The first annual poem RENOVATION gala took place Saturday night. I’m pretty sure it was the tiniest gala ever – just John Melillo and me, along with our plus-ones, Lisa Melillo and Michael de la Rocha. It was a simple affair – dinner and drinks at a little Italian joint in Jersey. But why not call it a gala? 2024 brought plenty worth celebrating:
*Wins at HAYVN Coworking Community‘s HAYVN HATCH New Haven, the Yale Ventures Yale Innovation Summit and reSET (Social Enterprise Trust)’s Venture Showcase
*Completion of reSET’s Impact Accelerator
*A fantastic foray into the elder care market with United Church Homes
*A Poem Pals program that connected students across the country
*So many inspiring student users – constant reminders of the value of this endeavor
*An ever-expanding community of generous, talented people who lift us up and cheer us on
*A million inspirational moments:
-A student finding his voice
-A woman with memory challenges rediscovering the joy of the written word
-Me, realizing I’m stronger and more capable than I ever knew
Did we meet all of our 2024 goals for poem RENOVATION? Nope. Did things go as predicted? Absolutely not. Would I trade one step of the journey? Not a chance.
2024 was bedazzled with growth, inspiration, joy and connection. If my gratitude were a gala, there wouldn’t be a venue big enough to hold it. The charcuterie board would be a mile long, and you’d all be there, dressed as your favorite poet. Here’s to 2025, my friends! May we all find joy in whatever the new year has in store.