Ben and Candace Curtis’ passion for feeding families started with a news story about a middle-class family that had to choose between buying food and paying their bills. The Curtises wondered if there were families in their own community who faced food insecurity.
Find out what they learned and how that information sparked the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, which works to ensure children who rely on subsidized school meals don’t go hungry when school’s out.
Candace Curtis shares her story of finding a problem and the passion to solve it.
Ben and Candace Curtis’ passion for feeding families started with a news story about a middle-class family that had to choose between buying food and paying their bills. The Curtises wondered if there were families in their own community who faced food insecurity.
Find out what they learned and how that information sparked the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, which works to ensure children who rely on subsidized school meals don’t go hungry when school’s out.
Candace Curtis shares her story of finding a problem and the passion to solve it.
Calling on women who are curious and called to be women warriors are rising in this day of age, to heal and grow together. I am your host, Jennifer Malcolm, self made entrepreneur, women advocate and life balance expert. Welcome back to the next episode of the Jennasis Speaks podcast The Transformative Power of Women's Stories where every woman has a story and every story matters. And yes, that means you so if you're listening you matter. Today, I have with me, Candace Curtis, and she's local here in Cleveland. And she's got a contagious smile and laughter. And I thought it would be fun to capture her story today. So welcome, Candace.
Candace Curtis:Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Jennifer Malcolm:You're welcome. I'm gonna read a bio that we prepared for today and about you and then we'll just jump right into your story.
Candace Curtis:All right, that's good.
Jennifer Malcolm:All right. So Candace is a graduate of Kent State University, where she obtained a degree in marketing and psychology and played on the women's golf team. College golf is how she met her husband Ben, who went on to play on the PGA Tour. It was after settling in Kent to raise their family that the Curtis's learned about food insecurity, and were inspired to establish the Ben Curtis Family Foundation and the birdie bed program. The program sends packages of food and toiletries home with food insecure kids over long weekends during the school year. The first year the foundation delivered 135 bags of food to the Kent School District students. And last year the foundation delivered 5200 bags of food to students in five school districts, and now plans to expand into the Akron school district this year in 2021. So welcome, Candace. It's nice to see your face and your smile. We met I think, in Georgia, Fall of 2018. And it was funny because I had been to these events before. And you know, we spot women so women always thought women because it's a lot of men, that typically these events and loved your energy, but you had kind of a ace up your sleeve that weekend, because there was like a putting tournament that you had to play against your husband, Ben. And at that point. I didn't really even know who Ben was because I wasn't really following golf or through the years of golf, let alone and this was and everyone's energy about you beating your husband in a putt putt contest was the highlight.
Candace Curtis:I know. It was fun. Him and I have always been that's how we met. We played lots of rounds of golf together. That's awesome.
Jennifer Malcolm:So let's let's start back at the story because you have a unique story that most women don't have, that you were a professional athletes wife. And you were able to participate in support Ben during his PGA career. So can you just talk a little bit about how you guys met at Kent, and then you know, the few formative years of your relationship?
Candace Curtis:We met a kid it was kind of really a whirlwind, because I was two years behind him in school. So he graduated in 2000. I graduated no two. He played the mini tours for a while until he got his card in, like the winter about to pretty much in 2003. I was done with school, I was still working at an insurance agency is Plan B just in case it didn't work out. And so and I was three obviously won the British Open, which was a major tournament for those of you that don't know, that's a pretty big deal and golf. Yeah. And so we kind of were, we were 23 and 26. So and we were actually set to be married, we were engaged. We got married almost exactly a month later, and August. So it was kind of like, Oh, here we go. Needless to say I didn't return to the insurance job was when he won. What happens is you you then can create your own schedule. So he was basically had his cards for five years, he could play in any event he wanted for five years. So now you knew that you were going to play in 20 events or 25 events. So it provided a little bit of security. But anyway, so I was able to then travel with him because we were he could plan a schedule and it was a bit easier. And he wanted me to go Yeah, I mean, I wasn't fighting either. So I had my real estate license as well at the time. And so I put that on hold. And I said okay, let's like let's do it. And so that was we did that for 15 years. Before we had kids. It was obviously quite different. We traveled together and I Just so that I went into this world where then I became almost like a manager, not like an agent, but like, all of our hotel and our travel and because when you with golf, a lot of people don't realize that that's all about the player. So they don't, there's nothing that comes out of your pocket, and you have to make all your accommodations, and then I'll give you suggestions. You know, I would get online, you hadn't like a site, you can look what airport you had to go to. So we did a lot of that it was so much fun. We did that for both free units. 206. And then our son was born and I was sick. And then our daughter in oh seven. So we kind of went like, you know, traveling carelessly to our son, Liam went on his first trip, then got into the Players Championship. It's like the top 30 I think top 30 go. So he went at six weeks old on that trip. And then. So then we had our daughter and I was seven. And she was eight weeks old. And we were on the road. So I had a, you know, 16 month old and eight, eight week old. I mean, it was a different life. It was tough. But it was so much fun. Because it kind of like three chapters, really. So we I went full time with no kids, and I never stayed home. But and then when we had kids, and they were small, you kind of picked like, Okay, I'm not going all the way up to California for a week. And then, you know, and then when they they got a little older, so we probably went like maybe 15 of the 20 weeks or, and then when they got in school, it went down to about, I don't know, maybe eight to 10 weeks, a year just because they were in school and we couldn't do it. And so that that was probably the hardest because we were always together as a family. So that was really tough.
Jennifer Malcolm:It sounds like even like as you're reminiscing, that it was exciting. Obviously a lot of hard work and logistics and you know, traveling is sexy to a certain point and then it can get old.
Candace Curtis:Yeah. Yeah. And I think of that, like you'd be in a hotel. So he's got to play now. And then you have a baby that's up in the middle of night that's crying. I we did it all myself. Like, we didn't have a nanny or anything. So that part was, it was hard just because you're trying to balance being new parents, right? And then, I mean, just little stuff like he would go and have to play Sunday morning. Well, we would have to check out. Now I've got toddlers or I've got little kids and I've got to get all this crap. I was a real joy to be around. Let me tell you Sunday's you just come near me.
Jennifer Malcolm:I know that how much you love and support Ben. But that piece of like, Alright, I have bags and luggage and yeah,
Candace Curtis:Off you go. And we had like family dining. So he off he goes, you know, he's having a nice quiet breakfast omelet station. And I'm there schlepping bags. Froot Loops. So the kids like, Let's go, you know, and then I was we were laughing because we went somewhere with the kids. Not too long ago, I got a Starbucks we flew and I go, you know, I used I could never have that. Because I was I had like a car seat on my back and eight bags. And then I gotta get a kid missed it. You know, you couldn't even sit down and enjoy your coffee. Coffee and children on planes do not go over? Well, but it was. I mean, it was so much fun. And I think it's just it was the stress that any person has with little kids, you know, and know how hard it can be like, marriage wise and just, you know, personal time wise, and all those things that just was maybe a little magnified? Because we were you know, you ate in restaurants. You were always in public bathrooms, public plate, you know, or you were in a hotel Florida, it was just different. Absolutely. It was. I mean, it was so much fun. We made great friends. And it was funny on that. And that year that lamb was born. I think there was like 26 babies or 23 babies born on tour. It was in the water. But then as they grew we all had these fun. You know they had buddies because they have golf. So Wednesday to Sunday, as long as you made the cut, you had daycare, daddy was a little easier to pull the trigger on because I was like, Yes. What time? What is my next time? Exactly? So then it allows you if you wanted to go watch golf, which I used to do with when they were little and then as they got older, I was like I've watched enough golf. I might watch nine holes and I'm gonna go go to Target my Starbucks
Jennifer Malcolm:And and that's fun. What was the most unique experience or the most unique place that you guys were able to travel to when you guys were on tour?
Candace Curtis:I would say we went out went after Ben when we did the European tour. We went to Thailand, and we did Japan. That was really cool. In Japan. It was a totally different culture which stood out was fun. And then when you experienced it with all the other new guys like Trevor immelman, Ian Poulter, like they were all there. So it was kind of like they were all newer players and yes professional, so we kind of bonded with them. And it was really fun,
Jennifer Malcolm:I'm loving listening to the stories because you're going as you're sharing so you can tell that that was a sweet time for you guys and as a family
Candace Curtis:You just you're, you know, you're trying to figure out like your toy. I mean, I'm 23. And really, you were thrust into this, like, life that you know, both of us coming from small town, Ohio, but I did write that whole year, just so I always remember cuz, like, I can't remember, you know, yesterday, but it was so much fun. We had a good time. And it just, you know, we just something we got to see the world together. And never, like, forgot me. Or he always I was always included, like we went over to St. Andrews. And we went over beforehand. And there's no women allowed in the clubhouse? Well, even when he wanted no three no women in the clubhouse, and, and I was like, Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? They want him to go in because why I'm not going if if Candace can go and, you know, they took me in and even did it when our family went back over. So he always just never forgot about me. overnight.
Jennifer Malcolm:You guys have such great rapport because he's on the quieter side by nature and you are on the you know. And so it's fun to see the two of you because he's always watching you and always with a smile on his face. So then what year did he retire? And you had to then transition from PGA golf tour and that high level of Go go go to Alright, we're gonna transition and become normal civilian was,
Candace Curtis:It's been about three, three and a half years now. So you know, that's another thing talk about another like, marriage thing. He he knew, I think long book. I mean, I knew it was time and it was coming. But you know, I wasn't ready. Like I was not. I shouldn't say I wasn't ready. But I didn't think it was where you know, and he goes, I think I'm done. And he was traveling and going through the motions, but with us being home. And I mean, so many people have to do that. Right. And he goes, he goes, I've done everything. I've accomplished everything I wanted to I and I was like, Well, I think I remember we were sitting in our kitchen. I said, but I think then you got to either rip the band aid you're either all in. You can't keep you're just, you know, you don't want to agonize yourself either you're you hate leaving, you know, it's you're not enjoying it anymore. And so yeah, so it's been about three and a half years, which now he tells him all the time, and you're like, Oh, no, he's actually he's got an academy now. So he's out more. But you know, it's just different.
Jennifer Malcolm:Imma laugh because my husband went back to teaching at ball and Wallace. And you know, his semester ended like last October. And then with 2020, his classes ended early. And he was teaching from home and remote. And so when he left, I was like, buy like, go like, Go. Go. I like I love you, I love you. But just go like, I have four hours every day that I'm like, bye bye. And it's just
Candace Curtis:It is different when you have a neck and I went through it, you know, and that was say I went from like weeks. So because I would be home kids and I would have our own routine. Eight, you know, he come home. Like somebody would do something wrong, that we might have been trying to correct that behavior last week. Well, that's changed it so it didn't work we're not doing anymore. You know, cuz he's trying to figure out like, okay, where do I fit in? Absolutely. Now, it's kind of nice. Everybody's established there. And our kids are home, like fully remote. So we're all home. But, but at least we've established all our roles. You know, it's just funny how you adapt. It's just that change at first was like, Okay, what are we going to do now? Like, right, so? Yeah, so
Jennifer Malcolm:then let's transition to what you guys are doing now. With the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, your burden egg program, what year did you guys start that initiative?
Candace Curtis:So that was in 2013. So he had retired yet, and we had like a mistake of tournament money that was given it to us to put towards a charity of choice. Well, we really didn't have anything that we really were that passionate about. And so we just kind of hung on to it. And we would give there like the golf program, you know, and things like that. But it was just, we just didn't couldn't really feel like any, like what's really making a difference. And so we were actually in a hotel, we were traveling and we watch like a dateline and they followed like a middle class. family in Texas, I think. And they were showing them like in mine, at the food bank and different pantries. And the mom made chicken one night and one of the kids like threw away the bones. And she's like, don't throw it up. I was like, Can I can make soup with that tomorrow. I mean, it was just like, this is really happening. Because they were teasing as well to they were trying to maintain keep their homes or cars. It was just like, is this really happening that people are having to choose between paying bills and eating? We got home I wonder if Kent like that, because the town reminded me of Casper. And so we called a friend of ours on the school board. And I said, What's your like free and reduced lunch rate in Canada. And he told me there was one school 80%. And then though I think the district live was maybe close to 50, I'm gonna say it was like 46 or 48%. At that time. And I and I said to Ben ago, this is obviously a really big issue in our own backyard, if 80% of the kids at the one school aren't getting food, and I both were like we couldn't imagine if we went, you know, our kids, especially when it's your kids, I think you can stomach it a bit more when it's you. Right? But if it's your kids come to you and it's like, multi level, like, number one, I can't, you know, you're hungry. And I feel bad for that. But then two, how does that feel the parent, not be able to provide that basic need. Right? You know what I mean? on the PGA wide side of things, I packed it up. They did a lot of philanthropic things. And but they do work closely with blessings in a backpack. And I thought, well, why can't we do something like that, but with our own spin, because we didn't really think that Kent necessarily needed it every weekend. And so we met with a principal at the school. That was 80%. And she said, Oh, you know, even a long weekend would be good. And then that's kind of how we she helped us formulate what to put in there. Because a lot of families maybe don't have like milk and butter or or stove, maybe they just have a microwave. So we tried to tailor the food in bags to match kind of the kids that we were serving. Another thing that you don't really think about, but there's not always an adult around to prepare it either. So it's got to be easy enough for a six year old. Parents. So Wow, that was like a lot.
Jennifer Malcolm:Well, it's a lot to wrap your mind around realizing that this really is in your backyard. And the reality of kids that don't have provision the basic needs and provision and social economic impact, and then beat just the awareness. So that's a piece of once you become aware of something like you do something so
Candace Curtis:And that's me like, I'm like 100 I'll go 120 miles. And it's funny cuz it started with cat and it was honestly it was like a not like it was more than a hobby, but it was just very small. It was 135 bags. We had retired teachers that would come help pack and and then I said it's like a whole family affair because my sister in law. And my mom, you know, they really helped. And Ben and I were the ones that formulated everything and we build it right. And so he started it 135 bags, then it was 260 you know, and so we slowly, slowly grew. And then before we knew it, we were doing the whole district and then it kind of started to gain momentum. We so we had that whole district served, but their neighboring districts that were worse, and I and we knew that, but it was we never want to go in there if we can't sustain it. Like we don't want to say Oh, we've got bags now. So that's kind of when we wanted to get to our neighboring communities where we were like what what is it going to take to sustain because our Ravenna was our first one that like on our radar, right and they were there at like, the whole district 100% free and reduced lunch blanket the district so every kid receives free lunch and free breakfast.
Jennifer Malcolm:So are these bags like customizable based on age and like so a six year old that has to be able to prepare food or or they pretty much standard across all?
Candace Curtis:All the same? Yeah. So we keep them all the same and then they get nine meals in them six next meal would be your breakfast and then we might do a bag of pasta or a mac and cheese maybe like a Chef Boyardee ramen noodles, and then we'll do granola bars, peanuts, sunflower seeds, stuff like that. And then they also get a travel sized toiletry kit in there as well which is different and a lot of food programs are like so that kind of sets us apart a little bit is that they get shampoo, conditioner, body wash in every bag and then a toothbrush every three months. Wow. So like we gave a 77 year old his first toothbrush at the ones On his nurse headed teach him how to, cuz he didn't know, you know, but a lot again, a lot of like, programs don't cover those things either. So, toiletries, feminine products, all that stuff isn't covered.
Jennifer Malcolm:That's That's intense because for those of you who are listening that are outside of Cleveland, Ohio, Kent is about 35 minutes, 40 minutes from downtown Cleveland. And it has Kent State University. So those of you who are, you know, watching sports, you might see Kent State in some of the sports arena, nice college town. So you would not think of this type of lack or poverty, lack of supplies or food to be prevalent in, in your community? And it's right there in your backyard?
Candace Curtis:Yeah, I know. And that's, and that's, I think what surprised us the most is like, I didn't expect those numbers. And, and not only that, like, the birdie bags, help those teachers, because so many teachers use so much of their own money, you know, for snacks and things like that, and their rooms, they're so grateful for, you know, for everything that's kind of another facet is we work with the district, there's usually a point person and you and what we do is we are in communication with them every month to make sure like, okay, what's your, your number of bags this month, so we just deliver them to there. And then what they do is they have their own team that goes through and while the kids are at specials, put them in their locker. So it's very discreet. That's awesome. We don't know any kids, we don't know, we just know the number at the school. That's awesome. We deliver on
Jennifer Malcolm:that, because that also with the families where there is that discretion where a kid is not feeling embarrassed by right saving supplies and, and that that piece and so that emotional protection is just an added bonus and an added gift to this those kids.
Candace Curtis:Yeah, I mean now and then can't because we've been there for seven years, we've had our first 30 bag, kids to like have graduated, it's been really, right, the most rewarding thing, you just see the impact it's making, right and on so many levels,
Jennifer Malcolm:That's interesting because my husband taught at headstart in the Philly, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh area. And now he's a professor at Baldwin Wallace in the early childhood department. And so he teaches, you know, teachers how to be teachers. And so he's in the districts a lot. And I know that even piece of reprieve because I didn't even think about that piece, the reprieve that you're giving to teachers, because when teachers see that need, you know, they go to the store, and they buy the extra supplies, they buy the granola bars, the snacks, the things out of their own pocket. And so what a gift, even to that level of, hey, we're giving you the you supplies that that your children can have, I didn't even think about the teacher piece,
Candace Curtis:A lot of principals are like, they'll take maybe a few extras, hey, as long as you know, it's going to where it needs to go. If you just tell us a number, we'll get it to you. They'll sometimes hang on to them just for those occasions. And they can just say, hey, there's that we do have extra birdie bags down here. Or if they have siblings at home that aren't in school, maybe they'll tend to home for someone says little brother or sister. Another thing too, everyone qualifies. If the teacher or counselor deems that a child needs it, they get a bag.
Jennifer Malcolm:So can you explain word food insecurity? What exactly does food insecurity mean for you guys?
Candace Curtis:I would say when you you know you don't have the resources to you know, get food or if you are struggling to pay your your bills, and you can't afford food. Because sometimes I think that it is almost harder when you don't qualify for programs. And you're still not making enough money each month to pay everything and then have money for groceries, I think to a lot of places in Ohio, if not like in a city, like so for us down here in Kent. We aren't in like a city that where you can easily find food and walking distance as well. You're almost in like little food deserts that you're out and not in a country but you go out and you know, you could be a mile. It's not like you can just walk down the street to the nearest church, you know, you might have 10 miles to the nearest church. That part I think is what with schools working with the schools is nice because they get goes directly to the kids like they they're going to school. They're getting the bag, but as far as how we do all this. So we have four of us now. It's myself and then my sister in law Sarah and my mom. So mom does all the bookkeeping, and Sarah does a lot of like our donor management, volunteer management and that sort of thing. And I have like, the vision and they just keep me on track. Everybody keeps candy.
Jennifer Malcolm:That's my world to keep them. Shit my husband calls me the hot mess, express Thank you, Jenn on track, we're good.
Candace Curtis:And then in January we brought on and as an event like coordinator, or project manager, I used to do all the I still do most of the food ordering and inventory and things like that. So we brought her on, and helped me facilitate that. And then really are a lot of our volunteer base is word of mouth. So it's just a lot of retired teachers. And we have businesses like Metis, construction, and Kent, and they're delivering all of our eggs, like so we've got such a great base of like caring volunteers and fun, they're all fine like we could you know, me, we like to have a good time for doing it, we better be able to do,
Jennifer Malcolm:What it sounds like that that community was responding to the need as well and to have community help facilitate and some of the logistics
Candace Curtis:We've just added that this year, and it's been a huge help. So that's kind of how we do it. We have our golf event that Ben Curtis golf classic as our biggest fundraiser, obviously. And that's in August this year, it's August 6, at Friday, August 6, and then we have a wine event, the wind part was and that's how I knew he was leaving golf, like because he had this golf or downstairs had shoe racks. And you know, over time it was the shoes or the heat pile on the floor and there's wine bottles, like what it was 2016 and we went out to McNabb Ridge winery, and he helped us blend the fairway and bind Ben Curtis cabeza red blend, and he also has a Chardonnay fairway buying. And a portion of the proceeds for each bottle of wine goes to back to the foundation. And so we thought, well, we love We both love wine, and we have wine label, why not have a wine fundraiser, so we will be doing that October 2 this year. And it said, it'll be at the country club of Hudson as well, because that's where Ben's Academy is. Last year, we had 15 tables have an API each had like five lines on it. And you could get you could just walk around and taste different ones. And it was really fun. I mean, make sure you eat. So we're gonna do that this this year again, last year kind of is like with COVID we really just did, we did our golf outing, because we knew that we could do it. You know what I mean? Like we were comfortable that we could safely do that. But we didn't really do anything else. So we'll bring it back this year.
Jennifer Malcolm:So going back to now that you mentioned your COVID in the pandemic, how did that affect the body bags and the and the distribution of those when kids now were home and you weren't able maybe to drop them off at the school, maybe you were
Candace Curtis:When COVID hit so March 2020, our number was about 2900 bags, and we do them once a month. When COVID hit, we started packing 4000 bags, and we were doing them we were handing them out weekly. So we were packing pi 4000 bags once a month. And then what we would do is keep an inventory there at that building. So what the school did is they worked with us and they were able to hand Bernie bags out when they distributed. Like they were allowed to still give out free breakfast and free lunch every day. And so they were able to then put our birdie bags on the weekends. But we were giving them every weekend. So we went from a monthly to a weekly. And last year I wrote it down we 100 we moved just over like 135,000 pounds of food. And we gave out like almost 41,030 bags in 2020. And then in 2019 I forget but we weren't near that for birdie bags. I mean, we were at our 20 you know, we were at 2900 a month times nine. So it was maybe like 27 and we couldn't have volunteers because we were too afraid. Right? So we didn't want to inspect so literally the kids were never so happy to see, you know, because our kids were remote. And then we had one other family they had four kids I'm like you guys are Jeff, come on in. It was like friends of ours child labor. But so much good from COVID. So much came out for us. We learned I can't even tell you how much we learned just in that span of time because our the system the way we had it. We weren't we probably wouldn't have it would have eventually changed. It just forced us. So now we run our line totally different. And we before we were packing in Barbara pin as well. So we would because we wanted our communities to get involved, right, and you want to have like we'd have coladas and so they would all come pack at the YMCA and barberton we couldn't do that anymore. So we when we brought everything in house, we realized our food costs went, like drastically low because we were ordering kind of in bulk, you know, so our bag costs, when I did the math this year, it went from like, three or $4 a bag, give or take to, I think we're at like $1 59 a bag. And that's what the dollar toiletry. Because we had were ordinary more frequently from the food bank, you know, and now we have a facility, we have our own facility. And we used to share the space, but we're like, we need the whole thing now. And so we're able to order food, etc, and lower costs and store it. Right? So now we can plan a menu out a month or a month and a half in advance. And that getting that cost down was really, you know, what was I was so happy to see that.
Jennifer Malcolm:And the beautiful part that is the impact of being able to scale so to say like, we reduced our costs by about half, whether you invest in people, systems, more bags, etc. Like you're able to further your job, and your donations what a better impact.
Candace Curtis:Because like with, you know, with growth comes expenses. You know, we grow more, we need more bins, I love it, my brain loves it, because I love I love it.
Jennifer Malcolm:And it's impactful. And it's it's really going and touching people right where they need it, which is at home. And that's how does someone get involved? I you know, we'll give information about the golf outing, and the wind festival. But what are some other ways some if someone's listening that they could get involved with you guys.
Candace Curtis:So we do, we do have volunteer, you know, you can come volunteer in there, it'll be on Ben Curtis foundation.org. And it's under, like how to help. And then there's this another thing if you travel, we can take toiletries, because we use I know we always had, my mom would yell at me when I did come home with What do you mean, you bet toys. It's only 50 pounds. Now, as a play. I'm already way over that. But you can like we'll take toiletries if you don't you if you know unused obviously, but the shampoos and conditioners, the little bars of soap, we do have Christmas event. So we do it's called a very married dinner. And what we do there is again partner with the schools and they choose the families that attend this year it was a to go style. But the kids in school fill out the wish list at school. So it's got their needs, wants and sizes and favorite colors. So you kind of get to know a little bit about the kid when you shop for him. So then we have Giving Tree locations out in the community. So that's another way if you ever want to host the toy driver Giving Tree. But you know, we put the tags out at the different businesses, and then you know, their their clients or customers take a tag and shop for the kids. So then what we do is they all come in, we collect all the gifts, and then we actually have volunteers that go through make sure that all the sizing matches that that they got. They asked for and so we kind of we do that. And then if we have to shop for kids, we will because you know sometimes they'll ask for a winter coat and they you know, they just don't get it. And we're like well just do that. Absolutely not. Previously, the families were invited to the kids date hotel, or then another Immaculate Conception Home ribbon and they had a family dinner, buffet dinner. And then we sent them home with all their gifts wrapped up. And they they got all their gifts for Christmas. And then they also got pictures with Santa to take home and cookies significant. But we couldn't do all that this year. So Santa Mrs. Claus were waving and they just drove through a pick up their take home meal with hammer Turkey and all their gifts this year. So and it was we did this year we did 177 families and two kids. Wow. Yeah, that's really, that, that time of year is a really good way to get involved if you you know, want to host a tree or do a toy drive or, you know, donate wrapping paper or paper, scissors, all that we like to work with people too, if there's a creative way that someone wants to get involved. We're all for it, like, hey, what works for you so that everybody benefits
Jennifer Malcolm:You can do is work with corporations, and I this might have been pre COVID but where, you know, Jennasis team and Cleveland could come out and volunteer for a day and
Candace Curtis:Yep. Yeah. So we had companies and and now we have Sarah because she you know, as we've grown, we've gotten like a volunteer management system. So now she could send Jennasis their own link. That's awesome with everything in there and you can just see everything and then you can sign your group up. Let's say you were gonna bring because especially posts, now with COVID. We allow like 10 people, but if we knew you were bringing eight, we would just block those spots for your eight and then you maybe either have two people or we just say no You're eight, we'll do it. We'll do it on a different day turned on. So that's awesome. Yeah, it's been really great luck. I think Ohio like, so great for that reason, a
Jennifer Malcolm:Warm, warm community and I had a new brand new conversation yesterday with someone I had not met. And it was instant warm, there was instant rapport. You know, Cleveland, even you're one away from knowing anyone in Cleveland, like one person. 1%. And even when there's competition, or things, you know, are there people still have the heart to help and a desire to help and I agree, it is such a philanthropic city, and just a great place to ask community and ask partners to you know, facilitate, and people want to give their time energy money.
Candace Curtis:But Ohio still great because people still hold the door for you. And people still, you know what I mean? They actually still How are you today? Like, it's just common courtesy and manners, which we level half. I mean, we love Northeast Ohio. But we have to say all of Ohio.
Jennifer Malcolm:I love Ohio, but I get crankier every year with the winter with the winter.
Candace Curtis:Yeah, you know, it is January to at least a suns up today. But I can't see where you're at. But January to March stretches the worst, I think, yeah, I can do with it leading up to Christmas. But now it's like, okay,
Jennifer Malcolm:Like, once mid January through mid March. It's like that grumpy time of the year specter head down and roll through. So as we close this session, is there any advice that you would give to, you know, our listeners, our you know, demographics or, you know, probably 75% women men, I know men are listening to this. But regarding, you know, philanthropic initiatives or giving back or awareness, is there any, like just parting words that you would like to share with our audience?
Candace Curtis:I guess lead with your heart, always. That's what I would say. And you're got to you got to listen to that gut sometimes. I think you got it. You gotta have a talk. I gotta communicate. But I think yeah, if you find it, you know, something you're passionate that cause I think that, that you, you know, follow that. And I and I do think and that's where I think a lot of our volunteers, I think they genuinely like care, and they want to be there because they care.
Jennifer Malcolm:Well, I will close with this. My husband is an avid golfer, he's played since he was five. He has been a golf pro at Disney. And he did coaching in college and, and so I have never played golf until last really last year. And so I started playing, and I needed a fourth In an August event. So it was me and my husband and I are actually my husband couldn't go at first. And so I emailed your husband. I was like, hey, Ben, any chance that you might want to play with a good novice beginner like I still put my tee up and hit it off the tee? And he was like, I would be so in except Candace is playing at a different tournament done an accurate.
Candace Curtis:And you know, it's funny, as the kids get older, and Liam's pretty into golf and attitude. He, she plays on the middle school team in seventh grade, and then Liam and eighth grade. But as they both gotten into golf, funny how I've kind of started playing again. And I went to that event, and I was kind of like, and I really enjoyed myself. And I held my own because I have a little bit of a temper. So
Jennifer Malcolm:I really fell in love with golf. And COVID gave the gift of time for my husband, I and I, I probably paid 3035 times last year. And yeah, I did get hooked. And I got all the nice little golf skirts and equipment. And you know, so it makes it fun to he's giving me new irons for my birthday. So it's just fun, something that he and I can do together. And I enjoy just being outside
Candace Curtis:And you're outs de, right. Like, it's nice. And you're quiet. Yeah, I k ow. It's a great sport. I'm s happy. So kids, it's like takin th
Jennifer Malcolm:So we will information and I would say well count us in for the August events, because that would be fun just to support you guys and come out. Well, thank you so much for your time. It's been fun to sit catch up with you and I miss your face and just the time that we've acquired. But I'm sure hopefully with with some more calls in 2021. We'll be around each other sometime this year. Yeah. And it's good to see you.
Candace Curtis:Alright, talk to you, guys.
Jennifer Malcolm:So thanks again for joining us for the Jennasis Speaks podcast today. And thanks Candace for your time. I hope that you feel encouraged and if you want to get involved with this foundation, and this initiative will give all the information on our website as well. And have a great day. Keep your chin up. Take a deep Go for a walk, whatever you need to do to do some self care self love. And we are excited that you joined us today. All right, have a good one, guys. Bye bye. Thank you for listening to the Jennasis Speaks podcast. If you love the show, one of the best things you can do is to share it with a friend. Tell them what you like about it, how it inspires you and invite them to listen. Subscribe to the Jennasis movement to empower women's voices and reclaim the power over your own narrative.