Teenager Supports Literacy through Butterfly Effect

Nineteen year old San Diego State University theatre arts major, Heather Brittany, did not want to see her favorite charity fold. Working two jobs, she saved enough money to send a check to support literacy. What followed was pure miracle!

(PRWEB) February 20, 2004 --Life throws curve balls when we are least expected. It also brings us butterflies.

Despite my positive attitude that 2004 would bring prosperity and growth to the charity I founded, Be the Star You Are!, the month of January was filled with stress when I realized our bank account was in desperate need of funds. I scrambled to keep our programs alive, launch our new radio program, distribute resources to our beneficiaries, and interview new volunteers, all the time shouting to the universe "show me the money"!

With all the financial frustrations, I confided the challenges of the charity with my teenage daughter, Heather, who is a student at San Diego State University. We have always been cheerleaders for one another, and she continues to be a source of strength to me. Her pep talks keep me going when I think I cant take another step forward.

This time, Heather went a step further than just listening and consoling. On the Saturday after our conversation, I opened the charity mail, expecting more bills for which we had no money to pay. Instead, out falls a check made out to Be the Star You Are! for $100. Written on the check was "to help keep this organization helping others". On a separate note Heather scribbled, "I love you, Mom, keep your head up." Of course, I cried at this unexpected generosity from a teenager who wanted to help those less fortunate. With tears of gratitude running down my cheeks, I telephoned her to say that we couldn't accept her check as she has so little herself. Her adamant response was, "Cash it, Mom. I have you, the kids you serve have no one. As long as Be the Star You Are! lives, they can have you, too. The charity must survive." Wow! It's great to be the mother of a conscientious young lady.

Youve heard that the flap of the wing of a butterfly in one country changes the climate in countries thousands of miles away. Within days of Heathers contribution, the "butterfly effect" flew in. People from around the world started donating money via PAYPAL on our web site (http://www.bethestaryouare.org). Editors published pleas for help in their newsletters and magazines. Authors offered books. Auction items were donated. Dan Esbensen of Touch Technologies, Inc (http://www.ttinet.com), in San Diego flew north to purchase, donate, and install a new computer system so that Be the Star You Are! could broadcast its radio outreach program. WOW!

Christine Louise Hohlbaum, who lives in Germany (http://www.diaryofamother.com) donated through PAYPAL and published our plea for help in her newsletter. She emailed us. " Ever since I connected with you earlier this week, the most amazing things have happened in my life...I got a traditional book contract, was offered a humor column, and I secured a Canadian radio interview...all things Ive been pitching for a long time.
The universe, Cynthia, is with us. May you be blessed a thousand times over for your generosity ." The "butterfly" effect was indeed spreading its wings.

What I realize from the trials and tribulations of the last month is best summed up in this quote:

"Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be."

Be the Star You Are! is remaining strong. We are determined to be all that we can be so that the people we serve can be the stars they were born to be. I am committed to flying high.

Soar with us in 2004. Well take the curve balls with the butterflies...the point is to stay in the air!

Cynthia Brian, President of Starstyle® Productions, LLC is a much-in-demand key note speaker, personal growth consultant, host of radio and TV shows, syndicated columnist of "Business Bytes, and NY Times best selling author of "Chicken Soup for the Gardeners Soul," "Be the Star You Are! 99 Gifts for Living, Loving, Laughing, and Learning to Make a Difference "(Ten Speed Press) and "The Business of Show Business". She is Founder/CEO of the 501 (c)(3) charity, Be the Star You Are! which empowers youth at risk. She is also a certified interior designer, garden guide, and acting/success coach. Cynthia offers success coaching with personal/phone consultations and can be reached at PO Box 422, Moraga, California 94556, 925-377-STAR, http://www.star-style.com and http://www.bethestaryouare.org. Email: cynthia@star-style.com.

Soar in 2004
©2004 Cynthia Brian
www.star-style.com