Tailored for Education turned two yesterday. When I really thought about this birthday I was reminded what a journey the past two years have been…

I still remember right where Jess and I were when I told her my plan.  I hadn’t finished my sentence before she said “I want to be part of this” (the sentence finishing is nothing new for the two of us).  Interestingly enough we remember all of the responses from people we told; our parents, friends, co-workers, grandparents, extended family and even some strangers.  I even remember Dave’s response when Jess told him.  It is funny how the first moments of something that would grow to be so important  still stand out, but in all honesty that’s how we got here.  Support. Encouragement. Enthusiasm.  Friendship. Teamwork. Generosity. Faith. Hope. Kindness.  The only reason we have been able to provide almost 9,000 uniforms in the past two years instead of ending with the 200 Jess and I started with is because of those who have believed in us along the way.

We have learned a lot in the past two years.  I know that if it weren’t for Jess everything would be misspelled and I probably would have given up one of the 500 times over the past two years I was discouraged.  I know that if it weren’t for Dave we wouldn’t have our 5013c designation or financial statements.  I know if it weren’t for my Dad the Michael scarf would never have been this popular.  I know that providing uniforms gives the children we help the chance to receive an education.  I know that every child in this world deserves to be educated and have the chance to change their life.  We learned recently that the students in Kenya who received uniforms test scores were better.  I know that having the uniforms made locally to the schools improves the local communities through job creation.  We have lots of years ahead to test these data points and measure our progress, but I know what we set out to do works.  I also know we will keep going and that our third year will be out best yet.

From the bottom of our hearts, THANK YOU to all of those who have helped us get here.

Happy Birthday Tailored for Education!