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[TWE News] Spreading Joy/Katie’s Bike Surprise/Elissa Rescues Omar/Swirling Bundt
Published over 1 year ago • 3 min read
Feb. 25, 2024
Hello Reader,
We read that the world is in turmoil. We see the devastation of war on the news. We hear that people can’t get along, that we’ve lost a sense of community. But TWE has some good news. We keep finding people who defy the pessimism of the day. They are taking extraordinary action to make the world a better place. Meet Katie and Elissa.
We’ve followed Katie Blomquist and her Going Places Non Profit for many years now. Stacey Gualandi recently podcasted with her to talk about her expanding organization. This former teacher’s desire to give bikes to needy children is relentless. She’s already provided thousands to disadvantaged children in Charleston, S.C.
When the DeeAnn Flores Schertz Foundation in Chandler, AZ took notice, they persuaded her to go national, go West, and duplicate her operation at Hartford Elementary.
Their request: 830 bikes to 830 kids (and in six days.)
The rest is history as you can see above. Their combined accomplishment was amazing, and I got to witness it—all bikes assembled and delivered on time. Check out our story and you’ll see how this surprise miracle unfolded behind a black curtain. We were happy to present the volunteers with a TWE cake!
We have tremendous admiration for Katie and particularly the community that rose to the occasion. Hope she gets the support and sponsors to take her nonprofit to more needy cities and children.
You can add Elisa Montanti and her Global Medical Relief Fund to the list of nonprofits plunging ahead to save the world, humbly and with great compassion.
When Pat Caso heard about Elissa bringing Omar Abukwalk, a five-year-old Israeli-Gaza War victim to the U. S. in January to help mend his very serious wounds, she knew we had to update her first story.
Omar was traumatized after losing his entire family as well as being severely wounded.
His treatment will last two months and will be staying in Elissa’s care at her Dare to Dream House on Staten Island.
Please read about Elissa’s GMRF and how she continues to find treatment for and house young victims of war, illness and natural disasters. Her dedication inspires us as we think it will you.
Her journey is a wonderful reminder of what one person can accomplish.
Want Some Inspiration for 2024?
Check out our TWE Collections of interviews with inspiring women—some known and less well-known—who are creating change in their communities and around the world! Read their stories and learn how they did it!
🚨 From Filmmakers, Journalists, Authors and War Correspondents to Women Creating Homes, Schools, Support and Services for Orphaned Children, Grieving Widows and Moms, the Homeless, Inner-City Kids, Caretakers and more! 🚨
Have you ever had to bring a brunch item at the last minute and wondered what you could quickly get together? I love to make bundts in any flavor and was thrilled to find this recipe for a Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Coffee Cake I thought might fit the bill.
It was a hit and very moist since the recipe called for sour cream (low fat will save some calories!). You can dress it up with a glaze, and also substitute chocolate chips for cinnamon. Next time I'll use the chips. Enjoy!
We are TV producers, journalists and authors who shine the light on ordinary women making a difference and how you can do it too through our podcasts, books, interviews, newsletter and website.
