Boston Marathon 2013

It’s a story we’ve all heard by now. Horrific images we’ve all seen multiple times either on the news, social media, or both.

On Monday, April 15th, 2013 at the annual Boston Marathon, two explosions fifteen seconds apart went off at the finish line leaving three dead and 183 hospitalized and more injured. Countless limb amputations – both by the initial bomb, and later in hospitals.

Across the world people were affected by this. From people who ran in the race, their families, the spectators, and the injured; to everyone else who heard about it on the news, social media, or from friends and family calling them – from Boston or elsewhere.

The amount of people helping, in an incredible amount of ways, is overwhelming. Though this event is horribly tragic, and has shaken everyone everywhere, people are still coming together to help each other and spread a feeling and message of hope through tragedy.

Immediately after the bombs went off, people began responding. From runners to bystanders to already stationed first responders, everyone got involved.

15 National Guard soldiers ran in the marathon – with 40-pound backpacks on their back that contained water, gear, and first-aid and trauma kits. When they arrived to the scene of the bombs they immediately got involved and used their training and supplies to help whoever they could.

Though the impact of this event is tragic and negative for the most part, something we must all remember and look to is how it has brought people together to help each other; and that no matter who you are, or where you’re from; we’re all the same in a tragedy and we will all come together.

As many people have quoted in regards to this tragedy, Mr. Fred Rogers said; “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

Stay safe everyone; and remember to hold on to hope.

(yes, I am aware this post is a week delayed as a response to last Monday’s tragedy, I apologize. I have had it in a draft for the last week but have not gotten around to publishing it until now.)

Agent 99 Glitter Gala

Last night I had the awesome opportunity to take part in a genious marketing campaign at Agent 99 (a boutique in downtown Kingston on Princess Street) created my IMC (integrated marketing communications) students at St. Lawrence College.

The campaign was created mainly to increase traffic to the store Monday and Tuesday which are the store’s low-traffic days. Originally the campaign was a VIP event where high school students would come in after hours to the store to try on dresses for prom and graduation and get their hair and makeup done to see “the whole look”.

But on the actual night of, when the event ran, there were also mini cupcakes, goodie bags, a movie playing, and a sale on shoes!

I thoroughly enjoyed this event, but must admit I’m somewhat surprised with my experience. When I first heard the 2nd years present their pitch, I was instantly interested and wanted to take part. I was afraid though that I couldn’t because I felt pressure that I would be obligated to buy a dress if I attended. I was so excited to find out I was under no obligation to buy anything, and when the students came back to our class to put us on the email invite list!

I received the first e-mail invite the night before the event was to take place, and I was bummed that I couldn’t attend because I would be busy baby-sitting that night. I RSVP’d that I could not attend and responded why. I actually by that point already had found and bought my grad dress, but still wanted to attend to take advantage of the hair and makeup; and maybe find jewelry or shoes.

However, when I attended, both my mom and I were very pleasantly surprised. We were enthusiastically greeted in a cheerful environment and what things were available and going on where explained to me. I had lots of cupcakes, took a goody bag, tried on many dresses, and definitely took advantage of getting my hair and makeup done. But the best and most surprising part is I found a dress that my mom and I (and everyone else in the store) instantly fell in love with; and bought it AND a belt!

Overall it was an amazing and completely successful event. (I would be curious to know how many sales they actually made that night!) Great job well done, IMC students!! 😀