The example of Kelsie Buckley, of Hurricane ravaged Biloxi, Mississippi is worth noting and sharing. Kelsie demonstrates that leadership is not about gender, age, power, stature or social class. Leadership is in its purest form is uniting people around a mission or objective. Kelsie is a leader and provides another example of a young person trying to make the world a better place for everyone.
From a CBS Evening News report, I learned that Kelsie loves to read despite fighting a disease that may take her sight one day. In a search for large-print books for vision impaired readers, she found most libraries wanting. So she set-off on a fundraising effort with a goal to raise $70,000 to help libraries buy such books. With a fundraising foundation and a web site, Kelsiesbooks.net, she had raised $79,000 and testified on Capitol Hill about the need for large print collections in libraries. Kelsie’s leadership has inspired others.
From a CBS Evening News report, I learned that Kelsie loves to read despite fighting a disease that may take her sight one day. In a search for large-print books for vision impaired readers, she found most libraries wanting. So she set-off on a fundraising effort with a goal to raise $70,000 to help libraries buy such books. With a fundraising foundation and a web site, Kelsiesbooks.net, she had raised $79,000 and testified on Capitol Hill about the need for large print collections in libraries. Kelsie’s leadership has inspired others.
"Kelsie, you moved me so much," Ann Moore, CEO of Time Inc., told the determined Gulf Coaster, "I'd like to make a $20,000 donation."
Kelsie was honored by Laura Bush yesterday, who was in the Gulf to announce $500,000 in grants to school libraries that were wiped out by hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
Kelsie doesn't find it strange to be doing so much at such a young age.
"No matter how old you are, says Kelsie on her web site, "we all can make a difference."
This southern white girl, exemplifies what two great civil rights leaders taught and stood for. In Kelsie’s own words, we can “enrich our lives by helping others.” Well said, well done Kelsie. You are in good company.
"A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives."
- Jackie Robinson
“Everybody can be great, because everybody can serve."- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
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