2020 has been full of the unexpected, but what we do know is that we are surrounded by a beautiful community. The D&S team is out shopping for neighboring friends as they have experienced great loss. If you want to get involved, below is a list of items that the United Way of the Mid-Willamette Valley is in need of:
masks
durable work gloves
denture brush and cleaning tablets
reading glasses
pumps for mattresses
camp chairs
flashlights
batteries
bleach wipes
cleaning supplies
lysol spray
dish washing sponges
strollers
chapstick
eye drops
tums or pepto bismal
ziplock bags
You can drop off items at 1705 Silverton Rd. NE from 10:00am - 5:00pm or drop them by our office from 7am - 3pm and we will deliver them for you.
Thanks Gabby Baughman Northrop, Adrienne Dillard, and Brandy Wakem for representing D&S!
Our team at D&S strives to be a place where people are heard, ideas are shared, and collectively we move into the mystery of what’s not been done yet. This summer, our advisors did just that! We spent the week resting, building each other up, learning more about one another, and having fun. For us, it’s more than just a job, it’s a family.
What’s better than a baby shower? How about two baby showers?! Or Jason getting caked in the face?🤔🤣 Either way, it was a blast celebrating Brook and Morgan. We love you girls!
Way to crush that game, Dennis! Did you all know our advisor, Dennis, is an amazing pitcher?
We've had some incredible Oregon weather lately. Naturally, that ends up with Jason wanting to have some sort of competition. So, to the golf course our advisors go! What's your favorite Oregon past time in the summer?
Our very own advisor, Derek Gilbert, recently participated in the virtual LLS Firefighter Stairclimb to help raise funds and awareness for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This amazing organization is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. This cause hits home personally for Derek and we, at D&S, are so excited to support him in this event and do our part to bring awareness.
𝗪𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝗪𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲: Adrienne, C.R.M.
“𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐞𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞, 𝐛𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫𝐬. 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬 𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐧 𝐛𝐲 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐩, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐧𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐞𝐩.” – 𝐒𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞
Growing up in the shadow of poverty, I always felt that if my family had more money all of our problems would be solved and life would be perfect. If I had nicer clothes or expensive possessions, I would be accepted and admired – welcomed into the popular groups I was so desperate to be a part of. As I got older and became more financially successful, I realized rather quickly that I had a skewed vision of the world and money did nothing to create happiness. I was confounded by that discovery until I read St. Thomas More’s seminal work, Utopia. This quote in particular grabbed me. The garb we wear on the outside has no bearing whatsoever on who we are inside. The best of hearts might be covered in the filthiest of rags. I always strive to look deeper, judge less, love more, and embrace the ideals espoused by More in the creation of his Utopia – a better world for everyone, no matter the clothes on their body or the money in their pocket.
𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲: Zac Hill, Advisor
We are all familiar with at least a saying or two encouraging us to dust ourselves off after life knocks us back or delivers us a curve ball. The one about lemons and lemonade is usually the first that comes to mind, but one I like in particular is, “𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦 𝘪𝘴 𝟷𝟶% 𝘰𝘧 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘩𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝟿𝟶% 𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘪𝘵 ”. Hurdles and challenges are expected, but this year seems to be delivering more than its fair share to all of us.
Something my family faced as the realities of COVID started to set in was a job loss. My wife, Jenny, worked in our state’s tourism industry. As revenue from tourism essentially vanished, so did her job. Obviously through no fault of her own. Faced with a blender of emotions, she became an inspiration to me.
She decided she was going to figure it out. Losing her job wasn’t going to continue to be a disappointment, it was going to be an opportunity. Having dreamt of doing something to leverage her eye for style, now was the time to put her passions and creative juices to work. So, she started a gift and home décor business. Without any retail experience there was a lot she didn’t yet know; how to source inventory, merchant services, inventory tracking, etc… She rolled up her sleeves and got to work learning and trying things. She has started an online and social media presence which has also led hosting pop-up shops.
We’re not sure where it all leads, but I’m incredible proud of her. Her unwillingness to let things outside of her control dictate her attitude or path forward is definitely a motivating example for me.
OH BOY!!
We have some exciting news to share with you all —Would you join us in congratulating Emily, Brook English, and Morgan Molan as they take on the new adventure of motherhood!
As most of you know, taking on the many challenges of being a mom is far from easy! These girls have shown so much resilience as they take on those challenges while also facing new challenges COVID has presented them with. We are so proud of them!
We would love for you all to meet the newest members of our D&S family: Colton William Argence, Elijah Edward Ray English, and Hudson Lee Molan! We adore them beyond words.
𝗪𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝗪𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲: James Sturdivant, CFO
“𝐁𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐞𝐱𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐢𝐧 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐚𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞.”
To anyone who knows James, it is not surprising that this is the quote he chose to share with you all. Many people would describe James as someone who lives his life in a way that holds true to his beliefs; he means what he says and holds true to his core.
About 10 years ago, he came across this excerpt and felt that if he could set aside the mask that people sometimes feel pressured to put on, life would be a lot less stressful and worrisome. It would make his short time in this world dramatically more meaningful – as a friend, coworker, and most importantly father. James attributes this quote to his many lessons taken from the admirable internationally known author, Chuck Missler.
𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲: Jason Doneth, CEO
“𝐋𝐄𝐓’𝐒 𝐆𝐄𝐓 𝐉𝐀𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐃 𝐔𝐏 𝐁𝐎𝐘𝐒!!”
This is a common cry that I use to pump up my Kindergarten through 2nd grade football team. They storm the field with reckless abandon, determined to pull those flags and score some touchdowns. I love watching it… these little dudes who really have no concept of the game, but they’re just excited to be out there running around having a great time.
Getting motivated isn’t really a hard thing for me. Those that know me I think would say that I have quite a bit of energy and excitement for each day. I try to fill those days with people that I care about and things I’m passionate for. My kids being the primary example of both. Drew (10), Cal (6) and Haydn (3) are what I get most JACKED UP for!! Coaching them and their friends is one of the most satisfying things I do. Creating a space and platform for them to have a great time with their friends is a huge motivator for me.
We’re excited to announce that 𝘞𝘰𝘳𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘔𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳 magazine named Andrea DeLapp one of their Top Wealth Advisor Moms for 2020, a list that spotlights top advisors across the U.S.
We’re proud to work alongside Andrea to help our clients achieve their financial goals. All of us at Doneth and Sturdivant would like to thank our clients for their trust, which made this recognition possible.
𝗪𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝗪𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲: Scott Wiegal, advisor
"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. WE ARE ALL MEANT TO SHINE AS CHILDREN DO. It's not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela
Now I forget where I first read this. However, thankfully, it found me several times. Each line is magnified by the following lines in the quote.
What stands out most to me is the uncomfortable feeling I get when I read each word. I best describe this feeling as guilt. A feeling of guilt and “who am I to think I’m better?” attitude. Not necessarily better than others, but better than who I was before. It’s the pursuit of the best version of one’s self. Whatever objections and guilts my mind gives, another line in the text answers.
Maybe this guilt comes from an automatic association with monetary gain. But in all honesty, money is only a type of currency.
Relationships, experiences, memories, art, charity... are all their own currency as well — and so much more important.
𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲: Derek Gilbert, advisor
“𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘪𝘣𝘭𝘺 𝘪𝘮𝘱𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘪𝘯 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘬, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘩𝘦𝘭𝘱 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶…”
I remember my parents teaching me this valuable lesson from a young age, and I grew up not only hearing this but watching them walk the walk by helping out friends, family and a variety of nonprofits. It is a core value I try to carry forward by being involved in several philanthropic causes; one which led me to becoming a volunteer firefighter in 2006. In 2008 I participated in my first Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb, an event where firefighters from around the world come together to climb the stairwells of the Columbia Center wearing approximately 70 pounds of full fire suppression gear to raise money and awareness for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society; an amazing organization that helps fund blood cancer research and support those fighting the illness.
The event became far more personal for me in 2012 when Dad was diagnosed with Stage 4 Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Watching him win his incredible battle with cancer, after being told he would most likely not survive the illness, was incredibly inspiring for me. By channeling the anger of watching his struggles, the joy of watching him overcome them and going on to make memories that we didn’t expect the opportunity to make, I went on to approach the event with a new passion. I have now participated in the climb 12 years…over those ten years I have finished in the top 40 of over 200 firefighters 4 times for speed and have raised over $44,000 for LLS. Dad was even able to be a sponsored patient in 2015 and was waiting for me on the 73rd floor!
On June 7th, 2020 I participated in my last stairclimb as it has caused injuries due to the repetitive nature of climbing stairs. Due to COVID the actual event in Seattle was cancelled so I climbed at a parkade in downtown Salem. Dad was able to attend the event since it was outside, and at the time I had no idea it would be the last time he would be cheering me on…he passed away from an infection on August 4th, 2020. While my father may be gone, his core values, ability to overcome significant challenges and inspire those around him have not only been a formative influence on me but will continue motivate me on a daily basis to give back to the community and better those around me!
𝗪𝐢𝐬𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝗪𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲: Marilou Doneth
Faith doesn’t always take you out of the problem, but it gets you 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 the problem. Faith doesn’t always take away the pain, but it gives you the ability to 𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘭𝘦 the pain. Faith doesn’t always take you out of the storm, but it 𝘤𝘢𝘭𝘮𝘴 you in the midst of the storm.
To me, faith is relying on hope. It is not only about believing in the things that are directly in front of me but believing in what may be working around me, outside of my view. It is about having the confidence in things that are happening behind the scenes. There have been so many unfortunate circumstances within my life and so many experiences where faith came to the rescue.
Years ago, my dad had a stroke. The doctor insisted that he wouldn’t make it through the night. I rested my concerns on faith, and he lived for an additional 5 years. My first marriage ended in divorce, but my faith carried me through the turmoil and the heartache, and it made me into a stronger person. I never would have grown in the ways that I did without it. When I was laid off from my job, I chose to replace my unease with faith, and I landed a good position without even seeking it out.
Honestly, I don’t know who or where I would be without faith. All I know is that I have been a witness to what it can do, and because of it, I have developed and evolved in ways that I didn’t even think possible.
𝐌𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲: Andrea DeLapp, Advisor
“Little girls with dreams become women with vision.” – Unknown
We are so fortunate to live in an ever-evolving country of bringing equality to the forefront. While I believe we have a lot of room to grow, I think back to the many women I aspire to be like. The beautiful women in history, from Rosa Parks to Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who have not stopped creating a path for better. I think about the women in my own life and the bar they set despite the obstacles of poverty, lack of education, teen pregnancy, and gender inequality. Today, I have two girls of my own (8 & 10), who dream of being a zookeeper and a doctor, and I have to believe that watching their mom shoot for the stars and overcome defeat, fear, and rejection, will only propel them to dream bigger. While success is measurable, it’s not my vision. My passion for life is to leave an impact on those around me, to love people really well, and to empower other women to believe in themselves. I hope that leaves a legacy!
A couple of weeks ago, our team ventured out to Baumann Farms to have some yummy treats and explore the fields filled with orange. It may be a surprise to some that we enjoy spending so much time outside of the office together, but to us, it’s just another family day at the pumpkin patch. Enjoy these photos of one of our favorite things to do — 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 & 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐟𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬.
With Christmas right around the corner, the D&S team has been busy getting ready for all their favorite holiday traditions! Whether it be wrapping gifts, prepping food, or spending time with family- we will find lots of 𝘑𝘖𝘠 this holiday season!
🎄The Doneth & Sturdivant team would like to wish you all a 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡𝐲 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧! 🎄
On the 4th day of our “𝐃&𝐒: 𝟏𝟐 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐲”, James shares how his family spends the night before the big day — watching a Christmas movie, snacking on those Christmas treats, and just simply being close to loved ones. Doesn’t get much better than that! What does your family do the night before Christmas? ✨🎄⬇️
On the 3rd day of our “𝐃&𝐒: 𝟏𝟐 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐲”, Brandy shares what makes her the most warm inside during this time of year. Between decorating cookies and the smiles it brings or the signature hot cocoa that goes perfectly with that game of monopoly you’re playing — there is nothing like the smiles and joy shared between the loved ones surrounding us. What’s your favorite board game to play with family during the Holidays? ✨🎄⬇️
On the 2nd day of our “𝐃&𝐒: 𝟏𝟐 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐲”, we take a look into Kim Berg’s favorite family holiday traditions. This year was hard for so many reasons, but the office consensus is that Kim’s baked goodies seem to make things a lot better. What’s your favorite holiday treat? Drop us a comment below. ✨🎄⬇️
On this, the 1st day of our “𝐃&𝐒: 𝟏𝟐 𝐝𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐉𝐨𝐲”, we take a moment to reflect on our end of the year traditions - specifically those we hold as an office family. Months in advance we begin the preparations to adopt over 20+ families containing over 45+ children in our community. This year looked different for a lot of people. However, we - as an office - were determined not to let this pandemic stop us from giving back and blessing those who need it. Take a look at this video to see how we made the best out of a crazy season and THANK YOU to those who helped make it happen! ✨🎄🎁
🎥 by Salem Area Chamber of Commerce
https://youtu.be/k6EDNleL57s
YOUTUBE.COM
Doneth & Sturdivant: A Season of Giving