CorsaPRgal

I just had a flashback from nearly seven years ago – of a memory that’s been tucked away, but today became prominent when my son and I reminisced about life altering experiences, and this particular one came to mind.

In 2007 we were fortunate enough to go as a family to Germany and spend some time with my in-laws in a small, historic village, called Michelstadt. My father-in-law happens to be a very gifted, beloved and world renowned concert pianist, who annually gives of himself to Chair global classical music competitions and teach students from around the world not just about music, but more so, if they listen to him closely, about what passion can inspire.

The truth is, one doesn’t really need to be a musician to be inspired by him — because his teachings don’t only encapsulate music, but more so, empathy, insight and a whole lot of heart.  But that’s another blog…

On this particular trip, the learnings were more for Jacob (though we got the benefit of being a part), and he was shown less of “what,” and more of “why.”

While my in-laws were in Michelstadt for a good portion of the summer, our few days taught us history, appreciation for our heritage, and the ability to get to know people from another part of the world that now have a connection within our hearts.  We had come to hear a special performance my father-in-law was to give to the town, but we left feeling fulfilled from what the town had given us — a warmth and connection that included my son, who was 11 at the time, signing the “Golden Book” which is held by the town Mayor and has been in existence for hundreds of years.

But the even more meaningful part for me, was a visit to the grave of the Baal Shem Tov of Michelstadt — the Rabbi that was known throughout Europe to be a miracle worker, through his compassionate advice and listening heart, and the guy that to this day, thousands come to visit while seeking solitude, respect and good wishes for themselves and their family.

Jacob and his grandfather visiting the grave of the Baal Shem Tov of Michelstadt in 2007; the entire grave was filled with notes from thousands that come to leave their thoughts.

Rabbi Yitzchak Aryeh Sekel was born in 5529 (1768) in Michelstadt.

And while the meaning of this true Baal Shem Tov is inspirational and a part of my spiritual belief, what sticks to me is the desire within us to find that listener and thought provoker, and how very fortunate I am to have my very own “Baal Shems” in my life right now…those with compassion and honesty and true friendship – the one’s I can count on even if our paths cross at less consistent moments. 

We all have times of need…times of indecision, of doubt and also of jubilance… though  sometimes it’s the former that seems to remain more constant…For me, without those key individuals that offer their ears and hearts to me, through the good and the bad, my world would be greatly remiss.  While those of a higher source, such as the Baal Shem Tov, can bring a deep comfort to many, it is my team of encouraging compadres that make my life complete.  Those that have brought me the balance which inspires me to find at least one good thing in each day – even the difficult ones.

As 2013 comes toward a close, it would be easy to point out the disappointments I’ve faced and the elements of change I’ve encountered within – but it’s also been a year of promise and learning and growth.  A year of strength that I’ve given myself, but could have never done were it not for the “Baal Shems” in my life, giving me the encouragement to stop and smell the roses and seek the ability to be in the moment.

This extended crew offers me hope every day, whether we connect or not, for their words of encouragement go deep and are not forgotten.

I am grateful for this and so much more – the realization that everyone needs a Baal Shem Tov — and in return, each should become one for another.

A good friend of mine let me in on a little secret about “me,” – he said, and I quote, “you’ve always been a ‘we’ person, don’t you think it’s time to start being a ‘me’ person?”

Though his question was directed in a positive vein, and meant more than anything to help me achieve some inspiration for myself, the deeper crux of that one little question began to plague me – and a rush of memories both personal and professional, jumped into my inner core.

And try as I might to find those moments of undertaking where being a team player should have been more than enough, I began to second guess what I just may have been missing out on.  And wondering even more so, is it ever too late to change?

So I embarked on what has become an eight-month journey – a journey that didn’t reduce my involvement with others, but more so, allowed me to come back to being “me.” This new notion allowed me the time to enlist the things that “I” enjoy doing and even finding new passions that make me feel good — permitting me to be a better “We.”

My work travels now included a day or two extra reconnecting in person with friends from afar; and my daily routine at home grew to include the healthy outdoor moments that I had all but forgotten — with daily 3.2 walks in the hills, weekly hiking, golf and tennis too — as well as the much needed gab-fests with my besties over sake and sushi, and winebars and tapas too — I even took on yoga to unleash the spiritual gangster in me!

And here’s what I’ve found…

“There comes a time in your life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh. Forget the bad, and focus on the good. Love the people who treat you right, pray for the ones who don’t. Life is too short to be anything but happy. Falling down is a part of life, getting back up is living.”

For me, that includes the “me time,” but it’s also growing my inner world.  I’ve expanded on the places I want to be, including the folks that I want to see, and making the most of working on me…I haven’t stopped being a team player, but I’ve learned that the better I feel about little ole me, the more I can contribute to the team.

So I’m thanking my friend for putting me on this journey, but letting him know that for me, he’s only kind of right.  I can change and incorporate more into my life, but I don’t think I’m ever going to give up the sharing and the “we,” because that in itself is what helps me be me.

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Yes, it truly “takes a village…” and for this year’s 2012 Danville d’Elegance weekend of charity events, our little village grew from the mere historic old town of Danville, to one of global interaction and connectivity.

You see our success came not just from our village of more than 200 volunteers that so transparently handle each and every detail (of which they began last year the day the weekend ended!) — nor did it come additionally from our Canadian partner, Intelliga Communications, with its gift of website design, Facebook interaction and continuous outreach of marketing support — or even from companies based afar, like Ralliart Racing in Florida that generated our wonderful driving route for the “Tour,” and the beautiful artistry and illustrative “Tour” design elements that were created by Paul Chenard in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

While our village was enhanced by global auction contributors from the likes of the world-famous Orient Express and individual luxury hotel properties like the Mandarin Oriental and the St. Regis that donated packages in Rome, Venice, London, Prague and Barcelona – all of which are now committed to our cause and in sharing our success for it with their own clientele – we had an even greater gift.

It was the  “inhabitants” of our village – those supporters that came throughout the weekend in droves… the ones that share our passion for cars, and more so to help support our collective desire to eradicate Parkinson’s disease and for now, benefit Parkinson’s research and patient care – this is where our village became a true community.

Our supporters this year were many, evidenced by the first time we’ve “sold out” of each of our three programs – the “Tour d’Elegance,” Blackhawk Dinner Gala/Auction, and the grand finale, the Danville Concours d’Elegance.

This year, something special was in the air – we smelled it at the Lafayette Park Hotel very early Saturday morning when the first of our drivers rolled up under the banner memorializing Phil Hill, one of our “Legends of Racing, Heroes of Parkinsons.”

The beautiful entries ranged from vintage Alfas, MGs, Austin Healy’s and Lancias, to modern day Lamborghinis, Porsches, Ferraris, and Aston Martins.  And after a stunningly scenic, yet energetic drive through the backroads of Napa, our “touristas” enjoyed the view and waited patiently until the 1918 Chevrolet D5 V8, driven by Luke Rizzuto, came up the hill to our lunch at the exclusive Cardinale Winery – and then, the applause erupted.

With our group of 80, the specialness continued as we not only explored Cardinale, tasted the finest of their vintage, and dined on a lovely lunch – but heard the gracious words of Rick Tigner, CEO of Cardinale and the Kendall Jackson family of wineries, who has joined our village to support this very cause.  He introduced us to his wife Wendy, who too is battling with Parkinson’s disease, and we shared her spirit among other attendees also inflicted that have allowed the Danville d’Elegance Foundation to be part of their personal team.

The Tigner family support is just one example of our own growing and extended group – this year we also had the strength of Sonny Whelen and his Grand-AM racing team that actually helped us start our auction bidding back in July, with his donation of  “JOIN THE GRAND-AM VIP EXPERIENCE” charity auction package on eBay.

And there were plenty others that came to share their personal ties to Parkinson’s with us, from their own distant homes.  Dick Nicely and JoAnn Reilly joined us once again, all the way from Ohio, and Bill and Carol Biggs drove their ’73 Ferrari Dino 246 GTS more than 100 miles just to share the “Tour” and  “Concours” camaraderie once again – not to mention their great dancing skills on the Blackhawk Museum dance floor!

And speaking of the dinner gala – the casual theme of “Cruising toward a Cure” and it’s Tommy Bahama flair and surfer tunes, did not take away from enticing the high rollers in our annual silent and live auction to keep the bids rising.  Even Don Williams, owner of the Blackhawk Museum and its famed car collection, got into the act, raising the bar and purchasing a Ferrari FXX Pedal Kart – possibly a new museum addition???

The “Dancing Queens” of Danville d’Elegance

AOPi sisters take Danville by storm!

Auction item Ferrari FXX Kart – newly acquired by the Black Hawk Museum

Yes, our Village is on a roll – in so many ways – and with the help, care and commitment from so many of you, how could we do anything but keep growing while collectively working to successfully assist the needs of Parkinson’s patients and the care and research that is so needed.

The growth we experienced this year for the Danville d’Elegance Foundation, was not only in our fundraising capabilities, but it was truly in growing our Village.  Looking forward to your support in making our 9^th year even better!!!  Check our website, at www.danville-delegance.org as we plan for next year, September 21-22, 2013…

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