Beth Nonte Russell and Jennifer North
Each year, after Christmas Eve candlelight services are over, our family eagerly zips home, anticipating the eggnog and Christmas cookies. We always settle in for our annual reading of this classic poem. Ordinary folks in the poem are first startled, then amazed by Santa’s sacrifice of time, labor, and good deeds. They are surprised by receiving gifts unexpectedly and are ultimately touched by the wonderful feeling of goodwill towards others.
Replace Santa with Christ and suddenly it begins to feel a little more like the original Christmas story. But how does that apply to voiceovers? I realized after I recorded this poem, I wanted to start a new tradition of lending my voice to an honorable cause. I’ve read online where others have recorded their collective stories and produced CDs to benefit Children Hospitals. That process inspired me.
This year, I thought about how one little good deed led to several other wonderful outcomes. Jennifer, both a VO client and a friend (pictured right), mentioned she needed extra china cups for a Mother’s Day tea party/book signing she wanted to hold at her salon for her client, an author. I shared my set.
I met Beth that day when I visited the salon for tea. I was surprised to learn a bit about her tea and fragrance line as she graciously autographed a copy of her novel for me. Her story is a remarkable one that you can learn more about through her book and website. It’s one of compassion and overcoming obstacles, based her real-life experience. I took a few pictures of the tea party, added a little music, and posted it on Facebook for Jennifer. Shortly thereafter, Beth contacted me and soon became a client and friend.
Within Beth’s novel is the story of remaining open to whatever comes your way. In her case, it moved her to reach out to needy children, providing better lives for them. She and her husband have created a foundation to improve the living conditions of adoption agencies worldwide through their Golden Phoenix Foundation, where donations can be made online. A portion of the proceeds from her product line help fund the foundation.
A little thought came to me. If I share my voiceover for a good cause like this foundation, it may help raise some much needed funds and increase awareness. After I donated my time to record the poem, I called upon the expertise of my friend, Tim Keenan of Creative Media. He immediately agreed to share his time pro bono to add music to the project.
From the sharing of a china teacup and saucer, I learned so much about the adoption process…within China! If you are so moved after enjoying the poem or visiting Beth’s website, perhaps it may inspire you to make a contribution to help the children as well.
More importantly, it may inspire you to make a few new traditions of your own.
Merry Christmas, dear readers! God bless you during this holiday season and may you have the most amazing and rewarding year ever in 2012!
