Let’s be honest, there is a LOT we were all quite happy to leave behind when midnight struck on December 31.
The second year of COVID-19 (then Delta and Omicron), the direct challenge to our democracy, and the loss of some of the greats – Stephen Sondheim, Cicely Tyson, Ed Asner, Larry King, Anne Rice, and Hank Aaron (and, of course, Betty White on December 31st *sniff*)
But we tend to be optimists here at K2D and reflect back on the year with some pretty joyful and celebratory moments – we hope you had a few of your own, too!
At Work
Megan and Rose both celebrated their one-year anniversaries at K2D. We couldn’t be happier to have Megan’s stellar gif game and her positive energy and Rose effuses about having found her ‘home’ in an industry that she didn’t even know existed a few years ago. Congrats to them (and to us!).
We were excited to welcome Manisha to our team in October. And we know how excited SHE was to welcome her mom for an extended visit from overseas this fall, too!
And Steph found her way back to great friends and new colleagues. We’re pretty grateful to have her back on the team!
Sheryl was concerned about what the fundraising landscape would look like – especially after setting so many records in 2020. Fortunately, our digital clients’ files continued to grow, and new records were set!
Jenn was also delighted at every one of our client partners’ stellar #GivingTuesday success! Breaking revenue records and increasing their impact for kids, our environment, furry and feathered friends, recent immigrants, public lands, retirees, people experiencing homelessness and so much more.
Lori didn’t let a little COVID get in her way of professional development. The Nonprofit Alliance’s Leadership Lab gave her the opportunity to connect with so many people and discuss really critical topics. She found it rewarding in every possible way, both professionally and personally.
Our work was recognized with MAXI awards. A gold MAXI for an emergency campaign we developed for Save the Redwoods League after the devastating fires at Big Basin – one of the most iconic and visited redwood parks in California, and a bronze MAXI for Humane Society Naples November 2020 Matching Gift Campaign.
We reopened the office! And while Karin is really the only one there every day (sharing the internet with the family and working on card tables in her basement was NOT fun!), it is always a treat when others come in – for team meetings and brainstorming sessions and even some good old fashioned fun (like our summer Segway adventure!).
Science + Family =
Angela is 1 million times grateful for vaccines, especially for our kiddos, and couldn’t be happier to reconnect with family. Yep. We agree Silver!
Getting the chance to again celebrate with family and loved ones… Jenn (and her vaccinated husband and daughter) attended a wedding in November.
Steph’s son is back in school – in person AND full time.
Kris and their friends (vaxxed and mostly boosted) got to help her husband celebrate his 50th (in the minutes before Omicron derailed plans again). And that felt almost normal.
Some of the best news came just before Christmas when Megan learned her grandfather doesn’t have any new cancer – making her trip to visit him last week even more special.
Travel and Trips of a Lifetime
In December, Rose got to see her grandmother for the first time in three years. She will cherish that trip for the rest of her life.
Angela was reminded of why she loves Charlottesville and staycationing. So much local to love!
Getting to see the impact of our team’s work on a summer trip to California was pretty stellar for Karin. Visiting the newly reopened trails at Pfeiffer Burns State Park and getting up close with coast redwoods was unforgettable.
A week in Bald Head Island, NC, in September was another bright spot for Lori. Spending time near the ocean is a balm for her soul, so adding great friends to the mix was just heavenly.
Milestones and not-so-humble brags
Kris’ son got his driver’s license and her daughter made her high school swim team AND she was pretty stoked when the Washington Spirit won the 2021 NWSL Championship.
Rose moved into a new apartment after a year of living back at home! “While I love my family and will always appreciate the time I was able to spend with them by being back at home for a bit after graduating from college, I know we’re all happy to have a little bit of breathing room from each other again!” We hear ya Rose!
Live music was back for some of us. Armed with natural antibodies and two shots of Pfizer, Lori attended a music festival on the beach with her sister in August and Karin got to dance in the sand at a different beach festival in September. It almost felt like the before times!
Pets and their People
Jeph welcomed Astro into his home in April and, undeniably, he’s the finest feline Jeph has ever cohabited with! “He makes me laugh, smile, and yell, at least once a day.” We’re eagerly anticipating to hear tales of his first experience with snowfall and his inaugural birthday celebration. Currently, there’s a wave of support for Astro to become the mascot of the digital team, and it seems there are no detractors!
And Steph doesn’t fail at much, but she did fail at being a foster mom to Willy. How could she ever have let this cutie move on? Congrats, Steph and Willy!
What we're watching
While we all might’ve needed Tiger King at the start of the pandemic, for completely different reasons, we all REQUIRED the uplifting series Ted Lasso in 2021. Admittedly, some of us (Kris and Jenn) were on the leading edge of binging it, but Sheryl and Karin both jumped on the bandwagon before 2021 came to a close.
#Believe friends. 2021 had more good than we give it credit for, and 2022 will no doubt bring us more.
