We want to thank everybody for helping make September 17th’s “A Conversation About Community,” a resounding success. In addition to the abundance of topical candor from the panelists, hundreds of civic-minded individuals filled the Trustmark Ballroom at the Convention Complex. Our event income increased by more than 25% over last year. Given the state of our economy, that is huge – and necessary!

As the one night a year that helps keep the Ellen Harris Center staffed and lit year round, we cannot overemphasize the importance or appreciation surrounding last Thursday. Shoestring’s community-wide effort has lasted over 40 years, and with generosity and effort of those that see the big picture, it will continue to flourish.

By teaching children and inspiring families, Operation Shoestring ensures we are all rising.

For more pictures from the Conversation, click here. Thanks to Patrick Taylor.

(From L-R) Oleta Fitzgerald, Jim Barksdale, Luther Ott, Aaron Shirley

Every business day, the Jackson Free Press’ “JFP Daily” email recognizes a “Person of the Day” – among other things. In the week leading up to Shoestring’s “A Conversation About Community,” the JFP profiled two individuals at the center of the event. Dr. Aaron Shirley, who served as one of the four panelists at The Conversation, was featured on Thursday, September 10th. And Shoestring Executive Director Robert Langford was picked on Thursday, September 17th. Additionally, JFP correspondent Ronni Mott’s coverage of “A Conversation About Community” appeared online the following day.

To see the two “Person of the Day” pieces, as well as the event coverage, click the links below.

Dr. Aaron Shirley JFP Person of the Day

Robert Langford JFP Person of the Day

Shoestring ‘Conversation’ Focused on Solutions

Operation Shoestring’s annual dinner, “A Conversation About Community” is just two weeks away, and in the meantime you should see word of it, all over. Look for print ads in the Jackson Free Press, Jackson Advocate, and Northside Sun. Tune your radio dial for airings of Executive Director Robert Langford’s appearances on Todd Carter’s Metro Matters (Mix 98.7, Y-101, and US 96.3), Randy Bell’s community update (Score 620, Miss 103, Z106, News 1590, Hallelujah 95.5), as well as a live appearance on Othor Cain’s Cain’s Corner (WJSU). Turn to WLBT’s Midday Mississippi on Monday the 14th or various times on TV23 for televised interviews of Robert. And while you’re cruising around, keep an eye out for banners at the corner of State St. & Pearl St., in Parham Bridges Park, and in Jamie Fowler Boyll Park on Lakeland.

September 17th’s “A Conversation About Community” sets itself apart by encouraging powerful civic dialog rather than self congratulation. This year’s panel is exceptionally qualified to discuss such tough issues as the economy, poverty, education, and race.

For information on individual $50 tickets, as well as sponsorships click here.

Operation Shoestring’s Annual Dinner

A CONVERSATION ABOUT COMMUNITY

A Panel Discussion With:

Jim Barksdale Founder, Barksdale Reading Institute

Oleta Fitzgerald Director, Children’s Defense Fund’s Southern Regional Office

Luther Ott Chairman, Community Foundation of Greater Jackson

Aaron Shirley Chairman, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation

Thursday, September 17, 2009 6:30 – 9:00pm

Jackson Convention Complex • 105 E. Pascagoula Street • Jackson, MS

Over 40 years ago, the original Operation Shoestring site was the basement of Wells Church. And it’s time once again for the Bailey Avenue neighbors’ annual celebration, WellsFest. It will be held Saturday, September 26th, at Jamie Fowler Boyll Park, next to Smith-Wills Stadium on Lakeland Drive. All of this year’s proceeds will go to Operation Shoestring. The festival features a 5K run and walk and a one-mile fun run, as well as live music, food booths, children’s activities, a pet parade, arts and crafts booths, a plant sale, and a silent auction for goods and services. Admission is free.

In addition to the traditional Saturday fun, this year includes WellsFest Art Night on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Mississippi Crafts Center on Rice Road in Ridgeland. This event also is free. The preview party begins at 6 p.m., and the live art auction gets under way at 7:30 p.m.

Great thanks goes to Wells not only for their consideration of this event, but also decades of community partnership!

For more information, click here.

As part of the KPMG Interns for Literacy program, Jackson-natives Jessie Austin and Elizabeth Butler recently dropped by Shoestring’s Ellen Harris Center. In tow, they had a bountiful amount of books for the eager children in our Project KIDS afterschool program. Thanks once again to KPMG’s Jackson office for pointing their summer interns Shoestring’s way.

In Three Cups of Tea, Greg Mortenson explains how a failed mission to the peak of the K2 led him to open schools in Pakistan’s and Afghanistan’s remote mountain villages. With St. Andrew’s students having recently read the book, Head of Middle School Ruthie Hollis invited Shoestring Executive Director Robert Langford to speak at an assembly. He joined Mayor Johnson’s Chief of Staff Sean Perkins, and 24-year-old Starkville Mayor Parker Wiseman, to discuss how they arrived at serving their communities.

From L-R: Sean Perkins, Parker Wiseman, Robert Langford