If you were at the Summer BBQ this past weekend, perhaps you
had the chance to meet
mother and daughter-in-law duo Julie Pardee and Michelle
Bailey. Active Partners since
2008, Julie and Michelle share a passion for helping others,
especially youth. SVP has
given them an opportunity to do what they love – spending
time with each other while
making a difference in the San Diego community. Read on to
learn more about this
special Partnership.
SVP:
SVP: You are a mother-in-law
-daughter-in-law duo at SDSVP! Who initiated the Partnership and why did you
choose the other. On the flip side, why did the other accept the invitation?
M/J:
Why not?! We love each other and adore
spending time together. This gave us an opportunity to be together and also
make a difference in our community.
SVP:
How has SVP impacted your
relationship?
M/J:
Brought us closer definitely as we
share the philosophy. It gives us a chance to talk about real issues facing our
world, our community. In talking about non-profits SVP is helping we share our
real life experiences. Even though there is a generation gap between us, we
realize that the gap closes as we share values, beliefs, sorrows and joys.
SVP:
What are you most passionate about
improving in the world?
Michelle:
I personally am most passionate about
any that has to do with children. Having two young girls, education, health and
safety for children is always on my mind. My biggest passion is raising
awareness for and supporting organizations that help children with food
allergies. My oldest daughter Charlotte has life threatening allergies to
peanuts, tree-nuts and coconut. A trace amount of these foods can be deadly.
Food allergies are becoming more and more common. In the last 15 years that
amount of children diagnosed with life threatening food allergies has almost
tripled. Educating schools, restaurants, and other public establishments is
essential for our children’s safety.
Julie:
I am most passionate education.
Specifically college scholarships for students who don’t have financial support
from their families. Tuition is rising rapidly due to the condition of the
state. Even just a small amount of money makes such a difference for these
students trying to support themselves, raise families, and pursue a college
education. That makes for a very challenging situation.
The students who do receive
scholarships that I’ve had the privilege to speak with share with me how
they’ve been affected by receiving assistance. It makes them realize the value
of philanthropy and want to give back.
SVP:
Why do you believe in the SVP mission?
Michelle:
We believe that SVP’s mission is so
unique and special because the time and skills of the members partnered with
the non-profit make the financial contribution utilized in a more efficient way.
All the while, growing the non-profit and raising it to a level where they are
able to attract larger grants – taking them to a new position.
Julie:
SVP researches so thoroughly what they
are going to do with each non-profit. They make very meaningful selections to
be able to impact the community.
SVP:
Michelle, are you a native San Diegan?
Michelle:
I grew up in Encinitas. San Diego
County offers so much to our family with its beaches, museums, parks, etc. The
weather is great and it gets us out of our house! When we are out and about
participating in various activities at our daughters’ schools, our church, our
neighborhood recreation center, SVP – it’s the people who make the difference.
I feel so
lucky to be part of a community where
the people I meet are real, genuine, and good. I’m proud to be a part of this
community and blessed to be able to raise a family here.
SVP:
What makes Nana Julie the best Nana in
the world?
Julie:
I am blessed to have two adorable
granddaughters who make being a Nana a pure delight. Just spending time with them
in the simplest settings gives me great joy.
Having them live nearby help to make it easy to share the little things which we do often.
I asked my granddaughters this same
questions are here are their answers:
Charlotte (age 6): Reading stories and sleeping over at Nana’s house.
Adeline (age 3): I love Nana’s smile, making Pop pancakes, playing
tag and going to the desert for the weekend with Nana.
SVP:
What is your favorite way to be
involved with SVP?
M/J:
Holiday Baskets is our favorite. It’s
such a special time of year, and it allows us to help so many families. It
shows how doing something so easy – so quickly can make an enormous impact.
Walking through the warehouse filled with clothes, jackets, toys, and household
items stirs up so much emotion. What a special thing to do for someone else
during the holidays.
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