Disney Moms Panel Monday: Anna

Straight from my heart – A glimpse into what makes my fellow Panelists so very precious to me.

I first met Anna during my Disney Moms Panel Training Trip in December, 2009. A large group of Alumni Panelists had flown down that weekend. We had breakfast together upstairs in the American Adventure. Here are the ’09 Panelists who were there:

Back row from left: Diane C, Diane L, Whitney, Anna, Margaret and Karen
Front row from left: Jodi, Cathy S, Jennifer, Kay and Tanya

A group of 2009 Moms Panelists - 12/09

I sat with Kay, Bernie and Anna at breakfast that morning.

Kay, Bernie and Anna - American Adventure - 12/09

During 2009, Anna had spearheaded fundraising efforts to donate money to the Give Kids the World Village in Central Florida. Together with fellow members of the Moms Panel in 2009, they raised $1,450 to help bring happiness to children with life threatening illnesses. They decided to make it an annual tradition.

2009 Moms give $1,450 to Give Kids the World - photo credit: Anna S.

So, in the early Spring of 2010, I got the chance to get to know Anna better. She had reached out to the newest members of the family, in hopes of “passing the torch” for the fundraising. Since Give Kids the World is near and dear to my heart, I welcomed the opportunity with open arms. I was honored to have been entrusted with her “baby”. Anna was so very helpful in answering my questions about the project and sharing her suggestions. With an even bigger combined group than they had in 2009, our family raised $7,500 which we presented to the Village in 2010. I should note that this fundraising has nothing to do with our position on the Panel, it is simply a cause that we all believe in and are honored to be a part of.

Giving a "Scoop of Hope" in October 2010

I saw Anna again at our Moms Panel Reunion in October 2010. She had her family with her and I had mine. It was so nice to meet them, and her 3 daughters are beautiful!

Then, in December of 2010, we flew down to welcome the newest Members of the Moms Panel Family. We met up in the lobby of the Yacht Club as we waited to head over to the Big River Grille together.

Anna, Chris and Dannee at the Yacht Club - 12/10

Lunch was a lot of fun…

Beth, Suzannah and Anna - Big River Grille - 12/10

I really enjoyed spending some quality time with Anna that weekend. We had a great time at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party together. She has an awesome sense of humor and is super sweet.

Here we are on Main Street watching the snow fall. From left: Joel, Diane L, Bri’s daughter, Suzannah, Maria, Me, Chris, Kay, Amanda A, Anna and her daughter.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - 12/10

…and I especially loved seeing her enjoying time with her beautiful teen daughter.

Anna and her daughter at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party - 12/10

The next day, we hung out in Epcot together…

Anna, Chris, Suzannah, Joel, Marc, Amanda A and I at Epcot - 12/10

…and then we helped Suzannah celebrate her birthday at the Whispering Canyon Cafe. Here’s Anna with J.L. from the Disney Driven Life and Vicki Barrett from the Hidden Mickey Guide.

Anna, JL Knopp and Vicki Barrett - 12/10

That evening we chatted with new Panelists at Bongo’s. Here’s Maria and Anna (and her daughter) chatting with Wes and Ritzy.

Maria, Anna and her daughter chatting with new Panelists Wes and Ritzy - 12/10

I’m looking forward to seeing Anna soon. Once again this year, we are continuing our tradition and are hoping to donate even more to Give Kids the World in just a few short weeks. Anna recently shared a little about our cause on her blog. You can read that here. Please consider donating to help a child who is facing a life threatening illness enjoy a vacation in Florida. Every little bit helps make wishes come true. Click HERE for more details!

You can follow Anna on Twitter: @beautygirlsmom

Want to get to know some more Walt Disney World Moms Panel Moms & Dads? I share a different Panelist with you each Monday! Here’s the link to all of them so far:
http://www.memorymakermom.com/category/disney-moms-panel-monday/

Love ya, Anna!