Anna Maria 

The collection was created by Abbie, and daughter Anna Maria Lehrke  designed and created the programs and showings, which have more parts and pieces than the number of bags in the collection. Countless hours over many months went into designing the initial showing in 2013, to ensure it was special for her mother, who was the star of the show and host of that first showing. Anna quickly realized the real treasure of the showing wasn't the evening bags, but in the memories sparked and stories shared. The participants who brought their own special bag to show and tell the stories it held for them. 

Anna has a passion for creating experiences that enable others to connect, discover, explore, learn, grow and celebrate the joy of living.  As a long-time hospice volunteer and advocate for person-centered care, she designed the programs with the benefits of reminiscing and life-enrichment in mind.  Each program's success is measured in smiles, laughs, stories, oohs, aahs and even happy tears. 

After Abbie passed away in 2016, the Collection sat quietly on the shelves, and on Anna's "bucket list" as something she hoped to do again. Since retiring in 2022, she's excited to bring it back to life, and in so doing, keep a promise made between her and her mom to do additional showings.  As each venue and resident community is unique, so is each showing. The variety of programs has grown to include lively history presentations and reminiscing programs that include a smaller portion of the collection.   Anna puts her heart into each and every showing to ensure the memory, spirit and legacy of her mother is celebrated, with love, beauty, joy and gratitude.