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The collection was created by Abbie, and daughter Anna Maria Lehrke designed and created the programs and showings, which have as many 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 wasn't the evening bags, but in the joy sparked and stories shared.
The collection was created by Abbie, and daughter Anna Maria Lehrke designed and created the programs and showings, which have as many 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 wasn't the evening bags, but in the joy sparked and stories shared.
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 older adults, she designed the programs with reminiscing and life-enrichment in mind. Success is measured in smiles, laughs, stories, oohs, aahs and even happy tears.
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 older adults, she designed the programs with reminiscing and life-enrichment in mind. 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, space and resident community is unique, so is each showing. Anna puts her heart into each and every showing to ensure the memory, spirit and legacy of her mother is honored and celebrated.
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, space and resident community is unique, so is each showing. Anna puts her heart into each and every showing to ensure the memory, spirit and legacy of her mother is honored and celebrated.
Why I do This Work...
Why I do This Work...
I love seeing the joy it brings to others.
I love honoring my mom's memory through these programs.
I love hearing the stories sparked by the bags.
I love meeting so many amazing, interesting people.
I love partnering with activity directors who help make the programs successful.
I love learning from attendees who share their knowledge of bags.
I love being reminded it's our uniqueness that makes us beautiful, and our smiles and stories that make us sparkle.
I love singing along and swaying to the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole and others on the playlist for these programs.
I love growing older, and younger at heart, at the same time!
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