...for the education I've received. It will ALWAYS be with me. And I'm so proud, to make my Dad's vision, come to life!

Our scholarship is open to all APS graduating seniors. With a 3.0GPA, 20 hours of community service, and who will be attending a New Mexico University in Fall 2016. I've sent applications out, to the APS High Schools. But if you are in need of one, please feel free to contact me here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Our deadline is, May 1, 2016.

I'm so honored and proud, about the Ernest T. "Blue" Sena Jr. Memorial Scholarship. And I look forward to reading all the applications. And hopefully, making a positive influence, on someone's life.

Please pass this information along. We'd LOVE to reach as many students as possible. After all, it was Blue's vision, to see all kids have the opportunity, of a college education. No matter their background, their financial situation, or the fact that they attended an APS school. He wanted all the children in Albuquerque, to have the same opportunities. ❤❤❤

The Love For Blue Community Scholarship Fund

Our second scholarship, is a community based scholarship. Like I said yesterday, my Dad was so passionate about kids. His community, meant the world to him. He wanted the people, from Albuquerque, to excel.

The Love for Blue Community Scholarship, is a $250 scholarship. This scholarship is for any person, team, or organization, in the Albuquerque area. We are looking for teams and organizations, that work with children. And for people, doing community work, in the Albuquerque area.

We have been very blessed, to have raised more money, that we first expected. And would like to continue, my Dad's work. In our community. My Dad was so very passionate, about his hometown. About being a resident of, the South Valley. And having the ability, to help others. It's where my heart also lays. In this place, reaching out, to the members of our community...that need a "hand up."

For years and years, my Dad donated money to the APD, AFD, and BCSD. Any group or organization, that needed help, knew to come ask my Dad. He would donate to schools, sports teams, individuals, symphonies, students, organizations in our community, and so many more. I truly don't think, my Dad knew how to say "No."

My Dad's passion, came from being a lifelong resident, of Albuquerque's South Valley. He wanted to see his community, become stronger. To see the children, go further in life. He wanted to make his hometown, a better place. And he would do anything, to see that happen.

My Dad, was truly a role model, for "Pay it Forward." He knew, how lucky he was. And blessed. Blue, only had an eighth grade education. But he had a work ethic, like no one I've ever met. He'd work from 3AM-10PM. Every single day!

And Blue never wanted to see kids, do without. Have to leave school. Or suffer. He wanted the kids in his community, to have the chances in life, that he hadn't had. He didn't just provide for his own family. He worked for his community. To do these things, for the people he was passionate about.

Like I said, this scholarship is open, to the greater Albuquerque area. For organizations, teams, or individuals, who work with our youth. And to groups, that do community work.

If you are interested, please e-mail me at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com, leave me a message here, or contact me on Facebook. So I can get you an application. The deadline is May 1, 2016. And the winner, will be picked by my Mom and I. And again, we only ask that the winner, make some cards...that we can deliver to the Presbyterian Cancer Center. ❤❤❤

The Love For Blue Field Trip Scholarship Fund

As many of you know, my Dad owned and operated, Sena's School Bus Company, for 45 years. It was his baby. His pride and joy. My Dad worked with Albuquerque Public Schools, for 62 years. He never retired. And dedicated his life, to Student Transportation Services.

Blue Sena, was passionate about kids. All kids! It didn't matter their background, disability, or economic standings. He thought kids, were the brightest part, of our future. My Dad gave back to his community, in so many ways. In ways, that I don't know how, to begin to tell you.

But I can tell you this, he believed all kids, should have opportunities. The opportunities, that he didn't get. He wanted every child, in Albuquerque, to have a "fighting chance at life." So he gave back. Any group, organization, or sports team that asked, got a donation. My Dad would do without, to give back, to the community he loved so much!

With pride, my Dad donated to all schools. He didn't discriminate. But he did try, to focus his efforts, on the areas of town...that needed it most. The places where families struggled. Parents worked long and hard hours. He wanted those kids, to have the same opportunities, as the kids, in the upper class neighborhoods.

Many times, in these areas, my Dad would donate buses. For fields trips and activities. Many times, donating 3 or 4 buses. Paying his drivers and the gas, out of his own pocket. If we were ever driving, and saw a group of kids walking to a field trip, my Dad would call one of his drivers. Have them pick up the kids. And get them, to where they were headed. He couldn't see kids walking in the rain...or 90 degree weather. He'd do it all, free of charge.

For all these reasons, we felt like, a scholarship was in order. We are going to offer a $250 scholarship, for the 2015-2016 school year. Open to all APS schools. But we are going to concentrate, on the schools in town, that are in struggling neighborhoods.

My Mom and I, are passionate about continuing my Dad's work. And following his lead. To give back, to our community. We are starting here. But know in our hearts, this is just the beginning. We will continue to fundraise, so that we can offer more scholarships like this, in the future. Our next goal is, to be able to offer 4 of these scholarships, every school year.

If you are a teacher, sponsor, student, coach, or administrator...and are interested, please send me an e-mail at LoveForBlue2015@aol.com. And I'll send you, an application. Other than being an APS school, we only have two requests. First that the sponsor or teacher, write a one page explanation of their field trip. Including how their school struggles financially, where they are going, and how the trip will benefit their group. We are also asking that your class, group, or team...if picked, make some cards for the cancer patients at Presbyterian Hospital. That's it.

The deadline is, May 1, 2016. The field trip, can happen, any time between now, and the end of this school year. My Mom and I, will read through the applications, and narrow down the field. If we find that it is too difficult to pick a winner, we will come back to the blog, and share some of the stories. Maybe have a vote.

We have made flyers. And have sent them out, to APS schools. But feel free, to contact me. Either here, via e-mail (LoveForBlue2015@aol.com), or on Facebook. Also, you are more than welcome, to share this. On social media, through your school, anyway you see fit. We can't wait, to start looking through the applications! ❤❤❤