Last week the world erupted with news that Greg Mortenson's Three Cups of Tea might have been built on heavily embellished accounts of good-doing. What's worse - the money generated from speaking engagements and book sales did not make it into his foundation's account - the account that supposedly builds schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

According to the documents, the non-profit spends more money domestically, promoting the importance of building schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan than it does actually constructing and funding them overseas.

This past Tuesday, I was fortunate enough to sit 10th row at President Bill Clinton's lecture at the International Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Conference in Chicago.  To say this was a great experience is an understatement. Witnessing Clinton's speech was a little life moment for me - and I feel all the smarter for the two hours I spent captivated by his words and wisdom. 

In my opinion, the best time of year is award season. We get the Emmy's, Golden Globes, SAG Awards, Grammy's and Academy Awards crammed into three months. At the least, they provide fodder and conversation about wardrobe and hairstyles - and at the most - they give us inspiration and bravos about what's important and hard work.

Words can be very powerful - especially when the person speaking believes in you.  Watch this montage of the best sports pep talks of all time and get psyched just in time for the Super Bowl.  Words of encouragement - definitely a WINGS thing! Watch video here.

No fret my pet - there is still time to give the ones you love a gift that means something.  Our gift catalog has several items for purchase that would make any child - especially our WINGS kids - feel the holiday love.  And - if you make a gift in someone's honor, they'll get the most festive card equip with one of our cuties pictures!

Check it out here - I promise you'll smile!

As Director of Development at WINGS, I take visitors to see our program in action all the time.  The response is always positive - people GET what we do when they meet our kids and staff.  And, they have fun and leave inspired.  This past Monday, I took three women to Chicora Elementary to learn more about our work, see Community Unity (the first 30 minutes after school) and introduce them to our kids.  We were then lucky enough to sit in on the Bluebirds' discussion with Miss Mallory as the facilitator.  Pure magic!

Over the last few months, a bright spotlight has been shining on bullying with a big focus on the tragedy of Rutgers freshman, Tyler Clementi.  After being cyber-bullied by his roommates for being gay, Clementi took his life by jumping off the George Washington Bridge.  In a lot of ways Clementi’s tragedy broke the silence on bullying – and everyone is talking. (Did you see Ellen's video message?)

Yesterday marked the first day of fall and I found myself feeling a little nostalgic for the carefree, sunny summer days of 3-hour lunch breaks and half-days….

Oh, how I wish that was the truth!

We at WINGS were busier than ever this summer. June, July and August were a whirlwind of promotions, additions, decisions, new schools, more kids and getting great.  It’s only appropriate that as we move into fall, we pay homage to the hard work of the summer.  No worries – we had fun, too.

Love this Polyvore site where anyone can put together his/her own look in a digital collage that is easier than playing with paper dolls.  It's fun to create different looks like this outfit complete with ostrich-feather purse!  Helping our WINGS kids develop and discover their own personal style means equipping them with self awareness skills.  And always remind them - be yourself!

 I like children’s books – I always have. The cheerfulness just makes sense to me. Maybe it brings out my inner child? So, when "Things with Wings" came my way a smile spread from ear to ear.