Repost: A Plant With Purpose Love Story

Happy Valentine’s day to all! While some may consider Valentine’s Day a disputable holiday, we like to think of it as an opportunity to do something for someone else. If that someone else just happens to be a very special somebody… then great. But if you don’t have that special somebody in mind, then why not make a co-worker, friend, or family member’s day by giving them chocolates and a card that says you’re grateful for them? One of our favorite Plant With Purpose love stories is about two individuals who connected because of their desire to do something for someone else. In this case, volunteering for Plant With Purpose!   Here’s a story about two fantastic Plant With Purpose volunteers whose hearts to serve others led to their very own love story.

Matt and Jess met for the very first time at the Plant With Purpose Gala in 2007. They had a mutual friend who worked for Plant With Purpose at the time and had recruited them to volunteer at the banquet. Their heart to serve others brought them together, but their light-hearted sense of humor and contagious laughter really caused a spark between them. Unfortunately, Jess had plans of leaving in a few short months for Africa and wasn’t sure if or when she would return to the U.S.

But Matt was determined in pursuing her. They spent as many days together as possible while in the same country and then once Jess left for Africa they emailed every day. Eventually, it became evident that Jess would no longer be staying in Africa, and in 2008 she returned to San Diego. The rest is really just history. A year later Matt took Jess for a walk on the beach in Encinitas during sunset…and asked her to spend the rest of her life with him. They were married on November 27th, 2009 in Jess’ home state of Colorado. It’s a true Plant With Purpose volunteer love story! Congratulations Matt and Jess!

For those of you looking to get involved with Plant With Purpose (no promises on meeting the love of your life), we are looking for volunteers for some upcoming events:

• the Earth Fair at Balboa Park on April 17th
• Earth Fair events in your neighborhood- we’ll help you Represent PWP if you help us find one!
• Plant With Purpose Gala 2011 in October

Contact Corbyn Small at corbyn@plantwithpurpose.org and help us share the Plant With Purpose love!

Thanks again to our faithful volunteers, interns, and advocates. You’re truly making a remarkable difference in the lives of the rural poor!