Thanks for an Incredible Year!

My last post for the Eat So They Can blog-where has the time gone? The last year and a half working in New Zealand has been exciting, challenging, and full of incredible memories. I can still recall one of my first tasks; attempting to print out labels to mail to all our ESTC hosts and failing miserably (huge blow to my ego-failing LABELS) to being the star of the bloopers section in the 2010 video and everything in between, I have loved being a part of the campaign and getting to know so many of our hosts and especially the Ambassadors! I feel very fortunate that my job included coming to work every day and learning about all the creative and fun dinner parties, brunches, date nights and more that people decided would support our partners through the ESTC campaign.

With family at my first ESTC event in Michigan before moving to New Zealand

At our Wellington ESTC event as host-mentors

I also feel so grateful that as a host-mentor, I had the privilege to represent and advocate for our amazing partners around the world. GVN Foundation supports partners in South America, Asia, and Africa and I truly believe in what we are working towards; providing sustainable solutions where possible and addressing immediate needs when necessary. It was so gratifying to watch the campaign grow and our hosts, with it! I still can't believe we've had events on all 7 continents, our first official "Eat So They Can" concert, our first year of International Ambassadors and so much more. Personally, I was so proud of my parents who, without me even being around, had their own party in Michigan, USA and raised over $4,000!

While I will still be involved with GVN and GVN Foundation, mainly through the Be The Change program, I will not be based in our wonderful New Zealand office and with that, saying goodbye to coworkers and friends I will never forget and a little less important, the beautiful opportunities and lifestyle New Zealand gave me. Beaches and mountains, cities and remote areas all within a 10 minute car ride? Paradise!

Team ESTC 2010: Lauren, Caitie, Eliza and Courtney!

Thank you for being a part of my amazing experience and your generous support whether it be by hosting or attending an event, donating, or just staying informed through our newsletter or blog, I appreciate it! :)

Caitie Goddard
Former Eat So They Can Host-Mentor
Forever ESTC Supporter :)

One of my favorite memories was making this video and Eliza's dramatic yet very true response to, "have you heard about Eat So They Can?" Watch it here