This month we are so excited to spotlight our fearless leader, Colleen Bennett, KEYS Executive Director and Founder! THANK YOU Colleen for all you do!
What is your primary instrument, and when did you start playing?
Piano is my primary instrument. My first instrument was saxophone that I started to play when I was in 4th grade---and played throughout school and college---but my favorite has always been the piano. My parents were able to buy our family a piano when I was 13 and I have been playing almost every day ever since! :)
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of KEYS?
I love to spend time with my family and friends, playing with my grandsons, camping, watching the races with Dave, writing music, and baking treats for my family. (They love my no bake cookies best! :)
What are you most proud of since starting KEYS?
I am most proud of the amazing staff, volunteers, donors and board members who have all shared in our mission of smiles for so many years, many of who are now lifelong friends. We couldn't have created so many smiles over the years without each and every person who has worked hard to make sure our KEYS kids are supported and loved. I am forever grateful, honored and proud to have them be a part of the KEYS family. :)
How did you come up with the phrase “it’s all about the smiles”?
About 10 years ago, we had just lost 5 of our KEYS kids to cancer, including my cousin Paulie, within just a few months of each other and everyone on our crew was feeling emotionally overwhelmed. They were looking to me for advice and guidance on how to keep moving forward to support our KEYS families during this very difficult time. All I could think of was the beautiful smiling faces of our KEYS kids, and said, "Although we can't take away their illness and pain, we CAN help them through this difficult journey by surrounding them with love, and bringing light, joy and smiles into their lives. After all...it's all about the smiles!" Today, the slogan is our mantra at KEYS, and reminds us each day, why we do what we do. :)
Do you have any favorite songs or artists?
The Dance by Garth Brooks, In My Life by the Beatles, Brave and Kind by SIRSY, For You and For Me by Donna Mucks.
Some of my favorite artists are: James Taylor, Carole King, Johnny Cash, The Beatles, Billy Joel, Garth Brooks/Trisha Yearwood, Lady Gaga, Queen, Two Friends and SIRSY !
Learn more about Colleen and the rest of our crew: https://www.thekeysprogram.org/meet-our-crew
