Every quarter we’d like to highlight one or two of our Women at the Well members and all the awesome work they do in the community! This quarter, we are highlighting member Betty Sexton-Ball.
Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Time really does FLY! Our family moved to Colorado Springs from the Midwest in the fall of 1999. In that time our two children have graduated from Air Academy High School, with our son getting his Business degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson and our daughter getting her Biology degree from Pepperdine University in Malibu, California. She is now in New York enrolled in the Genetics and Development program at Columbia University Medical Center, while he is co-authoring a sci-fi novel with me. We have all been so fortunate to transition so smoothly. My husband’s work with his team at Woodford Manufacturing is phenomenal and I’ve been able to jump from television anchoring/investigative reporting to working as a broadcast talent agent and independent writer. We are very active and love to travel, play tennis, bike, and hike. We know so many folks have had difficult adjustments in the last few years that’s why it feels good to be part of such a worthy organization like Care and Share whose mission is to help combat hunger and food insecurity.
How did you hear about Care and Share and/or Women at the Well? What made you decide to get involved?
Former CEO Lynn Telford told me her vision in creating Women at the Well and I loved the idea! Oftentimes, it can be intimidating to get involved in a nonprofit, especially one as large as Care and Share. But this unique group of ladies keeps it low-key, entertaining, and educational. Our get-togethers are always centered around the good work of Care and Share and spreading the belief that no one in southern Colorado should go hungry. My journalistic work was always rewarding so I’m thankful to be part of such a fulfilling program.
What’s one of your favorite memories from a Women at the Well event/opportunity?
They are all memorable, but one that stands out is our trip to Picnic Basket Catering Collective where we all learned to make unique charcuterie boards, fashioning flowers out of cheese. I have to admit I loved eating the components more than making them.
What’s your ‘why’ – what helps you be involved with our mission and Women at the Well?
Why not?! In the hustle and bustle of everyday life it can be difficult to stay connected with what’s happening in our community. We all have personal commitments and get pulled in various directions, but I believe we need to make time for broader events that draw us together and remind us of the needs of others. We all want the best for our neighborhoods and the folks who live among us so why not join a great group that works together to feed our hungry neighbors? The time commitment is minimal and the financial tie is $100 a month. It’s about $3.50 a day. Pretty amazing when you consider that Care and Share can provide 5 meals for every $1 that’s donated.
What would you say to an individual who was thinking of joining Women at the Well?
V is for victory! If you want to have a voice and don’t mind volunteering, join us! I believe that making a difference in the lives of others is more than just a statement, it’s an action. It’s easy to complain about issues and point out problems, but much more satisfying to get educated, take ownership, and really respond. Whether it’s sorting food items at the distribution center, collecting turkeys and jars of peanut butter, or handing out food at a mobile market, YOU can improve the lives of others by helping to FEED them. I remember meeting a young girl who thanked me. She told me that she used to have trouble sleeping at night. She said the sound of her stomach growling would keep her awake. But since her family learned about Care and Share she now eats real dinners and sleeps much better. Whew! There’s nothing more gratifying than getting a hug or a huge smile from someone less fortunate. And there’s nothing more basic than feeding those who are hungry. So, please sign up for one of our activities and get in on the fun and the rewards!