Angie Fairbanks leads the Council
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Acceptance Speech
Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen!!
If you haven’t figured it out already, my theme for next year will be “ESA… Anything’s Pawsible”. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, next year we are going to the dogs.
The first thing I would like to do tonight is introduce you to my family, or you might say “my pack”. Would my family please stand. At the round table down front, I have my sister Sherry and her husband Dan, my nephew Anthony and his wife Amanda, my nephew Rusty and his wife Melissa, and my favorite niece Amber. At the sub table there is my sister Debbie and her husband Terry, and my Mom and Dad, Jim and Donna. What can I possibly say about these people that at least some of you don’t know already? Not much. But, we laugh together, we cry together, and sometimes we even fight together. But all of you make up my pack. And I know that you have my back, no matter what, and I love you all with all of my heart and I’m very happy that you could join me for this special occasion.Thank you for all of your support. You may now be seated. Except you – this is my husband Mark – right beside me, where he’s always been. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my love. Without your unwavering supportover the last 30 years, I would definitely not be here today. Thank you.Now you can sit, but you have to stay.
Now, if you belong to one of the following groups, will you please stand – Epsilon Eta, District A, Gamma Omicron, and District J. Thank you all so much for being in my honor guard tonight.
First, to Gamma Omicron and District J – my adventures in ESA began with you. You rescued meas a small puppy and taught me all of the history and traditions of ESA. You taught me a few tricks along the way, like how to sit, stay, and come. Along with “pack your bags; we’re going for a ride”.
Next, to Epsilon Eta and District A – when I needed to relocate a few years back, and I had to find a new forever home – you were willing to take a chance, and you adopted me. You welcomed me with open arms and I have felt right at home ever since
.
I want to thank ALL of you for the support that you have given to me over the last 16 years. I know that you will continue to be there any time that I may need you. Now, you can all sit… and stay.
Every year, the incoming president stands up here and talks about the future, and what her goals are for the next year. Well, tonight I’m only going to talk to you briefly about two things. The first one IS about the future of ESA. The only way that we are going to keep this puppy alive, is if we feed it. And the only thing that it’s truly hungry for is new members. Without new members, this organization will die. It’s not just a matter of “if” anymore. It’s coming down to a matter of “where” and “when”. So my first challenge to you is to go out there and get us some new puppies for our pack. This organization will not survive, and cannot thrive without bringing in new members. And it’s up to each and every one of us in this room (including myself) to see to it that ESA is around for a long time into the future, for many more litters of puppies.
The second topic I would like to discuss is my President’s Pet Project. I am asking each of you to do something in your own community to help the four-legged furry friends that can’t help themselves. As much as I would love for everyone in this room to go home and adopt a new fur-baby, I know that that’s just not possible for everyone. But I do challenge you to contact your local animal shelter or rescue facility and find out how you can help. I know that all of them are in need of donations. You can donate your time, either by volunteering at the shelter, or by fostering a pet at home. Or you can donate supplies, to help make life at the shelter a little better. Yes, they need food and treats and bedding, but some of them also need general office supplies, and LOTS of cleaning supplies. Or, if you don’t want to go shopping yourself, I’m pretty sure that they will accept cash donations, or even gift cards. There are also programs where you can sponsor a pet to help cover any necessary medical expenses.
Sometimes, donations don’t even have to cost you anything. Has anyone gotten their spring cleaning done? Well, if you’re like me, the answer is a big fat “no”. So while you’re cleaning out those closets, keep an eye out for some of those things that you might normally just toss. A frayed towel or a faded blanket could be just the ticket for the kitties and puppies that love to cuddle and snuggle up with them. The shelter in Topeka also accepts donations of aluminum cans, which is where all of mine go. Or,plan a special event to benefit your local shelter – a bake sale, a garage sale, or even a puppy style show. Just think outside of the normal litter box, and remember, in ESA… Anything’s Pawsible!
Now, to share with you some advice from a dog, that I think everyone could learn from.
Be Loyal.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Unleash your talents.
Hide your favorite snack.
Make new friends.
Learn new tricks, no matter your age.
And,when loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
In closing, I would like to thank the membership for the opportunity to serve as President of the Kansas State Council. You saw something in me when I couldn’t see it myself. Even though you have taught me a lot, I’m not an old dog just yet. I know that there are still a few tricks that I can learn. I know that I’m not ready to stay on the porch… when I can still run with the big dogs.So for the next year, I will be your “Top Dog”.
Thank you. Angie Fairbanks
If you haven’t figured it out already, my theme for next year will be “ESA… Anything’s Pawsible”. That’s right ladies and gentlemen, next year we are going to the dogs.
The first thing I would like to do tonight is introduce you to my family, or you might say “my pack”. Would my family please stand. At the round table down front, I have my sister Sherry and her husband Dan, my nephew Anthony and his wife Amanda, my nephew Rusty and his wife Melissa, and my favorite niece Amber. At the sub table there is my sister Debbie and her husband Terry, and my Mom and Dad, Jim and Donna. What can I possibly say about these people that at least some of you don’t know already? Not much. But, we laugh together, we cry together, and sometimes we even fight together. But all of you make up my pack. And I know that you have my back, no matter what, and I love you all with all of my heart and I’m very happy that you could join me for this special occasion.Thank you for all of your support. You may now be seated. Except you – this is my husband Mark – right beside me, where he’s always been. You are my best friend, my confidant, and my love. Without your unwavering supportover the last 30 years, I would definitely not be here today. Thank you.Now you can sit, but you have to stay.
Now, if you belong to one of the following groups, will you please stand – Epsilon Eta, District A, Gamma Omicron, and District J. Thank you all so much for being in my honor guard tonight.
First, to Gamma Omicron and District J – my adventures in ESA began with you. You rescued meas a small puppy and taught me all of the history and traditions of ESA. You taught me a few tricks along the way, like how to sit, stay, and come. Along with “pack your bags; we’re going for a ride”.
Next, to Epsilon Eta and District A – when I needed to relocate a few years back, and I had to find a new forever home – you were willing to take a chance, and you adopted me. You welcomed me with open arms and I have felt right at home ever since
.
I want to thank ALL of you for the support that you have given to me over the last 16 years. I know that you will continue to be there any time that I may need you. Now, you can all sit… and stay.
Every year, the incoming president stands up here and talks about the future, and what her goals are for the next year. Well, tonight I’m only going to talk to you briefly about two things. The first one IS about the future of ESA. The only way that we are going to keep this puppy alive, is if we feed it. And the only thing that it’s truly hungry for is new members. Without new members, this organization will die. It’s not just a matter of “if” anymore. It’s coming down to a matter of “where” and “when”. So my first challenge to you is to go out there and get us some new puppies for our pack. This organization will not survive, and cannot thrive without bringing in new members. And it’s up to each and every one of us in this room (including myself) to see to it that ESA is around for a long time into the future, for many more litters of puppies.
The second topic I would like to discuss is my President’s Pet Project. I am asking each of you to do something in your own community to help the four-legged furry friends that can’t help themselves. As much as I would love for everyone in this room to go home and adopt a new fur-baby, I know that that’s just not possible for everyone. But I do challenge you to contact your local animal shelter or rescue facility and find out how you can help. I know that all of them are in need of donations. You can donate your time, either by volunteering at the shelter, or by fostering a pet at home. Or you can donate supplies, to help make life at the shelter a little better. Yes, they need food and treats and bedding, but some of them also need general office supplies, and LOTS of cleaning supplies. Or, if you don’t want to go shopping yourself, I’m pretty sure that they will accept cash donations, or even gift cards. There are also programs where you can sponsor a pet to help cover any necessary medical expenses.
Sometimes, donations don’t even have to cost you anything. Has anyone gotten their spring cleaning done? Well, if you’re like me, the answer is a big fat “no”. So while you’re cleaning out those closets, keep an eye out for some of those things that you might normally just toss. A frayed towel or a faded blanket could be just the ticket for the kitties and puppies that love to cuddle and snuggle up with them. The shelter in Topeka also accepts donations of aluminum cans, which is where all of mine go. Or,plan a special event to benefit your local shelter – a bake sale, a garage sale, or even a puppy style show. Just think outside of the normal litter box, and remember, in ESA… Anything’s Pawsible!
Now, to share with you some advice from a dog, that I think everyone could learn from.
Be Loyal.
Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
Unleash your talents.
Hide your favorite snack.
Make new friends.
Learn new tricks, no matter your age.
And,when loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
In closing, I would like to thank the membership for the opportunity to serve as President of the Kansas State Council. You saw something in me when I couldn’t see it myself. Even though you have taught me a lot, I’m not an old dog just yet. I know that there are still a few tricks that I can learn. I know that I’m not ready to stay on the porch… when I can still run with the big dogs.So for the next year, I will be your “Top Dog”.
Thank you. Angie Fairbanks