Spreading Joy: A Dolly Parton Valentine’s Celebration at FPH

In the whirlwind of our daily routines, it’s easy to become absorbed in our own concerns, forgetting the profound impact a simple act of kindness can have on another person’s life. Yet, amidst the hustle and bustle, there are those who make it their mission to spread love and joy wherever they go. Such is the case with the compassionate team at CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP (CLA), where kindness isn’t just a sporadic gesture but a deeply ingrained tradition.

This year, a heartwarming example of CLA’s commitment to spreading joy emerged when a small group of teammates embarked on a touching mission to brighten the day of a special individual at the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center. Her name is Rachel, and she’s a devoted fan of the legendary Dolly Parton.

The morning of the celebration, Rachel donned her pearl earrings, pearl headband and a spritz of her cherished Dolly Parton perfume to greet the party-goers. The CLA teammate leading the charge, Mary Lippel, brought along pink orchids to complement the handmade card, blanket, teddy bear and “God Bless Dolly Parton” bumper sticker selected as gifts for Rachel – all part of the Dolly Valentine’s Celebration.

The atmosphere was set for an unforgettable experience, with music therapist, Alyssa Price, serenading Rachel with three of Dolly’s favorite songs, along with Willie Nelson and John Denver tunes to tie a bow on top of the sing-along. It was evident that each of the songs held a special place in Rachel’s heart, as she smiled and joined in singing along to the timeless melodies.

Accompanying the CLA team were two additional Faith teammates, who have been caring for Rachel and the Faith Executive Director, Danette Muzic, herself a devoted Dolly fan. Together, they created a tapestry of love and joy, weaving threads of music, laughter and shared memories. Rachel recounted her experience of seeing Dolly Parton in concert, describing it as nothing short of fantastic.

Such moments of connection and shared happiness underscore the importance of initiatives like these, where the simple act of spreading joy can make a world of difference to someone in need. Rahim N. Habib, CPA, CLA Principal, eloquently captured the essence of this mission, stating, “As a team, we wanted to do our part to spread some joy.” Indeed, their efforts reminded us all of the power of compassion and empathy.

As we reflect on this heartwarming story, let it serve as a gentle reminder that amidst life’s challenges, there is always room for kindness, and even the smallest acts can have a profound impact on those around us. After all, as Dolly herself once said, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”