A Chamber Life Adventure in “Throwing Down a Challenge”

Earlier this year, I met with Princeton-Lowry Crossing Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Beth Willhite. During that conversation, I eagerly volunteered to help with a service project… and naturally, I began mentally planning that same evening.

The assignment: lead an event where Chamber members could network and create 130+ Easter cards for the residents of Princeton Medical Lodge.

No pressure.

Thus, the Easter Card Making Extravaganza of 2026 was born—a humble service project with aspirations of becoming a signature Chamber event. I like to imagine other Chambers whispering, “Oh yes… Princeton-Lowry Crossing? They’re the ones raising the bar for handmade Easter cards.”

I dream big. 😉

Full disclosure: I’ve never led a hands-on “art” class before.

But with a little preparation (a lot of optimism), and a Cricut…we were ready!

The event took place at Willow Pond Venue—a peaceful, scenic space that made the entire evening feel just a little extra special.

After a quick set of instructions, I shared the mission:

“The capacity at Princeton Medical Lodge is 130… so that means we need to make 150 cards before anyone can leave!”

And just like that—I unknowingly put a How to Win Friends and Influence People principle into action:

“Throw down a challenge.”

Because something clicked.

No one groaned. No one hesitated. Instead, the room came alive. Sleeves were rolled up, supplies were claimed, and the group shifted into full assembly-line, card-making-extravaganza mode. It turns out, give a room full of community-minded people a clear goal—and a little friendly pressure—and they will rise to the occasion every single time.

One of my favorite parts of the evening? Watching different parts of my world collide. My friend Crystal Nelson—an actual art teacher and member of the Visual Art League of Lewisville—joined in. My friend Mollie Hancock from Elephant Trunk Moving Supplies in Plano made the trek.  And of course, Tore Bellis was recruited (strong-armed?) into attending—documenting the event while quietly making a few cards of his own.

It was one of those evenings that perfectly captures what Chambers do best: bring people together, create connections, and make a meaningful impact on the community.

I’m incredibly grateful to represent Home Run Pest & Termite Control and Abracadabra Lawn Pest & Weed Control at events like this—and even more grateful to everyone who showed up on a Tuesday evening ready to give their time, energy, and creativity.

Because at the end of the day, 130+ handmade cards aren’t just paper and glue—they’re moments of kindness, created together… all because someone threw down a challenge.

P.S. The 150 goal may have been… strategic. 😉