Independent Future Executive Senior Director Patty Olson, Beauty Consultants and Sales Directors in her future National Area kicked off 2008 in Belton, Texas, with reason to celebrate. Within 24 hours at their annual "O" Zone New Year Retreat in January, the 18 women surpassed their initial goal of raising $700 for the Foundation and reached their stretch goal of $1,000!

Patty offered a brand-new rolling inventory case as a drawing prize. Tickets sold for $5 each or five for $20. When Beauty Consultants wanted to purchase extra tickets, they even figured out a way to take credit card numbers.

"This was so easy and fun," remarks Patty. "It shows how a small group of women can make a big impact."

The catalyst inspiring such generous giving was a 27-year-old retreat attendee who shared her story of facing breast cancer the previous year. Diagnosed when she had a nine-month-old child, her story deeply touched everyone. She gave testimony to the importance of ongoing research and discussed how new advances made it possible for her to participate in a test group that received a less toxic kind of chemotherapy. She explained that due to research funded by organizations like the Foundation, her chemo was much less debilitating than it might have been in previous years.

"Hearing this powerful story really connected all of us to the Foundation's mission," says Patty. "As women and Independent Beauty Consultants, this is something we really relate to. The Foundation's work is targeted to some specific issues highly important to women, which makes it very tangible to us. We're excited to start off a new year with our contribution."