LeighaBolton

BY LIESEL SCHMIDT

In her work as the Senior Community Engagement Officer for the Community Foundation of South Alabama, Leigha Bolton is responsible for overseeing four geographic affiliate Community Foundations. Those include Atmore, Fairhope/Point Clear, North Baldwin, and Tri-City, as well as covering the organization’s special events and activities. “My job focuses on connecting and working with community members and organizations to increase engagement and the overall impact of our efforts,” she explains.

“Clearly, she knows how to handle logistics— which comes in handy as a wife and mother of eight-year-old twin girls. Balance is also a key strength, especially when it comes to juggling family and work. “As crazy as things can get, being a working mom is very important to me because I’m raising two little girls who are most definitely watching,” she says. “Honestly, it’s amazing. I am fortunate to work for an organization where I can utilize my skills to help people while also maintaining a healthy work/life balance. I have an incredible support system in my husband and family, which is the only reason I can successfully juggle the needs of my children, household, career, and social life.”

While Bolton doesn’t have the benefit of punching out at 5 with her job, she makes the time work for everyone. “I’m lucky to be able to immerse my kids in enriching activities, and it’s a blessing to be able to teach them through firsthand experience the importance of doing things to help the underserved in our community,” she notes. “It’s also amazing to be able to expose my children to strong women in leadership roles. For example, the Community Foundation hosts a Women’s Forum annually, and every year, my girls ask to see the pictures and to hear about the women speakers.”

Much like the women who speak at the forum, Bolton is someone who’s story can be inspirational to others. “My two greatest successes have also been my two biggest struggles: beating cancer and having twin preemies,” says the 35-year-old. “Both taught me that I am stronger than I know and, more importantly, the power of perspective. Life can be hard at times, but there is so much for which to be grateful. Literally anything can be accomplished when we are determined and unified as a family, and the same is true as a community.”

Community—and giving back—is important to Bolton, both in her work and in her personal life. “I had no idea the amount of need there is in our local communities until I started working at the Community Foundation,” says Bolton, who also serves as the Chair of the Events Committee for her neighborhood’s POA. “I also wasn’t aware of the many ways that I could do something to help, whether volunteering my time, making a simple donation, opening a fund, or collaborating to support my favorite non-profit.”

With all that she does, Bolton most wants to make a difference in her daughters’ lives and leave them with a legacy of undeniably fierce love. “I most want my girls to always remember how much they are wanted and loved,” she says. “I want them to remember that everything I accomplished was made possible because they were by my side. I also want them to know that they can have whatever type of life makes them happiest without sacrificing what they want or compromising who they are. I want them to see me doing all the things and know that they are capable of that and so much more.”

As a family, Bolton, her husband, and her girls sit down together for dinner and go around the table sharing their personal “Happy/Sad” for the day. “Each person shares one thing from their day that made them the happiest and one thing that made them the saddest,” she says. “That’s a family tradition that I think keeps us feeling close.”

Learning patience is naturally a part of motherhood, but Bolton has also learned a few other things from her daughters: “I feel like I learn something from my girls every day,” she says. “The biggest lesson they’ve taught me is to slow down. Instead of rushing through the daily to-do’s, I actively try to stop and enjoy the time we have together. As I always say, ‘Babies simply don’t keep,’ and all the things that need to be done aren’t going anywhere.”and all 30 MLB stadiums before he graduates high school,” Murrill notes. “We don't plan a lot and stay in a different city each night. There is a final destination, but the ultimate goal is that the joy is in the journey.”

MASTERS OF THE Ceremony

Like the intertwining of a live oak, a father’s passion for wine combined with his son’s love of agriculture, The Hope Farm came to life. Robert and Bentley Evans love their hometown of Fairhope and have long dreamed of providing their community a memorable gathering space full of comfort and tranquili ty.

MASTERS OF THE Ceremony

Blue Room Photography

“The wedding day is the beginning of your marriage...the sanctuary that will repair you, inspire you, comfort you, protect you. You’ll tell your children, your grandchildren, and friends - many of whom you do not yet know - about your wedding day. Get it beautifully right.”

Cindy McCrory, Blue Room Photography

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As expected, Morrissette Catering did a phenomenal job. All of the food was delicious. The process of planning our menu for the expected head count was easy with their help and experience.

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound French bread, cut into cubes

8 large eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tbsp vanilla extract

1 tbsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp salt

3 cups milk (whole)

2 cups heavy cream

Icing:

2 cups confectioners’ sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1/4 cup condensed milk