IMPACTING LIVES
RICK OLIVER COMPLETES IRONMAN
Good morning Kenyon! I’m not sure if you remember me, but we met about 2 years ago in Bismarck, ND. Ann Reich (from the North Dakota Bankers Association) had you up to do a presentation and then you attended a baseball game with Ann and her husband Dave. My wife and I also joined you and the Reichs at the game where we had a chance to visit a bit.
I wanted to let you know that your presentation helped inspired me to register, train for, and complete an Ironman triathlon. It was something I had wanted to do my whole life but never seriously considered signing up for until hearing your presentation. I have since completed Ironman Louisville in October 2018, Ironman Boulder in June 2019, and am registered for Ironman Wisconsin in September 2019 and Ironman Lake Placid in July 2020.
I am always asked why I wanted to do the race and I have many reasons – but your presentation was the turning point in saying Yes and signing up for this event. Thank you for what you do and keep living your best life! Have a great day!
KATHY ATKINSON TRAVELS THE U.S.
ANDREW & LINDSAY CHECK OFF THEIR LIST TOGETHER
PETER “TRAVELS BY DART” TO MACHU PICCHU
The energy and excitement of winning Travel-By-Dart was only the beginning. What came next was a trip of a lifetime – trekking across mountains, ancient history and stunning visages in and around Machu Picchu, Peru! Thank you Kenyon and The Bucket List Life!
DEB SAID “YES” TO A LIFE-CHANGING SKYDIVE
I wanted to thank you as your message really resonated with me personally. My late husband (teacher/coach) died way too young in 2012 after a 2-year battle with cancer. Through it all, we tried to reframe “what cancer can’t do” to “what cancer CAN do” and say yes to LIFE. (I loved your superhero story – Dave was hospitalized over Christmas so, IV pole in tow, he took our therapy dog to the children’s ward & passed out presents.)
Even so, death took the wind out of my sails for a time. A friend (my current husband) who was Army Special Forces in his youth, encouraged me to do a tandem jump. I said sure – can’t be scarier than cancer, right? It was an awesome, liberating experience. My instructor’s mom had survived cancer – we had an amazing experience & I will never be the same. I left a lot of junk up in the clouds & landed with a new perspective to rejoin the world and move forward. I started traveling with my sister, remarried, and am always up for a new adventure! Your presentation reminded me to up the ante & keep the momentum going.
So – thank you. I love the example you’re setting for your children & the impact you’re having in the world – STAY UP ON THAT LADDER!!
MASON CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOL DISTRICT STAFF SAID “YES” TO IMPROVING LIVES
Staff (Pictured above from left to right: Dave Versteeg, Tom Dzycimski, Ian Vallebo, Leslie Behm, Doug Abbas, Savanah McClemons, Susan Pecinovsky) at the administrative center of the Mason City Community School District had been discussing the creation of a Social Committee for events, birthdays, and other ways to build employee morale in the workplace. After several months of talking about it and not putting anything into action, a few employees decided to just say “YES and worry about the HOW later.”
We started out with a potluck to kick off the Iowa vs Iowa State college football game.
In November, we donated food to the Food Pantry located in one of the Mason City Elementary schools, began our collection for Toys for Tots, which ended in December, and had a Thanksgiving feast.
In December, we rang bells for the Salvation Army at several sites in Mason City and decorated cookies to donate to the Partnership School staff.
Our next event is designed around the Super Bowl, appropriately named “Soup-er Bowl”.
The change in culture and the growth of positive attitudes in the workplace has been exceptional thanks to the moto, “Say YES and worry about the HOW later”. We now have 8 members who all support one another as we continue to grow.