During the first COTS Walk in 1990, I was on the Walt Disney World College Program. I was 18 -- and was working at Big Al's in Magic Kingdom's Frontierland. I had not yet met Scot (1991). I had never been to Vermont (1996). I had not experienced the joy of becoming Sydney's mom (2001). And, my first COTS Walk came much later (2011). These have been an incredible 30 years -- for both me and for COTS.

In my role at COTS, I am responsible for helping our nonprofit meet its annual fundraising goal. I do not, however, describe myself as a fundraiser. Instead, I describe my job as this: I tell the story of COTS, and, as my wise friend Sr. D said, I give people the opportunity to be generous.

I am moved by the stories of the people we serve, the people who support us, and the people who work here. It is a great gift for them to share their lives with all of us. Among all of the people throughout COTS and in our community, I find light and joy.

Alexander John Shaia wrote: "To achieve the capacity to speak and act as our genuine selves with others, in an attitude of compassion and love, and with confidence -- now that is truly a cause for rejoicing." COTS has taught me how to do this.

And, the COTS Walk has taught me this: “The secret to happiness ... be satisfied and be grateful.” (Mitch Albom, "Have A Little Faith: A True Story")

I am so thankful to Scot and Sydney for each once again taking the COTS Walk Challenge. They each have a goal of raising $1,000. If they reach their goal, their donations will be matched by a generous anonymous donor.

Please help support the Holt Barker team and COTS' mission to end homelessness by making a donation to our COTS Walk family Challenge. 

This year, because of the COVID-19 global health crisis, the COT Walk has gone VIRTUAL. Each day, the COTS team is posting an Online Activity Page that's educational, interactive, fun -- and gives us all an opportunity to connect. Please check these out -- www.cotsonline.org/cotswalk ... and just us for our COTS Walk now through May 3, 2020. Our theme this year: "One World. Many Journeys Home."

Thank you. Stay safe, and be well.

With much love, becky