Innovation is the key.
Do what others have not.
Do it well.
And keep doing it until it is no longer successful, until it is no longer fun or until it no longer serves a community purpose.
We believe an event scheduled Saturday at the Museum Center at Five Points measures up to all these standards.
It caters to an endearing mission, one whose eventual success will be a life-changing plateau for all of mankind — the American Cancer Society, and specifically Relay for Life of Bradley County.
Saturday’s fundraiser is an annual event that employs tried-and-true methods, yet one that rediscovers itself each year by incorporating new ideas, refreshing approaches and invigorating practices.
And, it is fun — especially for those wishing to expand their lifestyles with new interests and for those wanting to broaden, and hone, their existing skills.
We speak of the “Scrapbooking for a Cure” festivity set for the downtown museum. To run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the networking event is made possible by Bank of Cleveland, by the museum, by Relay for Life and perhaps most significantly by a vast array of enthusiasts who love scrapbooking and the opportunities to share their passion with others who enjoy the same interest.
These fun-loving hobbyists who wish to ply their talents to a world of remembrance, while supporting a great civic cause, are a much larger group than might be imagined. Don’t take our word for it. Visit a few department stores or specialty shops that cater to this special interest. Count the number of aisles dedicated to scrapbooking supplies.
Then seek out a scrapbooker or “cropper,” as these enthusiasts are called, and pick their brains for information on how they got involved, why, when and the benefits they reap.
One might be amazed.
It’s about preserving the past.
It’s about honoring loved ones and remembering special places.
It’s about gifting to others a token of individual meaning.
It’s about networking.
It’s about sharing knowledge.
It’s about common interest.
It’s about quality time in a special place of the heart and mind.
It’s about supporting one another in a unique fashion that those on the outside might never understand or struggle to appreciate.
Think back.
How many times have you looked at that old shoe box filled with wrinkled photographs from the past — some of them depicting rare and precious moments — and told yourself, “I’ve got to get this organized!”
We can think of several reasons for making such a commitment.
Your children.
Their children.
And their children.
Old photographs tell stories.
They speak of lives — of good times, of bad times and of all times.
Scrapbooking assuredly does not appeal to all.
But it appeals to many, young and old, old and young, and young at heart.
If you have an interest, pick up the phone and make a call to either of these Bank of Cleveland scrapbooking enthusiasts — Joan Ownby, 478-8458, e-mail ownbyj@bankofcleveland.com; or Lisa Carroll, 478-8406, e-mail carrolll@bankofcleveland.com.
“Scrapbooking for a Cure” will be a fun time and a fulfilling event.
Plan to attend.
Plan to take a friend.
