One of the perks of my job is that I have the opportunity to attend a variety of client functions and charitable events, and none are more meaningful than Kennedy’s Cause. The foundation’s namesake, Kennedy Hubbard, is the daughter of Jamie Hubbard, Director of Corporate Procurement at Ascena Retail Group.
Kennedy’s Cause was founded on the belief that what is most important is recognizing the inner beauty in everyone. The organization is committed to raising awareness of Lymphatic Malformation, which Kennedy was born with, by spreading the message of “Let your inner beauty SHINE.” Kennedy’s Cause strives to find ways to touch those with Lymphatic Malformation by supporting research for a cure and lending support to families with children dealing with related medical issues.
Their primary fundraising event is held annually in Moorestown, NJ and typically includes 250-300 attendees. This year’s gala was entitled Boots & Bling, which as you might guess had a country and western theme. Being a Texas girl at heart, my wife Kimberly could not have been more excited, with the chance to dress the part, feast on BBQ and baked beans, and listen to hours of country music. I am the polar opposite, vowing never to listen to a country tune once I turned 17 and moved out of my parent’s house.
But I gave Jamie my word we were attending, and in doing so would be in full western regalia. Piecing together the appropriate attire included borrowing boots from my brother-in-law, dusting off an old pair of Wrangler jeans and visiting the local western store to purchase a bolo tie. Now properly adorned, off to Boots & Bling we went, with Kimberly tapping along to the songs and me staring aimlessly at the stage and becoming comfortably numb. Pink Floyd, where art thou? With all due respect to my friends in Nashville and Bakersfield, that is likely the first and last time I put on a pair of boots.
It’s been a week since Boots & Bling and the calluses on my feet have healed. Now don’t repeat this, but truth be told I had an incredible time that night. Kennedy was amazing and the life of the party, and it was an honor to meet her. The Hubbard family and Moorestown community are to be commended for their tireless efforts to raise funds for research that will hopefully lead to better treatment options for all who have this disease. Our company will continue to support this important cause, and Kimberly and I look forward to attending future galas (but please, no boots!).
You can find more information at www.kennedyscause.com. Remember… Let your inner beauty SHINE.