Tampa Bay International News and Events
Women from Cultures around the World meeting to learn and grow together.
Happy New Year
from the president
"An Act of Kindness"
A little over a year ago Karen Bang invited me to my first TBI event. From that day, it has been a whirlwind with many memories.
It happened at my first TBI event, the Annual Tea.
As I was trying to enjoy the luncheon, I felt "new" and lonely. Karen was busy with the event and I was trying to find a place to feel comfortable. You know that "new member" shuffle.
Then something special happened, I sat next to Ellen Dacus. She was very kind and we enjoyed getting to know each other. But, before the luncheon was over, Ellen did something that I will not forget. She went and got a piece of candy and brought it back to me at the table and said this is "just for you" with her great big smile that said "I like you". Her small act of kindness broke down walls between the "new" and the "old" and it made me feel special. Ellen may never remember doing it and I am sure she does not know how important that was to me that day. It made me feel valued and accepted. I left the luncheon with a smile on my face.
Ellen did not stop there. I received a Christmas card from her with a beautiful picture of her and her family on it. She made me feel like I was really a member of the club.
Kind words are very important and can make someone's day. When words are supported by small acts of kindness, it builds bridges and adds heart to relationships. Thank you, Ellen.
Kathy Biscoglia attended her first meeting this year -The Tea - and she had that same "new" feeling. Kathy has accepted the position of New Member Committee Chair. She too knows the feeling and importance of that special personal touch. We are fortunate to have Kathy to help us reach out and extend more personal acts of kindness as we go into this new year. Thank you, Kathy.
May this be our club's New Year's Resolution.
Our TBI friendships are a blessing and may we cherish and value each other.
Tenth Year Kickoff Lunch
"Celebrating A Woman With a Vision"
Ten Years Ago on September 15, 2001
Padmini Durr Founded TBI.
Padmini Durr welcomes us to the Tea. Flags of many nations represent our diverse membership.
Our Officers strut their stuff! Irene Athos, Ellen Dacus, Maureen Laurie Kolar, Lana Shutte, and Joan Ulrich
Sharon Coil presented her fantastic slideshow of TBI's history.
We all enjoyed it, and we thank Sharon for all her hard work!
Here's to Ten+ more great years.......
