Can you help this Saturday for a great cause? Harlie Holton needs you.

Girl Scout Troop 5091 proudly sponsors their own daisy, Harlie Holton. She is 5 years old and is in Kindergarten at GAES. She was born with Goldenhar Syndrome (a craniofacial syndrome), a lung defect and a collection of rare, complicated heart defects.

Harlie has had 5 heart surgeries and 28 surgeries total. She is traveling to Boston Children’s Hospital often, beginning in July, for eye surgery and major jaw reconstruction. We are hopeful that these surgeries will be successful by giving her the gifts of total oral nutrition, breathing without the use of the trach, and being able to speak.

There is a fundraiser this Saturday for Harlie at Glen Allen Elementary School.

There will be lots of activities including cardio and strength training activities for ages 5 and up, Zumba, Adrenaline, and more. $5 raffle tickets offer prizes for one month memberships to the YMCA, Adrenaline Fitness memberships, interior decorating services, Melody Magic Music lessons, artwork, purses, jewelry, hanging baskets, photo sessions by Paige Stevens Photography, massages, Spring Flower Baskets and much more.

Simply RSVP to lyndareide@yahoo.com. There is no cost for admission and you can purchase We Heart Harlie raffle tickets to show your support. Visit her Facebook page to see more about Harlie.

The event is Saturday, May 19 from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Glen Allen Elementary School.

Starting 6/1/12, Hip to Be Round is launching the search for nominations of amazing, expectant Richmond moms with the help of sponsor Stony Point Surgery Center. You’ve likely heard 103.7′s Melissa Chase talking about Hip to Be Round: it’s full of beautiful clothing for the baby bump, and as a second-time Richmond mom, she knows! She’ll be talking about the Dream Baby Shower soon, too!

Readers will vote for the winner who will receive over $1,000 of great prizes and her own Dream Baby Shower, and all nominees will enjoy an Expectant Girls Night Out on 6/27/12!

Details coming soon–keep watching!

Beth (right) celebrates with friends and admirers.

Over 2,000 votes were cast for the amazing Richmond women nominated in our 2012 Supermom Contest, and  Beth Trebour was the mom who swept this contest and had a grand celebration at the Wine Loft Richmond on May 9th, 2012.

Beth and twenty of her friends gathered with myself, the folks and docs from Stony Point Surgery Center &  CJStuf.org to celebrate Beth’s accomplishments and

Beth, center, kept saying "I don't deserve this!" but her friends beg to differ.

admirers.

The swag was amazing–over $3,000 in prizes from our incredible sponsors.

Rachel Reynolds of CJStuf.org shared where our sponsorship dollars went in this contest: helping families with very ill family members.

Julie Bragg of Stony Point Surgery Center, Beth and Rachel Reynolds of CJStuf.org

Beth herself is no stranger to good deeds. An organization in which she is a leader, called Running With Those Who Can’t, is just one of the amazing ways she is a Richmond hero.

Julie Bragg of Stony Point Surgery Center reads Beth's heartfelt nomination, which won her the title of 2012 Richmond, VA Supermom!

Here are Beth’s nomination and prizes:

Cool stuff that all went home with Beth!

My friend Beth Trebour IS Richmond’s SUPERMom! She is the mom to Jenna (16) and Rachel (13).  Jenna was born with a metabolic disorder called cerebral folic deficiency syndrome. Because of her disabilities, Jenna requires a lot of her family’s time and energy. Beth is a WORKING mom, employed as a Service Health Coordinator. Beth also trains and competes in triathlons, often pushing Jenna in a stroller and with Rachel right along side. In 2011 Beth helped start a new organization called Running With Those That Can’t. She has been one of the key organizers am not sure WHEN Beth sleeps! She took Rachel to the 12am premiere of “The Hunger Games.” No matter what challenge Beth is facing, no matter what stress she is facing, she ALWAYS has something funny to say, ALWAYS has a smile and laugh, ALWAYS has time for others, ALWAYS enjoys a glass of wine, ALWAYS fights for the best interest of her daughters, ALWAYS makes you feel important in her presence. Her daughters are a reflection of the SUPER mom she is!

Congratulations to all who were nominated, we think you are ALL Supermoms!

from left, Kate Hall of Richmondmom.com, Julie Bragg of SPSC, Beth Trebour, and Rachel Reynolds

$500 Gift Certificate to Hayes and Fisk, the Art of Photography

Celebration for up to 20 friends and family at The Wine Loft in Richmond including wine, soft drinks and appetizers on May 9th, 2012. ($500)

Theatre IV/Barksdale Ticket package ($292):

-4 Tickets for Seussical at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre($128 value)
-2 Tickets for Spring Awakening at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre($88 value)
-2 Tickets for Nice People Dancing to Good Country Music at Hanover Tavern ($76 value)

Birthday Party for a child at Core Kids Academy ($255)

One-hour massage AND Facial from Massage Envy Spa Richmond ($166)

One-year membership to the VA Historical Society ($99)

One-year membership to the Science Museum of Virginia ($99)

Darling summer tote bag full of gifts from Clementine in Carytown ($80)

One-year membership to KidsDineFree.net ($80)

Two adult classes to Spirited Art Richmond ($70)

Four-hours of nanny care at College Nannies and Tutors ($70)

Facial to Massage Envy from Kidz Kare at Home ($70)

Gift certificate to Relay Foods ($50)

Gift certificate to Mom’s Treehouse ($50)

Gift certificate to Romp n’ Roll ($50)

One dozen cupcakes from Frostings, valued at $35.

Gift certificate to Weebsworld ($25)

One dozen chocolate dipped strawberries from Wild Greens Catering ($25)

*prizes may be subject to change slightly in item and/or value

A shortage of diapers can have a severe adverse impact on a child’s well-being. 

-The Capital Diaper Bank website

Our children have a lot of stuff, mostly toys.  The journey of the toys from their origin to our house has involved generous grandparents, loving friends, adoring parents (us), garage sale finds and some mysterious appearances out of thin air.  I’ve read that when kids have a wide choice of toys, it stimulates their imagination and promotes development.  That’s all well and good but increasingly, instead of us owning and enjoying the toys, it feels like the toys own us and they are slowly trying to bury us and take over the house.

Not to mention all the guilt that these toys bring.  As a former Peace Corps volunteer, I spent two years living in a village where children were thrilled just to get one writing pen, hoping it would last them the whole school year (if they could afford to even attend school).  Sometimes looking at our playroom gives me the same feeling as walking into Wal-Mart after my two years in poverty-stricken West Africa:  Like a spoiled American.

When the thought of all the new toys at my daughter’s 4^th birthday party (closely following my son’s birthday party) started to give me panic attacks, I knew something had to be done. A friend of mine once collected items for a local infant crisis center at her son’s birthday instead of toys.  So I decided to do the same!

We’ve tried to instill an empathic, giving spirit in our daughter.  This is the girl who, every time we see a homeless person, comes up with a very detailed plan to help that person get a house, and asks about that person for days after we see them.  I was pretty sure she’d be on board.  I talked about it with her ahead of time, about how there are mommies who don’t have enough money to buy diapers for their babies.  “Can you imagine what our life would be like if we couldn’t buy diapers for your baby brother?  What would we do?  How would we feel?”  We had a great discussion about it.

Here is what we wrote on each guest’s invitation:

“Instead of gifts for [our daughter’s] party, we are hosting a diaper drive!  If you’d like to contribute, we will be collecting unopened packages of diapers (any size) and wipes at the party.  We are planning to donate the diapers/wipes to a local nonprofit that serves women, babies and families.”

And guess what!  It worked!  At the party, we collected over 400 diapers and 8 boxes of wipes – about $150 worth!  We decided to donate them to the Capital Diaper Bank.   A Richmond-based nonprofit, the Capital Diaper Bank is “dedicated to providing diapers to Virginia’s most vulnerable citizens…poor and low-income families through a statewide distribution network.”

About half the guests also brought a gift for our daughter.  One child drew a happy birthday picture for her – awesome!  The other gifts were books and clothes.  No toys!  Success!

Well, almost.

Even though I’d discussed the whole thing with my daughter multiple times, there was a sad moment when she gathered the few gift bags and plopped herself down in the middle of her friends, opening each one and graciously thanking the giver.  She clearly wanted the experience of opening gifts and thanking her friends.  My heart broke just a little, that I had somewhat taken that experience away from her.  And how did the friends feel who hadn’t brought her a gift bag?  They seemed ok.  I thanked them and their parents all for bringing diapers for babies, and then they all ran off to play some more.

I tried to process the experience with another mom at the party.  She told me not to overthink it.  That it was a good thing, and we’re all trying to teach our children it’s better to give than to receive.

Overall, I would recommend this to any parents seeking a birthday gift alternative!  (I’d also recommend telling your husband ahead of time so he knows why everybody’s bringing diapers!)  In the end, I’m okay with the little awkward parts along the way.  In today’s world, maybe it’s ok for all of us to be challenged on the gifts we give, to be a little heartbroken if it means we all appreciate what we have that much more, and are that much more open to giving to others in need.

Last night when we prepped the diapers to take them to the Capital Diaper Bank, our kids happily helped me count them and we talked about the families who will be using them.  I’m hoping it will create a basis for an event we can repeat, and a lasting memory that will be priceless.

To learn more about the Capital Diaper Bank and why donating diapers is so important to families in need, visit their website here: http://capitaldiaperbank.org/.   Lots of other organizations could use diaper donations, including homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters, churches,  food banks and more.  Check your favorite organization’s website or call to find out what they have on their wish list.

It’s the biggest sale of the season too with family suites starting at $159.99 per night. But hurry because the sale ends Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. EDT. Availability is limted.

Just use promo code R48HOUR. Great Wolf Lodge expects high call volumes so you can also book online to avoid delays by clicking here.

See you at Great Wolf Lodge!

Great Wolf is an advertiser on Richmondmom.com

For years I beat myself up about my average academic performance, trying so hard to be that honors student and never making the cut. So many of my friends were in honors this and that and then there was me, regular classes and average grades. How I dreamed of standing when they called the names for honor roll.

I tended to be more of the social butterfly rather than the academic. I rose to the occasion on many a committee and wrote speeches about school spirit and became head of the Spirit Council. I organized all the pep rallies, encouraged everyone to attend the plays and musicals. I participated in silly skits to promote recycling and I loved it all. Finally, I had found my niche but how do you get into a great college and then get an impressive job on this alone?

I did get into college and here, I thought, I would achieve my quest for knowledge. I envisioned myself pouring over my books, giving witty and eloquent answers to my professors, walking along the brick sidewalks lined with oaks having conversations about the meaning of life. Uh, no. Not even close. Again, I was drawn to the social aspects of college. Now, it’s not what you’re thinking, I did not party 24/7 but quite close to it (Sorry Mom and Dad). I joined a sorority and organized community service projects. Went to formals and Fraternity parties. Was a part of Homecoming, Greek Week and Derby Days. Oh yes, my calendar was quite full and I did find time to study, here and there.

When Graduation finally arrived, I remember walking with my best girl friends in silence, all pondering what we were leaving and what we were moving on to. At that moment I realized, I had no regrets. That day, under the Oaks, listening to names being called from the stage, I learned that being who I am may just be good enough.

Through the years I have succeeded and failed at just being me and I still, at times would fall into the trap of trying to be what I am not. Finally, after years of trying, I think I have figured it out. I am a wife and a mother, a daughter and a friend. There are other labels that I possess but these are the titles that I hold dear.

If someone asked me what the most important thing I learned in life was, I am not sure that I could give them one specific item. It’s a culmination of many little experiences that have created who I am today. This is my own little “top ten” list:

1. I have learned not to judge a book by its cover.
2. I have learned to laugh with and at my children (sometimes it is funny when they make bathroom noises on their arms or their little brother’s stomach).
3. I have learned how to live with being embarrassed (see above).
4. I have learned to enjoy a glass of wine (or two especially if the above number two is done while we are in the grocery store/Target/Library).
5. I have learned that I need to cherish (and not dread) making my children’s lunches, giving them baths and putting them to bed. How many parents, who have lost their child, would give their right arm to do these seemingly routine tasks?
6. I have learned that my husband is my hero, my best friend and my greatest supporter (even when I’m acting crazy).
7. I have learned that I could not live without my girlfriends.
8. I have learned what unconditional love is and am grateful to my parents for it (especially during my teen years. Sorry again Mom and Dad).
9. I have learned that it’s ok to eat a huge bowl of ice cream and not feel guilty.
10. I have learned that I am grateful that someone is passionate about math equations and uses them to make bridges that I can drive over.

Is that all I have learned in my years on this earth? Oh goodness no, but it pretty much hits the main points. I know there’s more out there to discover and, thank God, most of it can be found on Wikipedia.

Our military keeps our country safer.

Staying in Richmond for Memorial Day or taking a short drive somewhere in Virginia?

Memorial Day rocks in Richmond, Virginia!

And there are plenty of activities locally, or you can take a short drive to some of the nearby historic locations of Virginia and find even more.

Here’s our Richmondmom.com list of Memorial Day events. Let us know about others so we can add them to our list! (Be sure to check websites for dates, times, and details of all events as schedules may change).

Plan ahead and enjoy the long weekend.

Memorial Day Weekend Events – 2012

Virginia Women’s Music Festival at Virginia Women’s Campground on May 25, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. – Join us for music, dancing, bonfires, and a Memorial Day celebration.

Lewis Ginter Butterflies Live – May 25-30. Hundreds of butterflies will take flight in Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden’s glass Conservatory in 2012. The Butterflies LIVE! exhibit is back by popular demand and will feature showy tropical species from May 25 – October 14, 2012. The exhibit will also feature special plantings to provide food for the butterflies, allowing visitors to get an “up-close” and personal view of these fascinating creatures. This exhibit is supported by the Robins Foundation.

Celebrate the Art of India – Museum District, May 26 at Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Learn about the glitter, glamour, and power of the Indian kings! Create art inspired by Indian culture and compare your creations to the South Asian galleries at VMFA. Recommended for families with children 3-12.

Memorial Day Weekend Big Band Concert at Christ Ascension Episcopal Church. Free concert from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Free Memorial Day Weekend Big Band Concert on the front lawn of Christ Ascension Episcopal Church. Come hear the Big Band sounds of Joe Enroughty and His Royal Virginians as they perform some of your Big Band favorites. There will be an area set up for dancing in front of the bandstand. This concert will benefit the Christ Ascension food pantry, so please bring one non-perishable food item to help the food pantry. Also bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on.

Shockoe Bottom Jazz Festival – May 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. – Shockoe Bottom Jazz Festival is a unique opportunity to highlight the vibrant jazz culture in Richmond Virginia. This promises to be a day full of music, art and food. Featuring local vendors and amazing local musicians, this is a great way to showcase our community and the arts. Come out Memorial Day weekend for a great “Sunday Funday” indeed.

Summer Reenactment Series – May 27 at Church Hill, St. John’s Church. Sunday, May 27, 1:00 p.m. 3:00 p.m. 1:00 p.m. Free tickets distributed on a first-come, first-served basis 1:30 p.m. Music program 2:00 p.m. This event is FREE, with a suggested donation of $5.00

Virginia Civil War History Mobile at Yorktown Battlefield – Through the weekend – The Civil War 150 History Mobile is an interactive museum on wheels housed in a 53′ expandable tractor-trailer. The four-year tour launched on July 21, 2011, in conjunction with the 150th anniversary commemoration of the First Battle of Manassas. The History Mobile draws together stories from all over Virginia and uses state-of-the-art technology and immersive exhibit spaces to present individual stories of the Civil War from the perspectives of those who experienced it young and old, enslaved and free, soldiers and civilians. Hours: Sat – Sun, 9 am – 5 pm; Mon, 9 am – 12 pm.

Kings Dominion Military Days – Join us May 26-27 as we pay tribute to our brave military service men and women by offering FREE park admission to any active, inactive or retired United States Service men and women with a valid military I.D. *Free Admission only valid on May 26 & 27 for those qualifying with a valid US military I.D.

Richmond in 1812 Walking Tour at Court End. To mark the 200th anniversary of the History Center’s Wickham House, join us for a look at Richmond in 1812. For a small town it was a cosmopolitan city, a trading center with a diverse population. We’ll explore the cultural, political, social and religious aspects of this complex city and end with a tour of the Wickham House. Meet at the History Center.

Arlington National Cemetery Flags-In. Soldiers from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) will be joined by service members from the U.S. Marine Corps Ceremonial and Guard Company, U.S. Navy Ceremonial Guard, U.S. Air Force Honor Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard Ceremonial Honor Guard in placing more than 250,000 grave decorating flags at Arlington National Cemetery. The flags will remain through Memorial Day.

• May 28 – Memorial Day Observance, Memorial Amphitheater, 11 a.m.
• May 29 – Armed Forces Full Honors Wreath Ceremony in honor of President John F. Kennedy, 10 a.m.

Free Concert at the Capitol Sunday, May 27, 2012, 8 p.m. Gates open at 5 p.m. – PBS sponsors a FREE concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. The concert features actors Joe Mantegna and Gary Sinise, and other guest artists along with the National Symphony Orchestra. See Photos of the Performers for the 2012 Concert.

Richmond Kickers – This fantastic end of year event for both travel teams and top level recreation teams will be held over Memorial Day Weekend (Saturday the 26th, and Sunday the 27th, of May, 2012)  Our goal is to start matches after 8:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday!  APPLY HERE or CLICK ON THE ABOVE LOGO!  Deadline to apply is April 30th, 2012. Due to high interest, deadline extended to May 7th, 2012! Don’t hesitate.

Rocketts Red Glare – A fun-filled Memorial Day celebration is planned for Rocketts Landing in Richmond, Virginia on Sunday, May 27. Live music, family-friendly activities and of course the Rocketts Red Glare Fireworks Show are scheduled for that evening in Ancarrows Landing Park along the James River. All events are free.

Hanover Concert Band May 27, 2012 from 6:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the Virginia War Memorial, 621 S. Belvidere St., Richmond, VA. The Hanover Concert Band will give an outdoor concert in the Heilman Amphitheater (weather permitting) of patriotic selections. Bring your picnic dinner and enjoy the music from this talented group! Free and open to the public with ample free parking.

History of Memorial Day at Hollywood Cemetery Walking Tour on May 27 from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Join local scholar Jim DuPriest for an historical walk through Hollywood Cemetery, one of the most historic cemeteries in America. Learn about the origins of Memorial Day, a tradition begun in Hollywood as early as 1866. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and stay hydrated. Copies of Mr. DuPriest’s book on Hollywood will be available for sale.

Memorial Day Ceremony in Downtown Richmond, May 28 – Co-hosted with the American Legion 11th District. This ceremony is held to honor all veterans and remind citizens that we must remain vigilant to protect our freedoms. The Wall of Honor Ceremony, previously held at the Capital, will be integrated into this meaningful event. The plaques from the Wall of Honor will be on temporary display at the Memorial. Governor Bob McDonnell will give the Keynote Address.

The Children’s Museum of Richmond is open for Memorial Day fun on May 28!

Memorial Day Ceremony on May 28, 2012 at Yorktown. Includes the posting of colors, historical re-enactors, a guest speaker, the placing of flowers, and the presentation of awards to student winners of the York County Remembers Poster Essay Contest. York Hall, 301 Main Street. Free. (757) 890.3500 York Hall 301 Main Street Yorktown, Virginia 23690.

Valentine Richmond History Center – May 28 – Commemorate Memorial Day with a tour of Richmond’s historic cemeteries, including the Old Negro Burial Ground, St. John’s Church, Shockoe, Hebrew, Woodland and Hollywood Cemeteries. Learn about their layout, evolution as parks, artwork and notable tenants. Reservations required: (804) 649-0711 x301. Meet at the History Center.

Maymont Park on Memorial Day (May 28) – Nature & Visitor Center, 10 am-5 pm Maymont Mansion, 12-5 pm. Maymont’s indoor exhibits, including Maymont Mansion and the Nature Center, will be open for the holiday. (Indoor exhibits are normally open Tuesday-Sunday). For information, call 804-358-7166, ext. 310.

Memorial Day Ceremony May 28, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. at the Virginia War Memorial. Co-hosted with the American Legion 11th District. This ceremony honors all veterans and reminds citizens that we must remain vigilant to protect our freedoms. We will have extended hours during the weekend with other special activities.

Memorial Day Festival and Parade – Memorial Day Festival and Parade is a small Town patriotic festival in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, where the river meets the mountains!

Memorial Day at Ferry Farm – Visit Historic Kenmore and Ferry Farm where Civil War living-history interpreters will bring the past to life. Learn about period chores and cooking, medicine, and weapons. See exhibitions of cavalry and infantry drilling. Hear period music and play games. Please note – this event takes place at both Ferry Farm and at Kenmore Plantation. Separate admissions charged at each site.

Lee Takes Command on May 31, 2012 from 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Virginia War Memorial. ivil War author and historian, Dr. Emory Thomas, will examine Lee as man and general on the 150th anniversary of the day he took command of the Army of Northern Virginia. This special Sesquicentennial event is co-sponsored by the Museum of the Confederacy and the Virginia War Memorial. Free, but reservations are required through the Museum of the Confederacy on their website or by calling 855-649-1861.

National Women’s Health Week

National Women’s Health Week is a week-long health observance coordinated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office on Women’s Health. It brings together communities, businesses, government, health organizations, and other groups in an effort to promote women’s health.

The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time” and Richmond moms know how difficult it can be to find time and take care of themselves. National Women’s Health Week empowers women to make their health a top priority. It also encourages women to take the following steps to improve their physical and mental health and lower their risks of certain diseases:

• Visit a health care professional to receive regular checkups and preventive screenings.
• Get active.
• Eat healthy.
• Pay attention to mental health, including getting enough sleep and managing stress.
• Avoid unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking and not wearing a seatbelt or bicycle helmet.

Women often serve as caregivers for their families, putting the needs of their spouses, partners, children, and parents before their own. As a result, women’s health and well-being becomes secondary. As a community of Richmond moms and grandmoms, we have a responsibility to take care of ourselves, and support the important women we know to help them take steps for longer, healthier, and happier lives.

Join us as we celebrate National Women’s Health Week and do something healthy for yourself. You deserve it and your family is counting on you to stay healthy!

Here are my top five reasons that I love Chick-fil-A:

1. Fresh ingredients: The topic of food quality creates a lot of buzz these days. Fast food gets a pretty bad rap with a reputation for lower quality ingredients, pre-packaged delivery, and food additives like “pink slime.”  You won’t find anything like this at Chick-fil-A.  They are committed to

All you need to make that fresh Chick-fil-A lemonade

using fresh, top-quality ingredients in all of their products.  Name brands such as Nabisco Nilla wafers, Hershey’s chocolate syrup, and Sunkist lemons are used in all of their restaurants.  During our tour, we had an opportunity to make the Chick-fil-A lemonade just like every restaurant operator.  The ingredients are simple: fresh lemons, sugar (or Splenda for diet), and water.  These lemons are squeezed fresh every day at each location.  Lemonade isn’t made from a mix or syrup.

Similarly, their chicken breasts and nuggets are hand-breaded, pies and cookies are baked fresh, and  salad ingredients are chopped in each store. Nothing is “pre-made” for Chick-fil-A locations.  This commitment to freshness ensures the best quality for your family.

2. Kids meals encourage engagment: I usually cringe when we get a kids meal from another fast food restaurant.  The plastic object included with the meal may carry some interest long enough for the car ride home but it is quickly forgotten and often relegated to gathering dust or taking up valuable storage space in our already cluttered home.  This never happens at Chick-fil-A.  The prizes

One of the popular Chick-fil-A cows

in their kids meals focus on bringing families together.  If you have been to one of their restaurants recently, you may have seen the University Games educational toys or the Klutz Build-A-Book kits that allow kids to create books for mom, dad, or family (perfect for those spring holidays that celebrate the family unit).  Stay tuned later this year for gardening tools from the National Wildlife Federation, Mercer Mayer’s Little Critter books, Jim Henson puppets, and comic books featuring the popular Chick-fil-A cows.  Did you know that each kid’s meal prize comes with a guide for families that offers activities and ideas to expand engagement with your child?  I have yet to find a comparable restaurant that offers that kind of thoughtfulness with their kiddie sized fries.

3. Challenging conventional wisdom:

Me & Dan Cathy at the original Dwarf House restaurant, the "First Chick-fil-A"

When Truett Cathy started his Dwarf House restaurant in 1947, he served meals 24 hours a day to the blue collar employees who worked in the industrial area of Atlanta where he set up shop.  The exception was that he always closed on Sunday.  Sixty-six years ago, this was not uncommon, but the Cathy family has kept to their commitment of giving all of their employees a day of rest.  It certainly hasn’t hurt their business.  Their commitment to quality ingredients also bucks the fast food standard.  Truett’s son Dan Cathy shared their family formula for success during our tour: success happens when you “get the food right, create the right employee atmosphere, and get people coming back over and over again.”  This commitment is seen not just in the three generations of the Cathy family who now run the business but the thousands of employees who work in all aspects of the corporation, from owners and operators to dishwashers and cashiers.

4. Commitment to the community: You have probably participated in a Chick-fil-A Spirit Night recently.  The individual locations are proud to be an active part of their communities. Not only do they offer creative opportunities for local organizations to raise funds, they also offer special evenings that help families reconnect and engage.  In the past year, some Chick-fil-A locations have hosted special family nights such as father-daughter and mother-son date nights, girls night out (for mothers and daughters) and football nights (for fathers and sons).  These events are usually more than just an opportunity to eat out.  The restaurants offer extras such as tablecloths, table-side entertainment, themed games, and  more! In the next year, stay tuned to your local Chick-fil-A locations for more opportunities like this.  For the cost of a meal, you can get an engaging evening out with one (or more) of your children.

5. Standing by their values: The Cathy family does not shy away from their commitment to being a family centered company. Many people know that they are a Christian family and it is evident through some of their kid’s meal programs as well as their charitable activities that their business model and employee training are centered around Christian ideals.  Regardless of your personal ideology, it is difficulty to argue with a business that is clearly family centered, focused on engagement, and also focused on balance.  I respect that commitment to the Golden Rule as well as the investment they put into both their business and the community.

Do you love Chick-fil-A?  Comment on this post, telling us what you like best about their restaurants, and you could win some great prizes brought straight to you from Chick-fil-A headquarters in Atlanta.  Comments must be made by May 28th to qualify.

Disclaimer: Chick-fil-A provided my food, airfare, and lodging during the Backstage Tour. The opinions expressed are entirely those of the author.