"Paying It Forward, Stillwater Style" - Time Out #80.5

Simply put, the butterfly net caught us.

The us is my bride, Debbie, and me.

Those of us who inhabit the most wonderful place on planet earth, Our Town, have certainly noticed the large, beautifully-painted butterflies scattered about in our community. Some of these graceful creature statues are in front of our local businesses. Others have found their place on the grounds of pubic buildings, churches or in front of other brick and mortar structures. Several, including smaller size butterflies, have been placed on people's lawns, flower beds, or gardens where they add a perfect touch to the home's overall curb appeal.

How has such a phenomena happened in our little piece of paradise on the plains of Oklahoma, pray tell?

Easy answer to this riddle.

Our Town has the wonderful Wings of Hope Family Crisis Services Agency.

And to them and all they stand for and do 24/7/365, Ms. Debbie and I are all in for you, WOH!

As most of us know, for a bazillion reasons, Stillwater is THE place to settle, raise your family if you chose to have one, and ride the wave into retirement, always celebrating our unique way of life here. We all know our little secret, too, is our just plain folks. Yes, we have a wonderful university, little crime, excellent health care, close proximity to 2 large urban areas and their cities, recently-arrived scheduled major airline service to quickly link us to the outside world community (thank you, again, Mr. Gary!), clean air, and so on forever with more positives. By far that biggest PLUS of all, dear fellow time travelers, is our great people. Frequently, we have read or heard via various media when visitors come here for whatever reasons, they send wonderful feedback to us, praising our hospitality, thoughtfulness and friendly,helpful people.

It is not too much of a stretch, therefore, to know Our Town is absolutely blessed with many wonderful "help" organizations. This list is very long, and that, of course, is a good thing.

Whatever gets your pay-it-forward spirit motivated, there is an excellent chance Stillwater has an organization to satisfy your wishes.

Well, to say it another way, Stillwater's butterfly landed on our shoulders, and we are SO glad it did!

A few months ago, Ms. Debbie and I decided we would try a dual, pay-it-forward, exercise. We would attempt to repay people in our lives who have meant so much to us by surprising them during the recent holiday season. This surprise would be a beautiful WOH butterfly, and our dear friends would be able to personalize their lovely possession. The second part of the reward is it would financially benefit this outstanding local organization . The stated purpose of WOH is a non-profit agency that provides comprehensive and confidential counseling and support services to victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking and child abuse or child neglect. .

To achieve our desire, I met with long-time WOH Executive Director, Marie Abraham-Robinson and WOH tireless volunteer lady, Nancy, who has headed up the agency's butterfly program for several years. Both women could not have been more accommodating, educational, warm and inviting into their special area of their hearts; they really care for other people less fortunate and troubled. We instantly hit it off, and sealed the butterfly giving deal. When I left their wonderful facility at 3800 North Washington Street, I knew Debbie and I had done the right thing going down this particular road at this time in our lives.

Several months later, both ladies offered my bride and me a first-class tour of their large in-house facility. The tour took about 1 1/2 hours of careful guiding and thoughtful explanation by the smart and dedicated, Marie. I know through my 2 meetings with this kind lady, WOH is so fortunate to have her in their most important leadership position.

Now, the calendar has rolled around for their annual Gala Fundraiser; this year slated for 6 p.m., Wednesday, March 29, inside Oklahoma State University's new College of Human Sciences North Wing on South Monroe Street on the OSU campus. Scheduled activities that evening include a cocktail reception, followed by a excellent dinner in Taylor's Restaurant. Both a silent and live auction are slated, too, along with great conversation and fellowship. The dinner preparation will feature several noted chefs, and Dr. Jonathan Drummond will be the master of ceremonies. The event theme is "Masquerade: Unmasking the Cycle of Violence". The $100/person ticket arrangements may be done at 405.372.9922 or on-line via events@sdvs.org.

Being able to really help your fellow human being is about as good as it gets.

I would urge you to get involved; the inner warmth is truly a wonderful, contagious feeling.